erikaswyler - Tumblr blog

erikaswyler · 1 year

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I still can’t explain it neatly except to say that it’s a book. It does book things.

Erika Swyler (via reynoldsreads)

In general, this is how I describe all my books. If I could do it succintly, I probably wouldn’t write novels.

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erikaswyler · 2 years

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Egad. It’s my newsletter. I’m so terribly sorry. And yet, there are reading recs, updates and dates of appearances in there.

#probably a metaphor or two in there also i don't even know.

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erikaswyler · 3 years

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So, I had a few thoughts about people up and space, and recent launches. I have very specific thoughts about when and why people should go into space. I have some VERY specific thoughts on the people who just went up.

At any rate. Newsletter. Just what you always wanted.

At the end there are book suggestions. See, bonus.

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erikaswyler · 3 years

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As a failed actor (really, I was terrible) and long-ago playwright, my pulse flutters whenever I see a play make the rounds on the lit scene. This piece itself is very short, as is the video. They’re worth your time.

Our Town is of course inescapable in American Theater. Heck, nearly ever scripted family sitcom or drama has an episode where Our Town is performed by kids at school.

If you’re around my age and even remotely into theater, Spalding Gray was inescapble. This article mentions his minimalist style, which yes, it was. But there was also something incredibly indulgent and maximalist about his approach to theater. A conversation with an audience amped up. His rythms and mannerisms were so detailed as to be hypnotic. Watch this clip and try not to watch his hands. There is thought and art in every gesture while they manage to still seem bare. At any rate, this is a lovely four minutes that utilizes theater of the mind in a way that makes the artform vital.

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erikaswyler · 3 years

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Hello. This newsletter contains seeds, frank discussions about insecurity, two short reading links, some events, and a rabbit staring into your SOUL.

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erikaswyler · 3 years

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For all you #AWP folks, I have a panel tomorrow afternoon about the Tumblr Writing Community and how it shaped the work of some amazing writers. Register and check it out (I do believe the panel will stay online for a while after for anyone who misses the premiere)!

#sometimes i speak at big conferences #okay just this once

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erikaswyler · 3 years

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In Conversation to launch ANNIE AND THE WOLVES! 2/8/21, 7pm Central!

February 8th, 7pm CENTRAL!!! I’ll be conversation with the brilliant Andromeda Romano-Lax to celebrate the launch of her fantastic novel ANNIE AND THE WOLVES with Magic City Books o Tulsa, OK. (You can register for the event and pre order her book by clicking that link)

It’s a truly smashing novel that crosses historical fiction (Annie Oakley!), speculative fiction, thriller, and psychological drama, and, and, and... in short, it’s my very favorite kind of read: a great book that fits nowhere neatly.

I also think you should check out Andromeda’s cheerily definition-busting work. Her site is here: https://www.romanolax.com/

To prepare for our conversation I’ve been doing some close reading, marked stuff I love, and things I think readers should rightfully lose their minds over. This is what that looks like:

So, Andromeda and I have a TON of things to talk about. I think you’ll want to talk about those things too. Time! Rage! Caring! History! Shooting things! When musicals get it wrong! Hope?! Where do books fit?!

I know Andromeda has some truly gorgeous signed bookplates, which are the very next best thing (better?) to a signed book. Get your pre-order on, register, and prepare to have your brain broken in the best of all possible ways.

#annie and the wolves #book launch #books

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Good morning! @lithub was kind enough to run my exploration of monster movies, space movies, metaphors, and how we learn to survive.

Additionally, if you’d like to see the result of a lifetiime of loving space movies and monster movies, hoooooo boy, have I got a book for you.

Happy September, all. We’re gonna do our best.

#lithub #erika swyler #cryptids #light from other stars

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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In an effort to be less "extremely online" up to and beyond the general election, I've decided to do the newsletter thing. I'm hoping it'll be a space I'm not afraid to open, and a way people can know what I'm up to without having to brave social media. I've sent my first out today, so it's listed in the archive.

I’ve been looking at ways to do less doom scrolling without sacrificing connection with people I know mostly in the online arena. I think this may be part of it. I also like that I’m using a bit of an older platform that isn’t so keyed into monetization.

I’m hoping it’s a space that can work a little bit like a diary of writing a novel that also has info on those rare occasions I’m doing something.

