Online Exhibitions Assistant

Studio HCE seeks a volunteer Exhibitions Assistant to support the planning and production of a forthcoming online show.

Working virtually from her home office, the Exhibitions Assistant will assist with artist research, correspondence, catalog production, online gallery development, and marketing.

This volunteer position requires an 8hr per week commitment for an initial period of 3 months. The ideal volunteer has excellent research skills, is computer literate, has a demonstrated interest in women’s art, and is socially and politically aware. Experience in a museum or gallery environment preferred. Attendance to weekly staff meetings is conducted via Skype internet conference call.

To apply, please send a letter of interest and a resume to volunteer@hercircleezine.com. Deadline for applications is Monday, September 13, 2010. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Volunteer Editorial Assistant Opportunity

We currently seek a volunteer Editorial Assistant to support our expanding Books & Literature section.

Working virtually from her home office, the Editorial Assistant will participate in a variety of tasks, including general research, correspondence, fact checking, proofreading, and other activities as needed. Exceptional candidates may be invited to write short articles and reviews. Attendance to weekly staff meetings is conducted via Skype internet conference call.

This volunteer position requires an 8hr per week commitment for an initial period of 3 months. The ideal volunteer aspires to a career in publishing, is computer literate, has a demonstrated interest in women’s literature, and is socially and politically aware.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, a short writing sample, and a resume to volunteer@hercircleezine.com. Deadline for applications is August 25th, 2010. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This post will commence on September 6th, 2010.

Online Events Coordinator (2 positions)

We are currently accepting applications for two Online Events Coordinators to help facilitate our growing virtual events programs. Working from the comfort of one’s own home-office, coordinators will undertake general research and correspondence related to the planning and organization of virtual events, while helping to maintain departmental calendars. In addition, coordinators will assist the project team in planning the 2011 International Women’s Day Virtual Festival. These volunteer posts require a 1-2 days per week commitment and will be for an initial period of 3 months (August – October) with the possibility of an extension.

Volunteers must be comfortable working independently and on their own initiative. Prior administrative experience preferred, while a demonstrated interest in literary or visual arts is essential.

To apply submit a short letter of interest and a resume to volunteer@hercircleezine.com. Deadline for applications is July 21, 2010. Phone interviews to take place Monday, July 26th. Posts to commence August 1st.

Online Events Coordinator (Books & Literature)
Events include: writing workshops, virtual author Q&A sessions, One World Café Virtual Reading Series, International Women’s Day Virtual Festival 2011

Online Events Coordinator (Visual Arts)
Events include: artist studio visits, virtual artist talks and Q&A sessions, Studio HCE virtual art openings, International Women’s Day Virtual Festival 2011

Win a copy of “Why the WilloW” in the Postcards from Paris Contest

The One World Cafe Virtual Reading Series is an online performance space for today’s female literary voices. Whether you like to sit in the front row or get cozy in the booth next to the window, you can always find the perfect table at One World Cafe.

Of Space, Place, and Memory

For the month of June, The One World Cafe Virtual Reading Series welcomes architect, author, and artist Hollace M. Metzger, performing from her collected works.

Growing up in the American mid-West, Metzger wasn’t particularly rooted. Her interest in travel developed after accompanying her mother on several trips to various countries in the Caribbean. Later, she earned a degree in architecture from the University of Kentucky, where she experienced a different style of American culture in the South, and where she also received the opportunity to travel abroad to study architecture in Venice. From Italy, to New York, and on to most countries in Western Europe, Metzger’s life became about the expression of mobility.

Her poetry and artwork frames that momentum, drawing listeners and viewers worldwide. As a way of honoring a particular time and space, each of Metzger’s artistic expressions is also unique and site-specific. Her poetry collections reveal that intimacy, yet Metzger’s words and their rhythm remain accessible, her imagery captivatingly familiar. She evokes a rare kindness and an inspiration to honor our private and public spaces.

Within an empty space, Metzger discovers what needs to be there artistically. You might say that she can sense the same about the human spirit and the need for art in our communities. Where that empty space is growing, Metzger already plans to eventually fill it with community-oriented, art based idea centers.

In Transcriptions of Time (2009), you will find her interest in the effects of an environment on people. She enunciates the pulse of those around her, of the passing scenery, the jostling of life, and others with their own artistic creations. She is all encompassing in her desire to blend the fields of poetry, art, architecture, and psychology. Since 2007, when she created her first book, Mem>Observing the Labyrinth from Heaven, Metzger has collaborated with a wide array of musicians, from djs to a symphony. She has undergone an artistic debut that includes recording an audio book. TranSYNphony (2010) includes more than six hours of audio from the poetry collections. The book Why the WilloW (2010) is Metzger’s latest poetry publication and includes 64 of her own black-and-white photographs. Metzger recently opened the architectural venture MiDEA Studio and is currently developing projects for European design competitions. listen now »

Win a signed copy of Why the WilloW!

