Sure jazzed to see Far Enough as one of the upcoming picks for One Book Billings. Not quite my hometown, but close. And with such great company.
News
Good words from Nickolas Butler on Fall Back Down When I Die
Slowly collecting good words on Fall Back Down When I Die, and, wow, just got this from one of my favorite novelists, Nickolas Butler:
“A masterpiece. Lean and authentic, this twenty-first century western captures what so many rural Americans on the margins are feeling; righteous anger and bitter disconnection, powerlessness and rugged pride. And yet, Wilkins has endowed his unforgettable cast of characters with humanity, gentleness, grace, and hard-won poetry. In prose as rugged and beautiful as the story’s Montana setting, Joe Wilkins has written one of the better novels I’ve read in years. An absolutely stunning book in every way.” – Nickolas Butler, internationally best-selling author of Shotgun Lovesongs and The Hearts of Men.
New Writing
I’ve gotten behind posting, so am trying to catch up! I’ve got old poems and essays in new anthologies–Get Lit! 20th Anniversary Anthology and The Southern Poetry Anthology, Volume VIII: Texas–and you can find new poems in Poetry Ireland Review, Grist, and The Southern Review.
Months away…
…but getting closer to the day my debut novel, Fall Back Down When I Die, lands! It’s now up for pre-order at Amazon!
Interview at Spoken Words
A great joy to talk with Tayo Basquiat of Wyoming Public Media for the public radio program Spoken Words.
Or You Can Come Study with Me in Alaska!
I’m headed to Alaska (for the first time!) this summer to teach at the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, where none other than Pulitzer Prize-winner Anthony Doerr will be the keynote speaker! It sure sounds like an amazing conference in a stunning place–love to see you there!
Come Study With Me at Fishtrap
I’ll be pointing my nose toward the Wallowas again this summer, where I’ll be joining Laura Pritchett, Nina McConigley, Jennifer Sahn, Kim Stafford, and more for the 31st Annual Fishtrap Summer Gathering. Registration is open. I’d love to see you there!
A New Story, “Creekboy,” at The Georgia Review
Ten years ago Stephen Corey, then the new head editor at The Georgia Review, took my essay “Eight Fragments from My Grandfather’s Body.” It was my first real prose publication, and, in many ways, that publication sort of made what I guess I’m calling my career. So I’m pleased as can be to have another piece appearing in the current issue of the always-asontishing The Georgia Review, my second short story, a strange, needy piece I’ve dubbed “Creekboy.” And, of course, it’s in good company, rubbing shoulders with work by Reg Saner, Gary Gildner, Robert Cording, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Andrea Hollander, and many others.
When We Were Birds Lands on the Oregonian’s Summer Reads List
When We Were Birds has landed on The Oregonian’s Summer Reads List, alongside heavy hitters like Tyehimba Jess, Tracy Daugherty, Sue Monk Kidd, Alexandra Fuller, and others! Here’s a bit from the write up: “Joe Wilkins’ laconic poems run deep, producing spine-tingling evocations of the land and home and family that you’ll want to return to again and again.”
Oregon Book Awards
So pleased to be able to say that last night When We Were Birds won the Stafford/Hall Prize in Poetry from the Oregon Book Awards. It was a lovely evening, full of wit and literature and friends, and I’m proud of the book and so thankful to the Oregon literary community, especially the great folks at Literary Arts. And a big, huge thanks to Major Jackson, a poet I so admire, for judging the award and offering such kind words about When We Were Birds.
joewilkins.org 