Women Makers of Arkansas, Interview #1: Ceramicist Dawn Holder

After a rough start to the day realizing that my digital camera was broken, Et Alia intern Victoria Mays came to the rescue . . . ends up we both have the same Nikons, could interchange lenses, and were off and away on our road trip to Clarkesville, AR, to meet and visit with 2017 Delta Award winning ceramicist, Dawn Holder in her studio at the University of the Ozarks.   

We got right to the heart of everything as Dawn shared her two current projects with us as she prepares for their exhibitions. First, we toured and talked in her studio home at University of the Ozarks and then headed to her home studio. She sent us home filled with excitement for her upcoming exhibits, a deeper understanding of how hard she works for her art, and with hands full of plants to root back in Little Rock.

Look forward to learning more about Dawn's current projects, her advice to emerging creatives, and how she sometimes tricks herself into the hard work that it takes to be an artist in the Women Makers of Arkansas book project, forthcoming Spring 2019 from Et Alia Press. 

A huge thank you to Dawn for opening her studio and home to us and for getting this project started with thoughts of strength, fragility, and radiance. 

In the video below, hear Dawn speak about her porcelain glass projects. and look forward to hearing about her current work in the Women Makers of Arkansas book project, forthcoming Spring 2019 from Et Alia Press. 

Black & Kiddo Now Available for Preorder!

BLACK & KIDDO: A TRUE STORY OF DUST, DETERMINATION, AND COWBOY DREAMS

THIS TITLE IS IN PREORDER. Order now and receive books in August.

Hear the music of a singing cowboy—who almost becomes Roy Rogers—as he finds love with a hat-wearing, quirky lady. Their coming-of-age stories converge, revealing lives honed by life-threatening hardship in the flatlands of Texas, the high plains of New Mexico, and the green hills of the Arkansas Ozarks. In an unlikely “Land of Opportunity,” their young sons rise, and Black & Kiddo turn weathered hands to new work, heartened by the long arc of dreams.

Written by Brenda Clem Black, daughter-in-law of Black & Kiddo. Each chapter is set to the music of the time.

PRAISE

“I treasure this book about a man who was almost famous and the feisty woman who was the love of his life. The story unfolds against a background of rural America as it undergoes decades of important change. The people you’ll meet here are extraordinary in their resilience and their passion for each other, their families, and for a life that included enough hard work to have stopped me in my tracks. Brenda Black’s writing brings out the adventures, the humor and, best of all, her own palpable affection for Black and Kiddo. Well done.”

— Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author, Spider Woman’s Daughter, Rocks with Wings, Song of the Lion, Cave of Bones

“This true American saga captures the spirit of the West and makes a music of eternal hope. By the end, Black and Kiddo will feel like kin. A heartening tale thick with humor, honesty, and insight that will deepen your sense of Home.”

— Max Evans, The Rounders, The Hi Lo Country

“Parallel stories of Black and Kiddo merge into a remarkable love story. Love dominates this book—love of land, love of family, love of animals, love of music and art, love of serving others— made even more precious with the sacrifices. Not a religious book by nature, sincere trust in God permeates throughout. Quiet humor, gentle wisdom, life-long passions and dreaming, and an unbelievable strength and courage. ‘No tears’ was the rule in Kiddo’s family but fortunately does not apply to the reader. I sobbed when I read the last line. This book is a treasure.”

—Marilyn H. Collins, CHS Publishing, Step-by-Step Writing Guides: Market Yourself, Market Your Book; Memoir Writing Guide

Creative Space: Et Alia Intern Victoria Mays

Victoria Mays is a graduate student in the Creative Writing program at the University of Central Arkansas.  She is the Scriptwriting Editor for Arkana, a literary magazine, and an intern at Et Alia.  

WHERE DO YOU WRITE?

Usually, I go with the flow.  It just depends on what I'm feeling at that particular moment.  If I'm writing in the mornings (5 a.m. or earlier), I prefer my apartment.  Everyone else is usually asleep and I can open my windows and feel the crisp air flowing in.  My desk is right beside it, so that's where I write. If it's after 5 p.m., I am more than likely heading to a coffee shop or bar to hide in a corner. In the evenings, I work better when I'm surrounded by other people.

