Scissortail Creative Writing Festival
March 31-April 2 in Ada
The annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival is back for its sixth year and bigger than ever with four featured authors, including Where The Heart Is author Billie Letts. In addition, more than 50 regional, published and emerging authors will make presentations during the three-day festival, March 31 – April 2, on the campus of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. All sessions are free and open to the public.
This is becoming a premiere literary event in our state, and now’s a great time to get in on the fun. Meet the authors who plan to attend, check out the readings that will be held during the three days, celebrate the winners of the Darryl Fisher Creative Writing Contest, explore more about the festival, and just plan on having a grand time!
OK Book Award Finalists Announced
Rilla Askew to be Honored
Yep! It’s that time of year again. Read the press release below for all the scoop, and then book your reservations for the 2011 Oklahoma Book Awards on Saturday, April 9. The Oklahoma Center for the Book promises to show you a good time!
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Thirty-two books have been chosen as finalists in the 22nd annual Oklahoma Book Award competition. Winners in the categories of fiction, poetry, design/illustration, children/young adult and non-fiction will be announced at the Oklahoma Book Awards banquet on Saturday, April 9, at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum in Oklahoma City. Master of ceremonies for the event will be former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins.
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for the Book in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Friends of the Center, the awards recognize books written the previous year by Oklahomans or about Oklahoma. This year some 122 books were entered in the competition.
In addition to the literary awards, Oklahoma-born author Rilla Askew will be presented with the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named for Norman historian Arrell Gibson, who served as the first president of the Oklahoma Center for the Book.
A fifth generation descendant of southerners who settled in the Choctaw Nation in the late 1800s, Rilla Askew was born in the Sans Bois Mountains in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma. The middle of three sisters, Askew grew up in the oil company town of Bartlesville, where she first encountered the complex forces of race and class that she continues to explore in her fiction.
Askew lived for several years in the Cherokee capital of Tahlequah before relocating to Tulsa, where she graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in theatre performance. In 1980 she moved to New York to pursue an acting career, but soon turned to writing fiction.
To date, all of Rilla Askew’s books have been set in Oklahoma. Her collection of stories, “Strange Business,” received the Oklahoma Book Award in 1993. Her first novel, “The Mercy Seat,” was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and received the Western Heritage Award and the Oklahoma Book Award in 1998. “Fire in Beulah,” her 2001 novel about the Tulsa Race Riot, received the American Book Award, the Myers Book Award and was the 2007 selection for Oklahoma’s statewide centennial reading program. Her most recent novel, “Harpsong” (2007), received the Oklahoma Book Award, the Western Heritage Award, the Willa Cather Award from Women Writing the West and the Violet Crown Award from the Writers League of Texas.
The recipient of a 2009 award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Askew received her master’s degree in fiction in 1989 from Brooklyn College. She is married to actor Paul Austin, and they divide their time between Oklahoma, where she now serves as artist-in-residence at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, and their home in upstate New York.
The following books are finalists for the 2011 awards:
CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT
“Portrait of a Generation: The Children of Oklahoma, Sons and Daughters of the Red Earth,” by M.J. Alexander of Oklahoma City, and published by Southwestern Publishing, Oklahoma City.
“‘Cholhkanat Lowak Ishminti’ (Spider Brings Fire),” by Linda Hogan of Tishomingo, and published by Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, Ada.
“Salvaged,” by Stefne Miller of Edmond, and published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, Mustang.
“Mostly Monsterly,” by Tammi Sauer of Edmond, published by Simon & Schuster, New York, N.Y.
“Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light,” by Tim Tingle of Canyon Lake, Texas, and published by Cinco Puntos Press, El Paso, Texas.
DESIGN/ILLUSTRATION
“Building One Fire,” designed by Carol Haralson of Sedona, Ariz., and published by the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah.
“Proud to be Chickasaw,” designed by Skip McKinstry of Oklahoma City, illustrated by Mike Larsen of Perkins and published by Chickasaw Press, Ada.
“Oklahoma National Stockyards,” designed by Doug Miller of Tulsa, and published by Mullerhaus Publishing Arts Inc., Tulsa.
“Portrait of a Generation: The Children of Oklahoma, Sons and Daughters of the Red Earth,” designed by Scott O’Daniel of Oklahoma City, photography by M.J. Alexander of Oklahoma City and published by Southwestern Publishing, Oklahoma City.
