Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today’s stories.
Chris Fischbach has left his role as publisher of Coffee House Press, closing out twenty-five years at the venerable indie press. Managing editor and director of operations Carla Valadez has been named interim managing director while the board of directors plans a nationwide search for Fischbach’s permanent replacement. No reasons have been given for Fischbach’s departure. (Publishers Weekly)
“There should always be room for continued evaluation, and openness to change the way we recognize and celebrate great literature through awards.” Emily Stochl compares the citizenship requirements of five major literary awards. (Book Riot)
“We miss the sounds of kids so much, the laughter, the squeals, even the sight of all the plushies being tossed around.” Maureen Palacios, the owner of Once Upon a Time Bookstore in Los Angeles, reflects on business during the pandemic. (Los Angeles Times)
Oliver Munday reports on his ongoing pandemic project to work his way through Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. “What I found was a novel so preoccupied with the minutiae of experience that I had no choice but to reappraise my own.” (Atlantic)
“Even if Mike and Ben don’t have the words for their emotions in the moment, or the nerve to bring up a difficult conversation, they’re still constantly reaching toward one another.” Bryan Washington talks to BOMB about the relationship dynamics in his first novel, Memorial.
British poet, editor, and scholar Val Warner has died at age seventy-four. (Guardian)
“The writer who has most shaped me is the late, great Agatha Christie. I’ve been modelling myself on her for years.” Novelist Jan Carson writes in praise of Agatha Christie. (Irish Times)
Fiona Bell critiques the popular title template “What We Talk About When We Talk About [Blank].” (Literary Hub)