VICTORIA, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE SPACE?

My space becomes whatever I need for the moment or day.  It is in an open space filled with warm colors, natural lighting, and incense.  I have a deep red desk that encourages energy and a wall filled with many images of people, art, and words that inspire me (will be posted back up soon).  On my desk you will find a candle, timer, jar full of jokes on little slips of paper (from one of the students I taught), Brother GX-6750 Electronic Typewriter, sticky notes, laptop (if in use), and whatever journal I am writing in at the time. Before writing, I always light a candle, burn incense, and sage because it helps to set the mood and clear negative energy. I also have a record player on one of my bookshelves that I will use to play music from Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Nat King Cole, and Bob Marley.  Whenever I get tired of working at my desk, I can transition to my couch and work there. Sometimes I will just read or draw in order to release tension. It helps to pull my mind in another direction. I am always changing my creative space in order to keep things fresh.

ARE THERE ANY BOOKS ON YOUR SHELVES THAT ARE PARTICULAR INSPIRATIONS FOR YOUR OWN WORK?

Ha! Where do I start? I have so many! The Meaning of Freedom and Other Difficult Dialogues by Angela Y. Davis, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and any book by Toni Morrison or James Baldwin.

Can Everybody Swim? Book Talk and Signing 6/9 at Royal Brewery in New Orleans

Can Everybody Swim? A Survival Story from Katrina’s Superdome author Bruce S. Snow opens his shipment of books ahead of his book talk and signing at Royal Brewery this Saturday, June 9, from 2-4 pm. What goes better than brews and books? 

A HUGE thank you to Royal Brewery and other small businesses opening their doors to authors! You create community, and make it possible for small presses and our authors to thrive.

Taking Pitches Saturday at the Arkansas Writers Conference!

Looking forward to taking pitches on Saturday at the Arkansas Writers' Conference! We'll also have a booth with Et Alia titles. Hope to see you there! 

ON SALE NOW!

Officially on sale now . . . 

• The Moon Prince and The Sea by Daniela Rose Anderson
• 100 Insects of Arkansas and The Midsouth: Portraits & Stories by Norman and Cheryl Lavers

The Moon Prince and The Sea Now Available for Paperback Preorder!

Congratulations, Daniela Rose Anderson! The Moon Prince and The Sea, 11 x 8.5 paperback edition with revised content and formatting, is now available Preorder! The Moon Prince and The Sea is based on the true story of a bond formed across an ocean between two children with terminal illnesses who find joy and comfort in their friendship.

Et Alia to publish photographer derek slagle

Excited to welcome Derek Slagle to the Et Alia family of authors! Stay tuned for more on Derek's fascinating photography project, Renaming the American Landscape, forthcoming in spring 2019. 

At right, Derek signs on the dotted line at Mylo Coffee in Hillcrest.

Grace Vest Speaks at 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival

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What an outstanding 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival! Thank you to all who came out for Grace Vest’s reading and talk on Home Sweet Home: Arkansas Rescue Dogs & Their Stories. Cover boy, “Champ,” had a great time greeting fans.

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The 2018 Arkansas Lit Fest brings authors together! Below left, Grace Vest and publisher Erin Wood with poet Karen Hayes of Dogtown Poetry who will be featured in Wood's Spring 2019 Women Makers of Arkansas project. At right, Vest meets Brandon Markin of Brandon Markin Photography, chosen by Arkansas Arts Center Director Todd Herman as winner of Et Alia's 2018 Neglected Histories of Arkansas Contest for his series on the Helena Boxing Club.

Grace Vest to Speak at 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival

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Check out all the fantastic 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival youth events! On Saturday, join us as Et Alia author Grace Vest speaks about Home Sweet Home: Arkansas Rescue Dogs & Their Stories. 
 

