©2007 Sirenland
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Sirenland Writers Conference Blog
Hi Sirenlanders, I just posted this on the One Story blog, and then realized that many of us had talked about this very issue while we were at Sirenland, so thought I'd also bring the discussion here.
Erica Jong has a very interesting article in this week's Publisher's Weekly. In it she discusses how women writers have been marginalized, and asks why authors like Jonathan Franzen and Jonathan Safran Foer are called 'the next great American novelists' while women authors of the same caliber are dismissed. Her answer to this problem? Women authors need to get angry. Or write about war.
"We may glibly say that love makes our globe spin, but battles make for blockbusters and Pulitzers. When writers like Eugenides write about families and relationships, critics marvel at their capacity for empathy. When a female writer does the same thing, they sigh and roll their eyes. Men aren't penalized for focusing on family and relationship. Rather, we wonder at their empathy because of their gender.
Feminism didn't change deep-seated priorities about what—or who—matters. I see deeply diminished expectations in young women writers. They may grumble about the chick lit ghetto, but they dare not make a fuss for fear they won't be published at all. Their brashness is real enough, but they accept their packaging as the price of being published. My generation expected more. We did not always get it, but at least categorization outraged us. Where is the outrage now?"
To read the rest, click here.
I was glad to read this article, because it is a discussion I have over and over with other female writers. The question now, I think, is how can we make this trend change?
Hannah
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Mark your calendars: Sirenland 2008 will be held from March 9-15 2008.
That's one day longer than the 2007 edition. In addition to adding a second workshop, we will also be bringing in a visiting writer or two. We'll keep posting as things begin to take shape.
Michael
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It's hard to believe that a week ago we were just returning home from Italy. That always amazes me about travel -- the way time collapses. There are so many memories of our trip to Positano scattered all around our house. Photos, of course, and the small notebooks that Jacob carried with him everywhere, and the way I'm tempted to say "scusi" when moving past someone on the street. Oh, and the wonderful scent from Le Sirenuse which makes me smile whenever I smell it.
It was a spectacular experience, thanks to everyone involved -- all the Sersales, Antonio, Carla, Franco (we miss you!) and the truly wonderful students who risked traveling far to come to a brand-new conference. You were brave to share your work, and I'm so glad that it was such a special time for all of us.
Michael, Hannah, Antonio and I are already thinking about next year, and ways to make Sirenland even better. I'm counting the months! Meanwhile, I'm getting ready for the publication of Black & White -- official pub date is this Tuesday. Any of you who are near one of my book tour stops, please stop by and say hi.
Ciao for now.
Dani
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Hello from Positano...
I just wanted to say how wonderful it was to have such a charming, interesting and lovely group of writers here with us..
I must confess I was filled with a deep sense of sadness and loneliness when you all left... I some how wished you had stayed longer... that I could have had a chance to spend more time with each one of you... yet life goes on and now looking at the photographs brings back lovely memories...
Please do not forget us... please remember that you have a second house in Positano.. please keep us posted on your writings as I know we will find great pleasure in reading your works...
I wish you all the greatest success... and of course I send you all my love..
Antonio
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