Several recent changes in Austin’s literary world: Angela Smith, executive director of the Austin Writers’ League since 1989, has decided to resign that position in order to devote more time to private consulting; in her stead the League has named Sally Baker as interim director. Baker, presently the associate director, has been with the League for more than seven years. As interim director, she has as her first responsibility making certain “there are no interruption of services to the community.” In the fall, the League’s Board of Directors will begin its search for an executive director; it will take until that time for the League to “redirect job descriptions” due to their growth as an organization. The changes take place July 31, when Smith will become the League’s first Director Emeritus. In other League news, a $30,000 grant has been bestowed the institution from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in Lufkin. The grant is made in memory of Henry W. Spencer, father of AWL board member Suzy Spencer. Don’t forget about the League’s camp for middle school students July 28-31, co-sponsored by BookPeople. Sara Laas, Virginia Watkins, and Gus Gonzalez will expose campers to many different writing exercises and styles. Why is the League focusing on that awkward middle-school age? Baker reports that the League has programs for elementary and high school students, but wants to encourage nascent artistry in this age group. For info, call 499-8914… In other news, Joanna Hitchcock, director of the University of Texas Press, began serving a year-long term as president of the Association of American University Presses in June.
Black & Blue(s)
Texas Folklife Resources holds the second installation of their free three-series program The Language of Tradition on Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm at Victory Grill (1104 E. 11th). TFR will host All Black and Some Blues, to feature local blues legends T.D. Bell and Mel Davis; author of 55 children’s books, cook, and storyteller Angela Shelf-Medearis; rap group N.O.O.K. (Never Outcasting Our Kind); and Reverend Mack Williams. Plan to arrive early; TFR’s last program, The Cowboy Way, was packed.
New Voices
Barnes & Noble Arboretum hosts San Antonio authors Alicia Galvan, Jacqueline Moody, and Susan San Miguel, who have contributed to a new anthology titled Southwestern Women: New Voices from Tucson’s Javelina Press on Saturday, July 26, at 3pm. Caitlin Gannon, the volume’s editor, has uncannily woven together themes of poverty and the nuances of language choices to produce a really resonant anthology with Southwestern Women.
Did I Hear Tequila?
Mysteries & More will be holding their Seventh Anniversary Open House & Party on Sunday, July 27 from 3-5pm. Authors attending will be Bill Crider signing A Dangerous Thing, Margaret Mosley signing Bonita Faye, Rick Riordan signing Big Red Tequila, and Clay Reynolds, who recently was awarded a Texas Commission on the Arts grant distributed by the Austin Writers’ League, signing Players.
No Go
Don’t go to BookPeople on Sunday to hear Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., read from Coyote Medicine; he canceled.
Book news for “Postscripts” must be received at least one week before the issue date. Mail to: The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765; fax 458-6910; or e-mail clay@auschron.com.
This article appears in July 25 • 1997 and July 25 • 1997 (Cover).