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Check out all the fantastic 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival youth events! On Saturday, join us as Et Alia

Wickedly Good Free Book Fair
Follow the Yellow Brick Road through the Book Fair to find free books to continue your reading adventures at home.
Saturday - HRC - 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Pete the Cat-ographs
Capture the awe of meeting one of today’s most famous book characters when you have your picture taken with Pete the Cat. Whether you like Four Groovy Buttons or Rocking in My White Shoes, this is a cat-tastic experience! Photos will be printed at time of pictures.
Saturday - HRC - 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

The Kinders
Kids and parents alike will enjoy this program of original and interactive children’s music.
Saturday - HRC - 9:30 a.m.- 10:15 a.m.

The Wizard’s Magical Creations
Enter the magical Emerald City and help create a life-sized rainbow to be on display at the library. 
Saturday - HRC - 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

The Wonderful World of Reading
Explore the wonders of reading with storytime in both English and Spanish. 
Saturday - HRC - 10:15 a.m.- 10:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Let the Children March
Author Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrator Frank Morrison share fun insights into their exceptional children’s book, Let the Children March.
Saturday - HRC - 10:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Find Your Own Toto
Visit the Humane Society of Pulaski County’s mobile adoption vehicle, and you might just find your very own Toto.
Saturday - HRC - 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Hungry Tigers
For all of the Hungry Tigers, enjoy a lunch provided by First Security Bank and the Central Arkansas Library System.
Saturday - HRC - 10:30 a.m.- Noon - 2:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. 

Scales of Justice Puppet Storytime
Taylor Dugan’s Scales of Justice was written to educate children about the court system and the figures who play a role in that system. See how Atticus Fish and Parrot Fish Mason battle it out in the courtroom!
Saturday - HRC - 11:15 a.m.- Noon

Dorothy in Oz
Once upon a time, a simple young lady from the plain Kansas prairie was swept away on a whirlwind adventure into a land of awesome beauty, surprising creatures, and wonderful magic. In this live performance by the Arkansas Arts Center’s Tell-A-Tale Troupe, she’s going back to be a very special guest at the birthday party of Princess Ozma of Oz. The only question is: How will she get there this time? Cyclone? Sea voyage gone awry? Earthquake? An enchanted road? It seems all ways lead to Oz. 
Saturday - HRC - Noon

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My! Animal Yoga
Get ready to stretch, breathe, and roar during a yoga session that focuses on animal poses that get you in touch with your animal instincts.
Saturday - HRC - 1:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

“There’s No Place Like Home” STEM Session
See the wonderment of The Wizard of Oz through the lens of science with UA Little Rock. 
Saturday - HRC - 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Rescue Dogs
Grace Vest will speak about Home Sweet Home: Arkansas Rescue Dogs & Their Stories, and a representative from the Humane Society of Pulaski County will also be present to answer questions about dog adoptions. Saturday - HRC - 1:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.


The Festival is pleased to partner with the Junior League of Little Rock for the Saturday, April 28, events at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Reading
Little Readers Rock is a Junior League of Little Rock campaign aimed at improving the proficiency of young readers in our community. The ratio of books to children in targeted low-income households in Arkansas is one book per 300 children. This campaign strives to create excitement for reading early on by getting books into the hands and homes of children. Little Readers Rock is committed to helping children experience all the places reading can take them.

Can Everybody Swim? Takes 2018 IPPY Bronze for Cover Design

Congratulations to author Bruce S. Snow and cover designer Amy Ashford . . . Et Alia Press takes BRONZE for cover design in the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards! What an absolute thrill to have our very small press with an incredibly hard-working team recognized alongside some of the biggest names in independent publishing. 

The awards ceremony takes place on May 29 at the Copacabana Club in New York's Times Square. 

100 Insects of Arkansas and the Midsouth: Their Portraits & Stories in PREORDER!

Congratulations to Norman and Cheryl Lavers, whose title is officially available for PREORDER! Order yours today, and enjoy 10% off with code FLY. In late May, you'll find your book on your doorstep via complimentary local hand-delivery or in your mailbox with free domestic shipping. 

