Preorder your copy of Black & Kiddo through Monday 8/6 using coke B&K10 for 10% off plus free shipping!
Bitten by the Bug(s): Lavers Featured in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thank you to Celia Story for today's writeup about 100 Insects of Arkansas and the Midsouth: Portraits & Stories authors Norman and Cheryl Lavers in the Style section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette!
Open for Business at South Main Creative!
Our shelves at South Main Creative in Little Rock's SOMA District are stocked with great prices on almost every Et Alia title. Proud to be splitting shelves vertically with Paula Martin, to be neighbors with Rock City Thumps, to be near Boe Bowls, and to be in sight (look top left) of the portraits of Joshua Asante (whose portrait collection Uncertain, But Unafraid is forthcoming from Et Alia this fall).
Excited to be in this inviting creative space with so many great makers and curators!
Et Alia Titles Coming to South Main Creative!
Et Alia titles are coming soon to South Main Creative!
Thrilled to be part of this groovy treasure trove of antiques, vintage, and art in Little Rock's booming Soma District, which also offers classes like cigar box assemblage, intro to fine silver clay, painting with wool, and touch painting with Paula Martin who will be featured in Erin Wood's Women Makers of Arkansas book. Another woman maker and forthcoming author, ESSE purse museum founder and director Anita Davis is just a few doors away. Also featured at South Main are the portraits of Joshua Asante, whose Uncertain, But Unafraid is forthcoming from Et Alia this fall.
Stay tuned for when books hit the shelves!
Happy Birthday, America! Et Alia is proudly Made in the USA
While kind of amazing, this hat and faux rocket were not made in the US. This makes them cheap, but at what price?
Et Alia proudly stands behind our books being printed in the US, even though it may mean sacrificing the bottom line or that they could be passed up because in some cases they cost a bit more. We are thankful today for all the readers that understand their value and buy from us and all other presses that print in the US.
When you purchase from Et Alia, you are supporting Arkansans in speaking untold truths that will bring new freedoms, as well as American writers, editors, bookmaking, local economies, economic independence, small booksellers, entrepreneurs, families, and so much more.
Thank you for supporting Et Alia Press and have a great 4th!
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.
Photo credit Brandon Markin/Brandon Markin Photography
Grace Vest Speaks at 2018 Arkansas Literary Festival
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.
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
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.
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.
