It’s not too late to gift yourself or the book nerd in your life the gift of books! Free local hand-delivery with wrapping through 12/24. 20% off orders of $65 or more with code READ20. Or pick up most of our titles in our booth at South Main Creative or one of our awesome local retailers . And don’t forget that $1 of every sale of HOME SWEET HOME: Arkansas Rescue Dogs & Their Stories by Grace Vest sold through 12/24 goes to Rock City Rescue.
Untold Arkansas Launch Party at White Water Tavern
Huge thanks to White Water Tavern and Matt White for hosting the launch of Untold Arkansas: An Anthology last night.
Artwork and photography from the book were on display and attendees heard readings from five contributors: Wendy Taylor Carlisle, Saira Khan, Bethany May, Justin Booth, and Megan Blankenship.
Aside from the five readers, other contributors who were present included Meikel Church, Laura Raborn, Matt White, and Jeannie Fowler Rodriguez Stone. Ten out of fourteen is an incredible turnout and it was great to meet friends and supporters!
During the Q&A, Laura Raborn asked, “How can we help you sell books?” If you want to support the book and its contributors, here are some ways you can help:
Purchase books for your friends and loved ones this holiday season.
Write a review of the book on Amazon. This boosts the book up the Amazon ladder. (I know it says “currently unavailable” and have put in a request with Amazon since it was published 11/1. Don’t ask me!)
Recommend Et Alia Press on Facebook.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (we need all the Twitter love we can get!)
THANK YOU ALL for supporting our small press for big voices.
Untold Arkansas Launch Party Wednesday at White Water Tavern
Join us Wednesday, December 5 from 6-8 pm at Little Rock’s White Water Tavern. Readings will go from about 6:30-7 pm and contributors’ art and photography will be on display. Books will also be available for signing and purchase. This is a free event. Hope to see you there!
Small Business Saturday
Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for our best offers of the year during Small Business Saturday, this Saturday, November 24.
Et Alia Press and our family of authors are thankful for you and hope you'll enjoy giving our books to all the readers on your list. We appreciate your support no matter how you choose to give it, but did you know that when you purchase books through retail giants, it leaves small presses and authors earning pennies on the dollar as they often take 55% of the retail price? It is challenging for small presses and booksellers to survive in this environment. So, we offer competitive (sometimes better!) prices, exclusive deals, gratis shipping and hand-delivery, and hand-wrapping closer to Christmas in hopes that you’ll choose small business.
In turn, your purchases through Et Alia make a tremendous difference in our ability to support writers and artists, and to fund more great projects.
Thank you for supporting small presses, authors, and booksellers!
Book Roundup: What to Read When You're Ready to Rethink Women's Fashion
Are you ready to rethink women’s fashion as more than what splashes the glossy magazine pages and luxury items that are out of reach for most? Check out Et Alia Press director Erin Wood’s reading roundup in The Rumpus.
Photo credit Rett Peek, At Home in Arkansas.
Director Erin Wood in At Home in Arkansas
Check out Et Alia director Erin Wood in the November issue of At Home in Arkansas, on news stands now!
Image by World Woman Foundation.
What's Inside Author Anita Davis Receives Award from World Woman Foundation
Congratulations to Anita Davis, author of What's Inside? A Century of Women and Handbags, 1900-1999, for receiving a 2018 Global Voice Award from the World Woman Foundation! We love and celebrate all you have done and continue to do for women locally and around the globe, Anita, and are humbled to have you in our Et Alia family of authors.
From the World Woman Foundation:
COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR: ANITA DAVIS
A Murfreesboro, Arkansas native, Anita Davis has breathed new life into Little Rock’s South Main Street neighborhood. She started the annual Arkansas Cornbread Festival in 2011 to support development projects and foster community. An eclectic, up-and-coming downtown neighborhood, SoMa is home to shops, a farmers’ market, restaurants, and Davis’ own passion project: the ESSE Purse Museum. One of only three purse museums in the world, ESSE was a traveling exhibit of a decades-old collection of handbags before becoming a permanent fixture inside a SoMa historic building in 2013. ESSE embodies Davis’ dream of exploring art, history and the feminine. One of only three purse museums in the world, ESSE Purse Museum & Store is the culmination of Anita’s passion of exploring women’s history and impact through art.
