Around the Writers’ Table
While trying to decide on what to write for this week’s Writer’s Table, I received an email from Walker Ryan, a professional skateboarder and the author of two novels, “Top of Mason” and “Off...
Around the Writers’ Table
I recently received an email from a writer I know asking me to subscribe to his Substack. Then a second request came from another writer, who also has a Substack. I ignored both these...
Around the Writers’ Table: National Poetry Month on M.V.
Since 1996, April has been designated National Poetry Month. While there are a few readings and workshops afoot, I’m a bit surprised there isn’t more going on locally, given the poetry this place inspires...
Around the Writers’ Table
The first Islanders Write was held at the Grange Hall on a sweltering August day in 2014. From the beginning we wanted to make Islanders Write free to attend; it would be a gift...
Around the Writers’ Table
After you’ve filled up on fried dough, taken a spin on the Ferris wheel, and marveled at the fireworks, The MV Times invites you to switch gears and join us at Featherstone Center for...
Around the Writers’ Table: Book recommendations
I am delighted to turn over this week’s Writers’ Table to Mathew Tombers, manager of Edgartown Books. When I asked him for book recommendations to help get readers through the long haul of an...
Around the Writers’ Table
It’s about to happen again — February on the Vineyard. While Vineyard winters aren’t what they used to be, the long nights of the shortest month are still, arguably, the best time of the...
Around the Writers’ Table: Writing resolutions for 2023
Along with the new year come the resolutions to do better, be better, and strive for better. Of course, not everyone is a resolution maker — as we all know, most good resolutions can’t...
Around the Writers’ Table: Books for the holidays
It has long been my belief that every bookcase on the Vineyard should have at least one shelf dedicated to Island authors. If you don’t already have a “Vineyard bookshelf,” it’s time to designate...
Around the Writer’s Table
In a few days, Islanders Write will kick off. This MV Times–sponsored event brings together writers and publishing professionals (with ties to the Island) for panel discussions and writing workshops focused on the art,...
Around the Writer’s Table
The numbers are spiking. There’s too much lead in the water in Tisbury, too many cars on the Island, and yes, too much COVID. Again. On Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 pm, Islanders Write...
Around the Writers’ Table: Writing about yourself
Last week, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, the principal and vice chancellor of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, gave a commencement address to the class of 2020, who had returned to the small...
Around the Writers’ Table
While the Taste of the Vineyard was going on in Edgartown, I was tasting tapas in London with several Vineyard friends. One of them was Joshua Hammer, who was in London doing research for...
Around the Writers’ Table
In 2019, roving grammar guru Ellen Jovin set up her grammar table at Islanders Write and greeted the grammar-minded on their way into the event. Jovin recently sent me an advance copy of her...
Around the Writers’ Table
Back in April, before we started sneezing and dusting the pollen off our cars, I wrote about the upcoming pitch panel at Islanders Write. The pitch panel is much like a mini-master class in...
Around the Writers’ Table
Last Thursday morning I emailed Nancy Slonim Aronie and told her I wanted to interview her about processing grief through writing. Aronie is a wise friend, whose inspirational new book, “Memoir as Medicine,” is...
Around the Writers’ Table
Is a Vineyard summer still a good time to catch up on your reading? It’s clear that the slow-dance summers of the Kodachrome era have been replaced by the social media do-it and post-it...