5. Suggested ReadingThe following books contain useful information for Native writers on Native literary history and conventions, as well as the writing process from a Native Perspective. We will be adding additional titles as we come across them. Please feel free to drop us a line with a list of your favorites: red_cedar_publishing@earthlink.net “Wearing the Morning Star, Native American Song - Poems" by Brian Swann. The introduction and notes give a succinct impression of the history of Native literature and music in its collision with the occupying and dominating force of American culture. On the other hand, the song - poems illustrate a virtuosity of form and style that may inspire poets to experiment and expand on the structure and format of their own writing. A truly great book that shows where we have been and hints at inviting paths we have yet to follow. "The Delicacy and Strength of Lace" this book of letters comprises the correspondence between Leslie Marmon Silko, Laguna and James Wright - well known American poet. They discuss the writing process and other deep and soulful explorations. Of particular note are their discussions of the processes of gestation and ripening of their poetry and stories. This lovely book may change your life in many ways. “The Way, An Anthology of American Indian Literature” Edited by Shirley Hill Will & Stan Steiner, Knopf, 1972, ISBN 0-394-473070-1. At the time this book was published it was very radical literature. Today it is worth reading, not only as history, but also as a benchmark of our progress and development in the literary arts. A few sections are of particular note for writers: In the introduction, pages xxii – xxvii you will find a discussion of Native oral tradition. (For contrast we also recommend Sacred Smoke, by Harvest McCampbell, page 106, and Geronimo’s Bones, by Nasdijj,– the last full paragraph on page 23.) The following sections of “The Way” are also very informative to the Native writer: Songs of the People, beginning page 33; A Word Has Power, beginning page 38; and Religion of the People, beginning page 173. |
1. Literary & Media Arts NewsFor the latest news on what Native people are doing in the literary and media arts, this is the best spot on the web: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Native writers/ The site is a "Yahoo Group;" to use it you will be prompted to sign in or sign up for a yahoo ID, and then prompted to join. It is definitely worth the short time it takes to fill out the forms. Once you get signed in, click on "Messages" from the tool bar. Then simply click on the topics you wish to read. Frank LaFountaine of Tempe, Arizona moderates this group site. He spends many hours every week scouring the Internet for news related to Native Literary and Media Arts. We are sure you will enjoy it as much as we do. |
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2. General Articles on WritingWe will be adding items to this list as we come across them. You are also welcome to e-mail us links that you have found helpful: red_cedar_publishing@earthlink.net The Right Way To Write (Item 5 is good advice for any kind of writing):
Understanding Editorial Guidelines: Writing Query Letters (We would suggest including links to your on-line
writing): Submitting articles on-line: Grammar for writers: Fun page for lovers of words: New! The business of writing from a Native
perspective: |
3. Build your own Web Page:There are a number of large sites on the web that will host your web site for free. Many also provide you with easy to use software where you just follow the prompts, make choices by clicking on options, and enter text by typing or copying and pasting. They often have tools designed for beginners to up load graphics and photos. You can easily have a good start on a home page in a day. Your home page will make a good place to showcase your writing, publication credits, awards, educational accomplishments, as well as links to your on-line publications. Below are some articles that will help you get started. If you run across other sites that are just too good not to share please send us links: red_cedar_publishing@earthlink.net Article on creating a home page - includes links to free hosts and
soft ware: And here is some advice on web site mistakes: For more information please see "Web Sites for Writers" posted on our Articles page. For an example of a well designed writers web site please see: www.HarvestMcCampbell.com (We would love to preview more writers web sites. If you know of some outstanding sites, especially for Native writers please send links to: red_cedar_publishing@earthlink.net |
Native writers, please see our Opportunities and Submissions pages for calls for writing.
Native Writers on Writing, "Call for Participation" has been moved to Submissions.
4. Support for the JourneyThere are a number of ways to find communities of writers for feed back and support. Check with your local community college, park and recreation district, and adult education center. The following sites offer on-line support and resources for writers. We may rotate the sites listed below from time to time. You are welcome to submit your favorite on-line writers support site. Please send a link to: red_cedar_publishing@earthlink.net Native American Poetry - a yahoo group, very active support group for poets: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nativeamericanpoetry/ Native American Story Tellers - is a busy group of writers and story tellers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/native_american_storytellers/ Native Roots - is another small yahoo group devoted to writers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Native_Roots/ Native Writers - group on Yahoo: Word Craft Circle - an organization of professional
and aspiring Native writers: The Writer's Life - while this organization is not
Native it has many on-line resources. |