Like, comment, and subscribe--or whatever it is people who know what they’re doing say.

Thanks!

-Erika

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Music is an essential to writing. Have a listen to what I was listening to. Hint: It’s heavy on the New Wave.

Largehearted Boy is one of those dream venues. I’m a lucky, lucky writer.

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Tune In! Say Hi! Ask a Question! Grab a Book!

Wednesday, 5/13, 6:30 PM Eastern, I’ll be Zooming with Booktowne, a fab indie in New Jersey, and Brielle Public Library.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Thursday, 5/14, 7 PM Eastern, I’ll be Zooming with Main Point Books, in PA! They happen to employ the bookseller who has talked the most money out of my pocket. I don’t regret a single book purchase.

INFO ON MAIN POINT’S WEBSITE

If you purchase a Light From Other Stars from either one of these fantastic indies, send proof of purchase and a mailing address to erikaswylerwrites[at]gmail and I'll mail you a note and signed bookplate.

If you value indepedent bookstores, now is 100% the time to buy from them.

If you’ve ever wanted to ask me a question and I haven’t been in your town for an event, now is the time. My book zooms have all been fun and informal, full of books you may not have heard of, and they’ve generally resulted in everyone laughing at some point.

Let’s do this thing.

#Erika Swyler #light from other stars

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Tuesday 5/5

It’s quite strange to launch a paperback during a lockdown. Papberbacks are intended to breathe new life into a book, and put it at a price and size that’s more accessible to readers.

This Tuesday, May 5th, marks the paperback launch for Light From Other Stars, and one of the places it was to be widely availabe at was Hudson Books, the bookshop of every airport and trainstation in the US. We’re not traveling now, nor should we be. So this bit of joy is somewhat muted, and launching a book in any way right now feels impossible.

But we do the impossible anyway.

I’ve been “touring” libraries in honor of National Library Week and the wonderful thing that is being the 2020 Long Island Reads Selection.

We’ve gotten used to talking with each other over video, and everyone is more adept at asking and answering questions now than we were at the beginning. At times it’s all quite silly and joyful. I’ve found myself talking about hope a lot, and belief and faith in science. I’ve baked a lot of bread, spend a lot of time gardening, and trying to stay afloat in the ways everyone else is.

“We’re all in this together” is a bit trite. “You are in this for everyone,” is probably a little closer to the truth. And that’s noble.

This week I went to my indie, BookHampton, which is closed to customers but still shipping. I met up with my favorite bookseller and signed pre-ordered paperbacks while wearing gloves, a particulate respirator, and maintaining a safe social distance. I’m fortunate in that I was able to do it. The heart of books is still there, that chunk of thought that travels from one person’s brain to another’s via print. It was lovely to see the store’s floor covered with orders set out for shipping. Shipping is fraught for indies, and many are losing money on it. The hope is that when we are allowed to again browse books, people will remember these places that tried so hard to stay open, to keep people reading, and to make your weeks of being in this for everyone a little easier.

I’ve been talking a lot about hope and about altruism. I still believe very much that people, when away from the noise of society, when separated from the wail of news and spin, are by and large genuinely good animals. I think we lean together to try ease each other’s suffering. Yes, we all see these same terrible things over and over, but we must acknowledge the other things we’re seeing too: the sharing of supplies, the bread we bake for each other, the pooling of resources, and the desire for others to hurt less.

I think a lot about the “kids on bikes” genre of movie. How just a few kids with an aim in mind could change things. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to be one of those kids on bikes. Determined, a little scared maybe, but out to do something. That genre exists for a reason. We keep coming back to it for a reason. We want to do something, even when we feel small.

So, Tueday, 5/5, marks the beginning of the last lap with this book I love so much.

So. This is what I’m thinking about. Altruism. Hope. Kids on bikes.

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Changes in the Schedule

As one would expect, events for the paperback release of LIGHT FROM OTHER STARS are cancelling or moving online. I'm updating my appearances info as often as possible.

It’s difficult to process all the feelings one has around this. This is a pandemic. Obviously we stay at home and do everything we can for those who *can’t* stay at home. Not touring is the smallest sacrifice. It’s a bummer, truly. But. Bookstores being closed, typical media outlets running nothing but virus-related content, the lack of venues--it’s not just axiety making. It marks the end of careers for many in the book world and many in the writing world.

