I always tell my journalism students that when all else fails, write a story about dogs.
There can be no greater proof of that old advice than the latest issue of Eugene Magazine, a glossy lifestyle pub for Lane County, whose most recent release is devoted almost entirely to really endearing pet stories.
I’ll be telling them that again next week, when I start teaching feature writing at the University of Oregon, where I’ll be an adjunct journalism instructor. I’m pretty stoked about that gig, since I’ll be commuting (only twice a week!) down to Eugene and will be able to interact with sparkly undergraduates again.
I was down in Eugene yesterday to check out my new classroom, to familiarize myself with the campus, and to meet with the editor of Eugene Magazine, who has since hired me to write the mag’s regular “Book Club” page of its entertainment section.
I’ll be reviewing three books a quarter for the magazine — generally two books by Oregon authors and one book from the national radar.
And so, a request: If you know an Oregon author who has a book coming out in the next few months, please pass his or her name on to me.
If you can, make it a book that doesn’t suck.
And if all else fails, make it about dogs.
Wow sounds like your going to be busy… congrats on your new “gig”. I can understand the excitement of being around individuals that hopefully are eager to soak up the enlightening input and knowledge that you have to share….good luck.
Ha ha, I can’t tell if you’re being snarky or not… I’m still building my freelancing career — as far as I can tell, this never ends — but things have really taken off over the past month or so. Also, I absolutely adore teaching. It gives me that extra umppphhh for my own work.
I am absolutely not being snarky…. I guess according to my hubby I sound that way all the time…. I’m truly happy for you. Its wonderful that you will be doing something that you love… I think we are all at our best when we are doing things that are fulfilling …
Review EDEN WITHIN EDEN by James Kopp, an excellent book about utopian communities in Oregon, from the Aurora Colony to Rajneeshpuram, with a lot in between. The 1960′s and 70′s were amazing with many communes of various kinds (every hear of polyfidelity?) dotting the state (Lane County was the epicenter). Kopp has done a great service to research and document this important history, and he has written a very engaging book. It’s new (2009) from the OSU Press.
Well that’s helpful. Thanks for passing it along!
James Kopp is from Lewis and Clark (College, Drake took a class from him on Utopia). He is also speaking at the Capitol Library on Oct 7th for a lunch lecture! (Saw the sign on our walk home last night).
Karen, it’s the State Library, across the street from the Capitol. Hope to see you there.
Unfortunately I will be at work in Dallas on Tuesday. . . otherwise I would definitely be there!
Emily,
My husband and I have just moved here and have enjoyed reading your blog. I can feel you on the Eugene commute – I will be heading down there too, for a whopping five days a week. My husband works in Portland, and I’m in school in Eugene, so Salem seemed like a good compromise. Unfortunately, the drive is long and boring.
I wonder if there are other Salem commuters who go to Eugene daily? It would be nice to carpool.
Congrats, really sounds nice. Although my Golden Retriever doesn’t write books she does pose well for pictures. Please let me know if there is ever a down week that you need some filler to assist with. I will say, I have been reading Hot, Flat and Crowded out loud and sometimes she listens. I imagine her insights are quite interesting.