A Bit about Shonda Buchanan Shonda Buchanan is a calm force in the writing world. Raised as a Black woman “who grew up hearing cherished stories of her multi-racial heritage, while simultaneously suffering from everything she (and the rest of her family) didn’t know,” her work culls forth dynamic voices. The author of five books, […]
Kara Vernor Announced as Contest Flash Prose Judge
Introducing Kara Vernor Kara Vernor writes flash. Her wit and keen observation find a voice in dynamic, edgy stories. How she describes the process of flash writing illuminates volumes in small spaces. She’s had a long relationship with this genre and gives homage to a high school instructor. Balanced sentences layered with stated and inferred […]
Francesca Lia Block to Serve as Contest Fiction Judge
Introducing Francesca Lia Block We are thrilled to announce this year’s fiction judge, Francesca Lia Block. Francesca writes fiction, nonfiction, short stories, and poetry. A prolific storyteller, Francesca has authored over 25 books and has had stories, poems, essays, and interviews published in the Los Angeles Times, the L.A. Review of Books, Spin, Nylon, Black Clock, The Fairy Tale Review, and Rattle, among others. She has also adapted her […]
Meet Our Creative Nonfiction Judge Mireya S. Vela
Mireya S. Vela will serve as the 2020 WNBA Writing Contest’s creative nonfiction judge. Introducing Mireya S. Vela Mireya S. Vela is a Mexican American creative nonfiction writer, storyteller, and artist in Los Angeles. Both serious and gregarious, she tells great tales, using stark, pointed language, mythic themes, and deep examination. Much like her artwork, Mireya layers meaning between the […]
Power Behind the WNBA: Karen Kersting
The member diversity in the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) makes our goal of connecting, educating, advocating, and leading possible. As bookwomen, we believe “Books Have Power.” The Bookwoman welcomes Karen Kersting (WNBA-New Orleans) to the “Power Behind the WNBA” interview series! Tell us about yourself. Since arriving in the city in 1982, I refer to […]