But not cancelling isn’t a question.

I’m not immune to the anxiety. It’s difficult to hold all these feelings. The non-writing work around writing has increased tenfold. That’s trying to reschedule things, trying to find other writers to band together with to form book groups, trying to find book clubs to talk to, podcasts, finding ways to support closed bookstores, searching for grants and funds to tide us over, raising funds for those in distress, bailing each other out, and then, *then* maybe trying to write. The unseen labor around books is enormous, and everyone is taking a hit at the moment.

In the meantime: I promise you will *still* need reading material on May 5th. I would ask that you pre-order through bookshop.org.

This the independent bookstore’s answer to that site.

Bookshop.org directly benefits independent bookstores. These shops are being heavily impacted by the pandemic and closures. These are places that host authors like me, places that make community. They're not an algorithm. If you're looking for small ways to be kind to communities, order from here rather than that big internet-based place with a bajllionaire owner.

Bonus: If you send proof of your order from bookshop.org to erikaswylerwrites[at]gmail, I'll send you a signed bookplate and a note. I’ve been using sparkly tape to seal the notes too. I’m ~crafty~

And now. Now I must try to sit down and generate words.

#light from other stars #bookshoporg #books

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Light From Other Stars paperbacks arrived at my house!

I’m not sure anyone can truly appreciate how difficult it is to stage a photoshoot with a bunny.

Widget doesn’t really get why he’s even here if he’s not allowed to eat the books. Or why one might have a decorative clementine. Or what this whole putting a rabbit in a shirt thing is about.

We all suffer for art.

You can still pre-order the paperback Light From Other Stars, making my poor rabbit’s efforts worth it.

If you pre-order from an independent bookstore or bookshop.org, and send proof to erikaswylerwrites[at]gmail, I’ll send you a signed bookplate and a note for your efforts. Indies really need the help.

Pre-order a paperback from my indie, BookHampton, and I’ll sign the book (note in your order you’d like it signed!)

Bear in mind I’m probably going to be murdered by my rabbit tonight.

#light from other stars #pre-order #books #bunnies #erika swyler

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erikaswyler · 4 years

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Update: Signed bookplates (with notes!) are on their way to Alaska and North Carolina!

You book-loving people are pretty great.

If you’re looking to stock up for a long spell indoors, may I also suggest:

THE ILLNESS LESSON by Claire Beams THE ANIMALS AT LOCKWOOD MANOR by Jane Healy LATER: MY LIFE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD by Paul Lisicky THE MOUNTAINS SING by Nguyen Phan Que Mai AND I DO NOT FORGIVE YOU by Amber Sparks REAL LIFE by Brandon Taylor TUESDAY MOONEY TALKS TO GHOSTS by Kate Racculia

Help an Indie Out

I hope you’re doing as best you can while socially distancing, isolating, or quarantining.

Independent bookstores and their employees are being hit especially hard by closures. Most normally operate with the narrowest of margins, and having to close doors for an undetermined amount of time will force many to close permanently.

I want to do more than post links saying to shop at your indie. I want to reward you for doing so. I’ve had some bookplates made up. They’re cute!

So, if you pre-order the paperback of Light From Other Stars from an independent bookseller, I’ll send you a signed bookplate. Send proof of purchase to erikaswylerwrites[at]gmail.com along with an address at which you feel comfortable receiving mail from a weirdo author. Do me a favor and put “bookplate” in the subject line so you don’t get lost in the inbox.

The vast majority of indies are taking web orders! Many are offering curbside pickup or free local delivery. Many are offering discounted or FREE shipping?! You can find your local indie at https://bookstorelink.com/

I don’t know what any of this means for my future touring, which is disappointing, but ultimately not a real concern these days. People staying safe and helping each other is top priority.

If you’d like a signed paperback, pre-order from *my* indie, BookHampton. Note that you’d like it signed, or even personalized! I’m happy to do it. They’re one of the best shops in the nation, and I want to do what I can to make sure they keep going.

While you’re at it, please check out books that have released this week, or will be coming out in the next few weeks. Those writers have been seriously impacted. The arts help us get through solitude, sadness, and panic. Help a writer through that same thing, if you can.

And, mostly, be well, be calm, and take care. We need you.

Love,

Erika

#read your way through dark days

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