Purchase any one of Hollace’s poetry collections during the month of June and register to win the Postcards from Paris contest. Ten randomly-selected entrants will receive a personally written postcard from Ms. Metzger, posted from Paris, while one lucky winner will receive a signed copy of her latest book, Why the WilloW. complete contest details »

One World Cafe Virtual Reading Series presents Hollace M. Metzger

In June, the One World Cafe Virtual Reading Series welcomes American-born architect, author, and artist
Hollace M. Metzger, performing works from her latest audio collection, “TranSynPhony”. Comprising 164
poems and 6.4 hours of spoken texts, the work represents an unprecedented effort.

Originally from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, Metzger received her BArch degree in architecture while
concurrently studying painting and graduate 16-17th Century literature at the University of Kentucky.
Graduating as student body president with high honors, she later continued MArch studies in Venice, Italy
and at the AA of London.

From 2000-8, Ms. Metzger practiced architecture in the offices of the Deans of both CUNY and Yale
universities among others. While in New York, she also began “subway stories”, poems written during
commutes to and from her home-studio in Brooklyn. Receiving high praise for both her photography and
poetry, Metzger published her first book, Observing the Labyrinth from Heaven (2007), which in turn
initiated a three-year journey abroad.

In an effort to document her travels, Metzger penned two poetry collections: Transcriptions of Time
(2009), followed by Why the WilloW (2010). The audio books Observing the Labyrinth from Heaven:
Paris Recordings (2009) and TranSynPhony (2010) were also released. During this period of writing,
Hollace’s poetry enjoyed exposure through radio play and vocal collaborations, including the European
stage, cinema, independent films, gallery installations and with musicians around the globe. In addition, her
art and writings have been published in literary journals such as 3:AM, Antique Children, Beauty of
Washing Lines, Hecale, Heliocentric Anthology of American Poetry, Juxtapoz, Paraphilia, Pirene’s
Fountain and The Toronto Quarterly.

In Paris, Metzger runs an independent architecture atelier based on renaissance principles of all arts utilized
in creation and contemporary theory of these arts addressing sentiment, well-being and unity. She has
begun work on her first novel and third audio book in addition to many collaborative projects currently
underway.

To listen to Metzger’s performance, tune-in to the One World Cafe Virtual Reading Series beginning June 1, 2010.

Blog Coordinator Intern Opportunity

Her Circle Ezine seeks TWO interns to coordinate guest bloggers in cities across the U.S. and abroad for “The Writer’s Life” blog series. Working virtually, interns will undertake directed and independent research on established and emerging women authors, correspond with authors, publishers, and publicity teams, and assist with the production of editorial content.

Interns must be able to commit to one day per week for a period of 3 months (May – July) in the first instance. This is an unpaid opportunity.

Interns should possess a demonstrated interest in women’s literature and/or social activism related to women’s issues on a global scale. In addition, should feel comfortable reaching out to writers/bloggers/publishers about guest blogging, interview, and Q&A opportunities. As this work will be performed virtually, an ability to work independently and with consistency is critical, as are organization and time management skills.

To apply send a letter of interest with resume/CV to volunteer@hercircleezine.com. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 7th.

How do you celebrate International Women’s Day?

Each year, millions of women around the world come together in celebration of the fairer sex. From community gatherings to intimate nights among friends, these private stories of celebration often go unrecognized. This year Her Circle wants to share these untold stories. Be a part of the celebration! Tell us how you celebrate this special time of year.

Calling all book reviewers!

Looking for a home for all of your well thought criticisms and crisply shaped words on women’s literature? Her Circle is expanding its team of writers and we want you!

We accept reviews of works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and selected scholarly works by and about women.

There are two ways to participate:

1) Submit your completed reviews of 300-500 words for consideration to books@​hercircleezine.​com.​

2) Join our volunteer collective to gain access to our exclusive Reviewer’s Forum, where you can request books for review. For further information, please send a short note of interest and two writing samples to books@​hercircleezine.​com.​

We look forward to hearing from you!

Only a few days left to submit your work for the International Women’s Day Virtual Festival!

Have you made your submission yet? If not, there’s still time to get involved in one of our exciting events.