“Arena Legacy: The Heritage of American Rodeo,” designed by Tony Roberts and Julie Rushing, both of Norman, collection photography by Ed Muno of Oklahoma City, and published by University of Oklahoma Press, Norman.
FICTION
“Stations West,” by Allison Amend of Pittsburgh, Pa., and published by Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge, La.
“With No Steps to Follow,” by David Allen Barton of Union City, and published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, Mustang.
“Cheyenne Madonna,” by Eddie Chuculate of Iowa City, Iowa, and published by David R. Godine Publisher Inc., Jaffrey, N.H.
“God’s Acres,” by David Gerard of Muskogee, and published by PenUltimate Press Inc., St. Louis, Mo.
“The Insane Train,” by Sheldon Russell of Waynoka, and published by St. Martin’s Minotaur Books, New York, N.Y.
“Chasing Lilacs,” by Carla Stewart of Tulsa, and published by FaithWords, Hachete Book Group, New York, N.Y.
NON-FICTION
“Native American Son: The Life and Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe,” by Kate Buford of Yonkers, N.Y., and published by Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York, N.Y.
“Chickasaw Removal,” by Amanda L. Paige, Fuller L. Bumpers, and Daniel F. Littlefield Jr., all of Arkansas; and published by Chickasaw Press, Ada.
“Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture,” edited by Dianna Everett of Edmond; Larry O’Dell of Newcastle; Jon May and Linda Wilson, both of Oklahoma City; and published by Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City.
“Deadly Kingdom: The Book of Dangerous Animals,” by Gordon Grice of Somerset, Wis., and published by Random House, New York, N.Y.
“Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History,” by S.C. Gwynne of Austin, Texas, and published by Scribner, New York City.
“Race and the University: A Memoir,” by George Henderson of Norman, and published by OU Press, Norman.
“Arena Legacy: The Heritage of American Rodeo,” by Richard C. Rattenbury of Oklahoma City, and published by OU Press, Norman.
“Luis Ortega’s Rawhide Artistry: Braiding in the California Tradition,” by Don Reeves of Edmond and Chuck Stormes of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and published by OU Press, Norman.
“Oilfield Trash: Life and Labor in the Oil Patch,” by Bobby D. Weaver of Edmond, and published by Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas.
POETRY
“Spare Parts,” by Ken Hada of Ada, and published by Mongrel Empire Press, Norman.
“Umberto Eco Lost His Gun,” by Carol Hamilton of Midwest City, and published by Pudding House Publications, Columbus, Ohio.
“Elegy for Trains,” by Benjamin Myers of Chandler, and published by Village Books Press, Cheyenne.
“Seeing Rightly with the Heart,” by Howard Stein of Oklahoma City, and published by Finishing Line Press, Georgetown, Ky.
“Bird Days,” by Sheila Tiarks of Oklahoma City, and published by Village Books Press, Cheyenne.
“Oklahoma Baroque,” by Renata Treitel of Tulsa, and published by Out On A Limb Publishing, Tulsa.
“Oklahoma Cantos,” by Ron Wallace of Durant, and published by TJMF Publishing, Clarksville, Ind.
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The E-Book Headache
This post isn’t about a new E-Book titled “Headache.” Nope! This is about the format itself, and how authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries are trying to figure out this brave new world.
With that in mind, let’s go!
• Sony is oh, so serious about this. Sony Corp. expands their digital Reader Library program to 30 more libraries across the country. Notice in the press release that Oklahoma’s Pioneer Library System is set to join the program.
• Harper-Collins is way too serious about this. Meanwhile, Harper-Collins and OverDrive are facing a backlash after announcing they will limit the number of times an e-book may be lent to 26. The reasoning: print copies wear out and have to be replaced, so e-books should have a planned obsolescence. (Really?! Wow, what Vance Packard could do with this!) The Pioneer Library System takes the publisher to task in this open letter, calling the plan, forced obsolescence.
• The New York Times tries to make it simple with this graphic showing the economics of producing a book.
• CJ Cherryh and fellow authors have their own plan! One of our favorite Oklahoma authors, Cherryh (now a Washington state resident), has joined with authors Jane Fancher and Lynn Abbey to offer e-book versions of their out-of-print titles on the website Closed Circle. You go, girls!!
We’re sure there’s much more out there, but all of this E-book talk is really giving us a headache!