ABOUT: 

Most people don't notice insects. If they do see one, there is first a look of revulsion, followed by a search for something to swat with. But naturalists and teachers Norman and Cheryl Lavers know that if people had any idea how intricate and fascinating the life stories of insects can be, they might alter their attitudes. Through this premium color book, readers will be riveted by the incredible images taken over years of careful study and the stories thoughtfully collected about insects of Arkansas and the Midsouth like The Fiery Searcher, The Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle, and the Ambush Bug. As you peek under leaf litter, learn to identify what flies across your path, listen for sounds on summer nights, and study insect weaponry and mimicry with the Lavers, prepare for your woodland walks to be forever changed. 

When they're not in the woods, you'll find the Lavers sharing their enthusiasm for insects through presentations to Master Naturalists and Arkansas Audubon Society Adult Ecology Workshops, as well as with other groups. This book is the result of the nearly twenty years the couple has spent observing, enjoying, and teaching others about insects in the wilds and gardens of Arkansas.

8.5 x 9, Premium Color Paperback, $26.95

Creative Space: Et Alia Author Philip Martin

Enjoy this peek inside the writing and recording space of award-winning newspaper columnist, critic, songwriter, blogger at blood, dirt & angles, and author of The President Next Door: Poems, Songs and Journalism, Philip Martin. Philip's book was a feature of the 2016 Arkansas Literary Festival, and collects poems and song lyrics, many of which were inspired by his journalistic work.  

It wouldn't be a stretch to say Philip's creative thinking space also extends to the outdoor environs of Little Rock's Hillcrest and Heights neighborhoods. One can't drive around these neighborhoods for long without seeing Philip and his wife, Karen, faithfully walking furry rescue dogs, rain or shine. In the image above, their dog Paris serves as Philip's muse as he strums. 

About his space, Philip shares:

"Last year we bought a new house — a much smaller house than the mid-century Hillcrest modern we’d lived in for 19 years. And so we began to divest ourselves of books and CDs and other material things. The Swedes call it “döstädning” — death cleaning.

But as deals will, ours fell apart and we found ourselves decluttered and back in our old house. With fewer things, there was more room and so we moved my office/studio from the dim book-lined spare bedroom it had occupied to a larger space in our sunroom. Now I have windows and natural light and sometimes a dog or two at my feet. And nine guitars (you can take döstädning only so far). 

Laptops and wi-fi mean I’ve no real need of a dedicated office space anymore; I can type anywhere in the house. But I work here mostly, in what amounts to a compact but fairly well equipped recording studio. This is where I write, and when I’m not writing, make up songs and record them. (And finally, after 40 years of playing, sometimes professionally, practice the first guitar lessons I’ve ever taken.) This is also where I do our taxes and drink coffee in the morning. 

I was excited about moving last year — my father was in the military and we moved every few months during my childhood — but I’m happy things worked out as they did. In general, our house is very open — loft-like. Now I have my space and yet still feel part of the fray."

To celebrate Philip's new-ish “döstäd"-ned creative space, take 10% off his book through Friday 3/30/18 (with complimentary local delivery or free shipping) with code PRES10. 

Philip and Karen Martin's pups enjoy the St. Pat's Parade. Dublin, left, has recently had a surgery to remove her eye due to glaucoma, but the Martin's fur kids are slowing for no one. 

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Sanders: Netflix to Launch Docuseries based on "Diagnosis"

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Sanders, whose popular New York Times "Diagnosis" column will become a docuseries on Netflix! Fans may also recognize her as the doc behind House MD.

Flip to the back cover of Scars: An Anthology by Erin Wood (Et Alia Press, 2015), and you'll find this blurb from Dr. Sanders:

"If scars are the memory of pain, then this volume is a body of those memories recollected as stories--stories as compelling, as vivid, as dramatic as the thing, the scar, itself."

Lea White Helps Break the Silence of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a terribly painful, often debilitating, mis- and under-diagnosed, and under-treated disease estimated to impact 1 in 10 women. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Pictured above, Scars: An Anthology contributor Lea Ervin White displays the statistic that led her to write “And We Closed Our Eyes,” which begins with a horrifying scene:

“Fuck you, you piece of shit.”

