Debuts, new titles — 2017 a good year for local literature
As the year wraps up, let’s take a moment to look back on 2017. We lovers of books and writing have much to celebrate! Here’s a quick review and shout-out to just a few of the hard-working literary citizens and organizations of our area.
News from creative writing organizations
■ A new literary magazine, “Ripcord,” (www. ripcordmagazine.org) came into being, thanks to Noelle Downey, founder and managing editor of the new magazine, and a 2017 graduate from Wright State University’s B.A. in Creative Writing program.
■ Thanks to a generous gift from comic novelist and writer Anna Lefler (www.annalefler. com), the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop (humorwriters.org) began offering a new program, “A Hotel Room of One’s Own: The Erma Bombeck/Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program.” Learn more at http://www.humorist-inresidence.com.
■ Third Story Literacy Project (visit www. thirdstoryliteracyproject. org) launched in Greene County as a non-profit focusing on establishing Little Free Libraries. Third Story was created by author Ryan Ireland (ryangireland.com) and his wife, Amber Ireland.
■ The Antioch Writers’ Workshop and the University of Dayton’s Department of English entered into a new partnership. While the workshop remains a fiscally independent 501(c)3, the university provides generous in-kind space; both organizations and their constituents will benefit from the partnership. Learn more about Antioch Writers’ Workshop at University of Dayton at www. antiochwritersworkshop. com.
Congratulations to area authors with debut titles in 2017
■ Rita Coleman’s debut collection of poetry, “And Yet,” was published in August by Finishing Line Press. Learn more about Rita on her website, www.ritacoleman. com and about her collection at www.finishinglinepress.com/product/andyet-by-rita-coleman/
■ Lara Elena Donnelly’s debut novel, “Amberlough,” was published by Tor Books. Learn more about her work on her website, www.laradonnelly.com.
■ Dave Essinger’s debut novel, “Running Out,” was published by Main Street Rag Press. Learn more about Dave and his novel at dave-essinger.com.
■ T.J. McGuire’s debut poetry collection “Mid-Life Chrysler” was released by Alabaster Leaves Publishing, an imprint of Kelsay Books (www.kelsaybooks.com).
■ Mary Jo White’s debut poetry collection, “How the Universe says Yes to Me,” was published by Main Street Rag Press. The collection is published under her name, MJ Werthman White. Learn more at http://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/how-the-universe-saysyes-to-me/
Congratulations to area authors with new titles in 2017
■ Chris DeWeese — his third collection of poetry, “The Confessions.” (www. christopherdeweese.net)
■ David Lee Garrison — his most recent book of poetry, “Carpeing The Diem.” (www.greenvillepoets.org)
■ Kristina McBride
— her fourth Young Adult novel, “The Bakersville Dozen.” (www.kristinamcbride.com)
■ Cyndi Pauwels
— (writing as C.L. Pauwels), her 2nd Detective Jadz mystery, “Burned Bridges.” (www.clpauwels. com)John Scalzi —a
■ novella, “The Dispatcher,” a novel, “The Collapsing Empire,” and a book of writing wisdom, “Don’t Live For Your Obituary: Advice, Commentary, and Personal Observations on Writing, 2008-2017.” (www.whatever.scalzi. com)
■ T.J. Turner — his second alternate history thriller, “Land of Wolves.” (www.tjturnerauthor. com)
■ Tim Waggoner — three official novelizations of movies, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage,” “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.” (www. timwaggoner.com)
Sharon Short (www. sharonshort.com) is a novelist and director of the Antioch Writers' Workshop. Contact Sharon with news about your book club or organization. Email: sharonshort@ sharonshort.com. Twitter: @SharonGShort Publishers Weekly.Week ending Dec. 17, powered by NPD Bookscan.