Chasing Lilacs with Carla Stewart
Young Bill is off in the land of Mr. Gates and good coffee, and is probably wondering why I haven’t posted anything. So here goes… I just finished Carla Stewart’s first novel, Chasing Lilacs. This coming of age novel is about a year in the life of a young girl growing up in the small Texas Panhandle town of Graham Camp. It’s a petroleum company town in the 50′s, small enough where everyone knows each other, and each other’s business. 
Sammie Tucker’s mom has “nerve” problems, and after an unsuccessful attempt at suicide, is bundled off to the hospital for shock treatments. The story begins with Sammie learning to deal with the emptiness of being without her mom, taking care of herself while dad is at work and hanging out with her best friend, Tuwana. Sammie’s mom, Rita can not get over the loss of her second child, and checks out emotionally on Sammie. It’s a good story, Carla keeps the interest going throughout the book, and if you like character driven novels you’ll really like this one, even her minor characters are well developed.
Sammie has her first romantic interest in the newly arrived California boy, Cly, reminding us that you can’t judge people by appearance or rumor. She struggles with her mom’s problems, her emotional absence from Sammie and finally a tragedy that Sammie must learn to overcome. Like many Chrisitian Fiction novels, this book has it’s share of very difficult times, but Carla handles it with a gentle touch and a real feel for the characters. Her inspirational words don’t hit you over the head with a 2 by 4, but you still get the message. There are interesting subplots surrounding the main story that keep you guessing right up to the end. There’s also the “mean stepmother” tale in the Aunt who comes to stay. And the story of the elderly widower that seems to have his own dark past, but befriends both Sammie and Cly. In the end Sammie learns to trust herself and follow her resolution to not run away from her problems but tackle them head on. You’ll want to weep with her and cheer for her, and thank Carla Stewart for an enjoyable story.
This book is published by FaithWords, part of the Hachette Book Group. They also publish Oklahoma author, Joyce Meyer.
Romance survives the Holiday
If working at a flower shop on Valentine’s Day doesn’t kill any romantic spirit in me, nothing will. So if you’re like me and still feeling a little bit romantic, all you need to do is turn to Oklahoma’s great Romance Writers.
The new release list from the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America (OKRWA), offers something for everyone and every taste.
Need a little elegant romance in your life, try Amanda McCabe’s well researched, The Shy Duchess.
Christine Rimmer, Vickie McDonough, Tina Radcliffe and Linda Goodnight bring us the sweeter side of romance. I’ve noticed (since I’m a new NOOK owner) that several of Christine’s books are available for download.
Debra Cowan has a new historical romance set in 1886 West Texas. Debra also writes romantic suspense.
And speaking of suspence, Sharon Sala ‘s Blood Stain looks fantastic. I love the trailer, with just the music and words.
Want your Romance to be hot and steamy, with a touch of the bad boys? Check out the new titles by Jaci Burton, Myla Jackson and of course, Gena Showalter.
And very exciting, Merline Lovelace has a new Samantha Spade book I haven’t read yet called, Catch Her If You Can.
The holiday is over (and for some of us none too soon), but the Romance continues. . . .
R.I.P. George Edward Stanley
Sad news landed in our e-mail box this morning.
Renowned children’s author George Edward Stanley died on February 7.
Dr. Stanley thrilled young readers for decades. He authored more than 100 books for children and young adults; and he did this after he had written more than 200 short stories in American, British, Irish, and South African magazines and linguistic articles in major International journals.
Dr. Stanley was a professor of African and Middle-Eastern languages and linguistics in the Department of Foreign Languages at Cameron University. At one time or another he had taught all the Germanic and Romance languages, in addition to African and Middle-Eastern languages.
His many recognitions include Cameron’s most prestigious teaching award, The Hackler Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Cameron Alumni Association Faculty Hall of Fame. He received the Oklahoma Book Award in 2010 for his young adult novel, Night Fires.
He wrote under his own name, and under a variety of psudonyms, including M.T. Coffin for his popular Spinetingler series, and Laura Lee Hope for his Bobbsey Twins mysteries.
The George Edward Stanley Papers are housed at the University of Southern Mississippi’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection.
You will be missed, kind sir.
Memorials may be made to the Cameron University Foreign Languages Department.
YA/Teen book reader alert: High Before Homeroom
I see from the comments when we talk about Young Adult/Teen books that there is a significant group reading these books. So I have one for you and we can meet back in about a week and discuss your thoughts.