I hurled the bloody metal nail file into the mirror.

Furiously, I glared at my own reflection while gripping the white counter top with my bloody hands. My breath was on fire. I was on fire. My body was fueled with adrenaline after stabbing myself with the file after my bath.

Why, you ask? Because why the fuck not? My body was at tacking me, so I decided to give it a taste of its own vile medicine. That’s what happens when you have an autoimmune disease. It renders you helpless, so you have to find a way to reclaim power.

Endometriosis took my power.”

But since, she’s been taking it back as an endometriosis advocate. Aside from her essay in Scars, you can read Lea’s writing about endometriosis on The Mighty and elsewhere. Thank you for all you do to share your story for the benefit of all Lea! We're proud to call you part of our Et Alia family. 

Congratulations to the Winners of our Neglected Histories of Arkansas Contest!

Manuscript Winner

(Judge HK Hummel)

Megan Blankenship of Melbourne for her poetry collection, Mount Olive

Runners-up

Wendy Carlisle of Eureka Springs for her poetry collection, Neglected Histories

Bethany May of Little Rock for her essay collection, Poser

Art/Photography Winner

(Judge Todd Herman)

Brandon Markin of North Little Rock for image #9808 from his photography collection, Helena Boxing Club

Runners-up

Meikel Church of North Little Rock for his collage, “Assemblage,” from his collection, Meikel Church Collage

Matt White of Little Rock for “After Pop Passed” from his photography collection, Strangers Along the Way

Judge’s Honorable Mentions

Laura Raborn of Little Rock for her collection, People and Places: Paintings of My Home

Chelsey Becker of Conway for “My Black Cohosh” from her collection, My Ozark Granny

Thank you to all who entered!

It was an honor to have your enthusiastic participation, experience your creativity, witness your bravery, and enjoy your work. The winners in each category will receive $125 each, publication, and five copies. Runners-up will receive $25 each, publication, and two copies. Due to the wonderful quality and variety of entries, Et Alia will also include select other submissions in this collection, forthcoming in print in 2018. 

Et Alia's Honorable Mentions, to be published with the collection contingent on author consent:

Saira Khan of Little Rock for her poetry collection, Bird Girl

Ed Madden of Columbia, South Carolina (originally of Newport) for two poems from his collection Burning the Fields

Joanne Meeks of Hot Springs for select works from her Cherokee Roots Art Collection

Maxine Payne of the Arkansas Ozarks for her photography collection, Untitled Arkansas

Jeannie Fowler Rodriguez Stone of Russellville for select works from her collection, Liminal Landscapes

 

a huge round of applause to our judges, Todd Herman and HK Hummel, for their effort, time, and expertise. 

And a special thank you to Et Alia's Spring intern, Victoria Mays.

Congratulations to Dr. Todd Herman, Arkansas Nonprofit Exec of the Year!

Congratulations to our Neglected Histories of Arkansas Contest judge, Dr. Todd Herman, on being named Nonprofit Executive of the Year by Arkansas Business. We are tremendously grateful for the time and expertise Todd has dedicated to Et Alia as judge of the art and photography submitted through our first-ever contest. Bravo, Dr. Herman! 

Neglected Histories of Arkansas Contest Short List Announced

THANK YOU for submitting! 

We were thrilled by the quality of work submitted and thank you for the opportunity to view your submissions. The following artists, photographers, and writers have been shortlisted (in alpha order). 

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

Chelsey Becker

Meikel Church

Brandon Markin

Joanne Meeks

Maxine Payne

Laura Raborn

Jeannie Fowler Rodriguez Stone

Matt White

MANUSCRIPTS

Megan Blankenship

Wendy Carlisle

Kristi Costello

Brody Craig

Saira Khan

Dixie Kline

Ed Madden

Bethany May

Dennison Schultz

**Final decisions will be announced by or before mid-March**

Interview with Natalie Karneef about her podcast for singles: A Single Thing

Scars: An Anthology contributor Natalie Karneef about her podcast—A Single Thing—which asks, “In this culture of coupledom, why can’t singledom be a great thing?” You can find it here, or on Spreaker or iTunes. 