Announcing Collaboration on Literary Jewelry with Bang-Up Betty!
Sneak preview!
Stoked to announce a collaboration on a collection of literary jewelry with Bang-Up Betty. You’ve enjoyed her fun, witty, bad-wordy, feminist jewelry and seen her designs featured in Bust Magazine, BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, Arkansas Times, and elsewhere.
She is helping folks everywhere #smashthepatriarchy and next she’ll be helping you #getlit with Et Alia Press! Stay tuned!
Stacey Bowers, the lady maker behind this stellar brand, will also be featured in the Women Makers of Arkansas book project forthcoming from Et Alia Press in Spring 2019.
Behind the Scenes of What's Inside? A Century of Women and Handbags, 1900–1999
Behind-the-scenes of What's Inside? A Century of Women and Handbags, 1900–1999 by Anita Davis with photographer Brandon Markin and stylist and book designer Steven Otis! Early this summer, Brandon and Steven worked together to style and capture the decades of the 20th century through the lens of the purse in the warehouse area of ESSE Museum & Store.
You’ll recognize the cover purse, but two other photos provide a sneak peak at the decades of the 70s and 80s. You know you want to fiddle with that Rubik’s Cube and see how fast you can solve it while listening to Tears for Fears!
Four days left to preorder your copy. Order two or more copies and use code ESSE20 at checkout through October 9 to take 20% off plus free domestic shipping or local hand-delivery.
Prepare to be blown away by What’s Inside . . .
ESSE Museum Book now in PREORDER!
NOW IN PREORDER! What’s Inside? A Century Of Women and Handbags, 1900-1999 by Anita Davis. Preorder 2 or more copies by October 9 and take 20% off with code ESSE20.
ABOUT
Purses are personal, private places into which only the privileged dare put their hands, vessels of the feminine that hold the essence of a woman’s individuality.
What’s Inside compliments the permanent exhibition of Esse Museum & Store, offering intimate portraits of this most intimate accessory. Step inside one of only three purse museums in the world where, decade by decade, you’ll conjure the lives and habits of 20th century American women through clutch-sized vignettes and gleaming minaudières of fashion.
Breathing life into often unnamed heroines, we revere the stylish changemakers whose struggles and triumphs forged the way for generations of women to come.
2018 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Winner!
Congratulations to Daniela Rose Anderson! The Moon Prince and The Sea won a bronze medal in the “Health Issues” category from the 2018 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.
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. In a hospital in India, Sumit is surrounded by children who call the hospital their home; in a hospital in America, Marina is surrounded by her loving family and friends. The book is named for Sumit, the moon prince, who paints a map of two moons that the children will later find on their adventure, and Marina, whose name means “of the sea.” The pair embarks on a magical adventure that raises questions about love, life, and death in a manner designed to be accessible to and comforting for children and families. This book is intended for children and families experiencing sickness, grief, or loss, and for any child who is curious about these topics. Written in memory of Sumit and Marina, the author’s royalties from The Moon Prince and The Sea will support children and families in South Side Chicago through organizations whose purposes are tied to the book’s themes of health, hospitalization, and bereavement.
Happy ON SALE DATE to author Brenda Clem Black!
BLACK & KIDDO: A True Story Of Dust, Determination, and Cowboy Dreams follows the converging coming-of-age stories of Keith Black (who almost became the real Roy Rogers) and his feisty love, Kiddo, as their lives are honed in the flatlands of Texas, the high plains of New Mexico, and the green hills of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Cover Design
The cover design was done by Rebecca Black at Rebecca Black Design. Seeing a name trend? Becca is Black and Kiddo's great granddaughter!
Interior Design
You’ll appreciate many aspects of this book’s interior design by the talented Amy Ashford such as the wagon silhouettes pictured below, pulled from Black’s handwritten notes on cowboy stationary.
Each chapter is set to the music of the period, so while you're reading this nonfiction tale, you can also listen to the tunes of the time.
Order your copy NOW!
Final Days to Preorder Black & Kiddo!
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.