Native Oklahoman, Maya Sloan has written her first novel, High Before Homeroom. It’s based on those frustrating hormone releasing, crummy job, mom making you crazy, sibling rivalry, teen angst years. 
Not to mention all the school drama, and who doesn’t want to be one of the cool kids, if only to impress your girl. I really think it’s a good one that would appeal to male as well as female readers. I’m not quite done with mine. So far it’s LOL funny, but it tackles some serious issues.
Will finish during my “snow day” tomorrow, and see you back sometime at the first of next week for your take. So especially you CYA book bloggers, give this Okie author your best shot.
What do you think about the book trailer?
Love the “tat”, perfect for an Oklahoma author reading binge.
Cheyenne Madonna by Eddie Chuculate
I don’t usually like collections of short stories, but Eddie Chuculate’s book Cheyenne Madonna could change my mind. He uses the short story as the narrative of Jordan Coolwater’s life. A life of artistic talent and too much alcohol. “You can trace the progression of alcoholism in my family like a flying arrow and I’m the bull’s-eye.” Dear Shorty centers on his relationship with his father, and the tragedy of alcoholism, as they become more drinking partners than father/son.
The stories begin before his birth, with Old Bull, a Cheyenne Indian, going on an adventure with three of his friends, he survives a hurricane to return home alone, bringing his “dream tale” with him. The stories move through his upbringing by his Creek Indian grandparents, to his many problems with alcohol, incarceration and relationships with women. At the end of the book, Jordan hooks up with Lisa Old Bull, and all our stories become links.
My favorite is the story of his friend, Yolanda, a coming of age story amid the complex dance of race relations in Oklahoma. Then there’s the tale, A Famous Indian Artist, his in your face, drinking, and living life large, Uncle. Chuculate writes his realism with style and grace. All the stories ring true with no excuses, life is what it is, along with the good and bad relationships. Chuculate may be telling us we’re all just hanging on for the ride like Old Bull in the hurricane.
Give this Oklahoma author some of your time.
Eddie Chuculate is Creek and Cherokee Indian from Muskogee, Oklahoma. He has a degree in creative writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts. Cheyenne Madonna is his first book (hopefully not his last). He lives in Oklahoma.
Site of the Week:
Oklahoma’s Literary Landmarks
Did you know that Oklahoma has eight official Literary Landmarks, with more to come in the future? Literary Cat does, and he says you need to visit the link above to find out more.
The Sooner State has proved to be fertile ground for writers, and Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO) has joined with the national library friends organization (FOLUSA–Friends of Libraries USA), and state and local partners to pay tribute to our great writers.
The Literary Landmark project designates an historic or community site related to an individual writer’s life. In Woody Guthrie’s case, the whole town of Okemah is the landmark, since Woody’s boyhood home no longer exists. Ralph Ellison’s Oklahoma City home is also gone, so the Ralph Ellison Library has been dedicated in his honor. Angie Debo received two plaques: one for her home in Marshall, and one for the Angie Debo Collection at Oklahoma State University’s Edmon Low Library.
Read about Oklahoma’s Literary Landmarks, and then take a trek soon to a landmark near you!
(By the way, the link for writer John Joseph Mathews wasn’t working on the site, but you can read about this talented gentleman here.)
Bob Barry, Oklahoma’s sports announcer
I just realized we didn’t have a copy of Voice of Bedlam , the new sports book about Bob Barry and will soon fix that oversight, and you should do the same. Who doesn’t know Bob Barry? If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for more than one sports season then you must have heard of him. The book is written by Oklahoma native, Bob Burke, another well known name in Oklahoma for his many, many books about Oklahoma people and places. To get a feel for just how prolific Bob is Voice of Bedlam is his 101st book . Michael Dean is co-author of the book. 
Published by the Oklahoma Heritage Association.
This book highlights Bob Barry’s life and work as a television and broadcasting icon for Oklahoma’s sports community. It also gives a history of football and basketball at Oklahoma’s two largest universities, OU and OSU.
I know the three have been appearing at various bookstores throughout the state, but here’s one more that you can catch….
Appearing at Steve’s Sundry in Tulsa, Thursday, Dec.16
5:00-7:00
Voice of Bedlam: The Life of Bob Barry
$25.95
Come out on a Thursday night and meet Bob Barry,
co-authors, Bob Burke and Michael Dean.