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About A Single Thing: Most pop culture discussion about the single life points at how to avoid it at all costs. But many people will tell you that they’ve grown more, changed for the better, and learned the most about themselves while flying solo than they have being in a relationship. So how can we get the most out of being single? What can we celebrate about aloneness? In this culture of coupledom, why can’t singledom be a great thing? Writer Natalie Karneef speaks with friends, experts, and celebrities and gets their true tales on navigating the peaks and valleys of the unattached life.

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Et Alia caught up with Natalie on Valentine's Day, to see what this day might look for those not coupled. 

You are typically a nonfiction writer and essayist, and contributed to Scars: An Anthology in the form of an essay, “Removal.” What drew you to making this podcast, and to podcasting as a storytelling medium?

I used to work as a radio journalist and producer, and have edited video. Both those mediums allow for the use of music as part of storytelling, and I fell in love with that. I find there is something so moving about hearing someone tell their own stories, with their own emphases and pauses and emotions. There is something about the immediacy of podcasting (vs books) that is similar to blogging. Also, we're all getting a bit screen-tired. Podcasting seems like more of a conversation, there is more a more immediate response from the listeners. 

What kind of feedback are you getting? From listeners and participants?

I'm hearing a lot of listeners who are in relationships say they can also really relate. Participants seem to find the process of telling their story cathartic, and it's nice because lots of great storytellers are not great writers—but when they speak their story . . . WATCH OUT! It's incredible. People have also loved the music, which makes me really happy as my brother composes everything. I'm getting a lot of “when is the next episode!?!?!”

You've talked to a woman whose marriage to a sex addict made her a better person and parent, a guy whose fundamentalist family encouraged him to pray the gay away, a friend of yours who asked out Amy Schumer at a spa, and so many other exciting guests. Plus, you share openly about your own divorce and dating life. What makes your interviewees so willing to talk openly about this stuff?

I think the power of these stories is that there is perspective, which means they are usually far enough in the past, whether that's a few months or years, that healing has happened. And when healing happens, I find people are often more drawn to opening themselves up. I think they also realize, and especially the people you mention, that they might be able to help others in similar situations by telling their stories. And in my experience of being pretty open book, that's worth it. 

What do you hope listeners can take away from hearing these stories? 

It’s the same as everything I write: I want people to know they're not alone in their suffering. We live in a society so obsessed with perfectionism and being #1 and putting on a big smile that people feel like they're the only one struggling. They feel isolated. It's that isolation that's the enemy, that idea that "there's something wrong with me". But when we share our stories, it connects us, which I believe is the way we are supposed to live.  

Follow A Single Thing on Instagram @asinglethingpodcast. Find out more about Natalie, A Single Thing, her writing, and more, visit her at  NatalieKarneef.com 

“... to come to a moment where you feel like there isn’t anyone on your side and you are about to take your own life, and all of a sudden you find this speck of hope.” In episode 6, Mike Sagun talks about the aloneness and abandonment he faced from his family when he came out, and how he hung on.

Congratulations to Bruce S. Snow for a Tremendous Review in Arkansas Review

Thank you to Arkansas Review: A Journal of Delta Studies and reviewer Stan Weeber for an outstanding review of Bruce S. Snow's Can Everybody Swim? A Survival Story from Katrina's Superdome. 

"Legendary sociologist Kai T. Erickson predicted that Hurricane Katrina would be the most studied disaster in U.S. history. It may also be one of the most storied. Voluminous archives of Katrina survivor stories are now tucked away in university libraries, oral history projects, social media sites, and in films, books, newspapers, journals, and magazines worldwide for historians to peruse. Standing tall above these documented accounts is Bruce Snow’s Can Everybody Swim? which could someday gain fame as the most richly detailed and complete account of the human misery at the Louisiana Superdome in late August and early September 2005."  ~ Stan Weeber, Arkansas Review 48.3 (December 2017). 

Congratulations, Bruce! We are humbled and grateful that you chose Et Alia as your publisher.