A year ago, I resurrected my old brand, Ernst Wiley Publications, in order to publish and promote a book about the political and economic turmoil of 2008 and in anticipation of deepening economic woes in 2009/2010. It was an interesting year. I sold some books, made new friends, spoke in front of large crowds, did a radio interview, received some kind reviews, and generally enjoyed the process.
As I write this, my first blog under the title Stories I Read, Stories I Tell, I am shifting gears. The hosting contract for Ernst Wiley is up next week, and in this tough economic climate (ie, my marginal employment, the lousy housing market, and my pursuing an MFA degree) I’ve decided to once again retire the Ernst Wiley brand, and focus on the literary interests (mostly fiction, though not necessarily exclusively so) which are occupying my mind.
Specifically, I would like to focus on short fiction, as published in the various outlets for short stories in today’s literary world. To that end, I’m going to try to do something not done on a regular basis: review short stories and promote short fiction outlets.
From time to time, longer works of fiction and maybe even some non-fiction will sneak on board, and perhaps I’ll even have the chance to share some of my own writing.
I hope you’ll join me in this new venture. When you get a chance, be sure to share with me (and any other readers) what you are currently reading.
If you are an “old” reader, please note that there will be little in the way of political/social-economic blogging on this new site. It isn’t that I’ve lost interest, but I feel that in my pursuit of my Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Fiction) a blog with a focus on literature and the creative process is the most prudent course of action at this time.
If you are a new reader, feel free to say hello and introduce yourself. I believe that the beauty of good literature is its power to give us a point of reference for discussion and consideration about the “big issues” of life. So grab a virtual cup of coffee or other beverage of choice and lets talk about good stories.