Returning this year is the One World Cafe Virtual Reading series, featuring recorded works by some of the best and brightest emerging women authors.

Have a recently published title or new release coming out? Her Circle publishes original book reviews and we’d love to tell everyone about your work. Send us a copy!

Or if you would like to share some of your hard earned insight, be a guest blogger in our ‘The Writer’s Life’ blog.

To learn more about the International Women’s Day Virtual Festival, these opportunities and more, visit the Events page.

Best,
Misty

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps Literary Progress Go Down

by: Mayra David

ANNA FELICIA SANCHEZ ISHIKAWA or Anna Ishikawa, as she is known professionally, was born in August 1981 and graduated from St. Scholastica’s Academy High School in 1998. She gained admittance to the top University of the nation – the University of the Philippines, Diliman – where she majored in Creative Writing, eventually earning her BA in English Studies. She has won numerous grants and local and national awards for her fiction and placed second for a full-length play in English in the 2004 Palanca Awards – which is regarded as the Philippines most prestigious and longest-running literary contest. Over the past few years, she also participated as a fellow for fiction in English in the UP, Dumaguete, and Iligan National Writers Workshops, some of the most selective in the country.

Some Americans who identify themselves strongly by their ethnic origins might wonder at the surname Sanchez (Anna’s maiden name). Many might assume this is because of her ancestry; the country was after all a Spanish colony for over three centuries. But in fact, a large majority of Filipino families have Spanish names without having Spanish ancestry. The quick answer to this is that during the colonial period, the Claveria Decree of 1849 required all Filipino families to select a Spanish surname name from an approved list. Ishikawa, of course, is a distinctively Japanese name and is the name she adopted from her husband who is Japanese-Filipino. With a name that practically contains the history of the world, is it any wonder that she writes in the universal language and for a universal audience?

Given that it is not even the official language of the United States, it might surprise some Americans to hear that in addition to Filipino, or Tagalog, English is the other official language of the Philippines; it is considered the (lingua franca) throughout most of the nation. Most Filipinos, particularly in the urban areas, are not only completely fluent in speaking it but some are even more comfortable writing in English than in their native tongue. It may even be that, as any students of a language are apt to be more attentive to grammar than its native speakers, Filipino writers who write in English are likely to write more correct, albeit sometimes more self-conscious, prose than the average native English speaking pupil. Certainly it is also conceivable to posit that the Philippines, and perhaps other postcolonial nations as well, is done being a student of English as foreign language. That is, they no longer consider it “foreign” but rather the operating language of the international community, as well as a natural second tongue, beyond it being officially so. We maybe entering the era of global cultural homogenization. If so, what does that mean for the future of Filipino literature?

The Philippines is often viewed as a matriarchal society, perhaps due to the fact that in the past two decades, two of the three presidents have been women, including the two-term incumbent. Though not strictly speaking a matriarchal society, the cultural history of the country does demonstrate a balance in political and cultural contributions from both genders. In the literary history of the country, there is no prominent history, at least no significant movements, to promote female writers over males writers. Perhaps, this is because of their common struggle to promote any sort of literary endeavors by Filipinos that the gender issue had to be relegated to a secondary position. At least for now.

A filipino writer might get mired in a state of limbo if she were to endlessly ponder who she is, or should be, as a writer. Anna Ishikawa and her contemporaries know there is more pressing work at hand: Get the nation to start reading again in the first place. At a close second place is to get the country to produce more written work – any language will do.

According to a survey sponsored by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) the number one book most read in the Philippines today is the Bible. The second genre of books read are romances. What is a young literary writer – scion of the nation’s literati – to do? A smart person and accomplished writer in tune with all trends of the industry, would supply the demand. And Anna is nothing if not a smart and accomplished writer. Publish or perish, as they say. Anna’s first book ODD GIRL OUT is a romance novel. Unapologetically ‘chick lit’ as a matter of fact. The story, simple and auspicious enough, is about a modern Filipino woman trying to find out what kind of love she is looking for, after her perfect one fell apart.

As Anna told the Manila Bulletin upon the book’s release, “It’s the theme of despair, escape, recovery and redemption.” The story could be boiled down to those broad themes, but the book itself, represents more than that. Her heroine, Cerisse, is a very independent young woman with a very “modern” lifestyle: living on her own, starting her business and being sexually very active.
Anna continues: “It also explores female sexuality as popularized by the likes of Sex and the City and Bridget Jones’ Diary, and the realities and stereotypes of the modern woman… you also have elements like the gay friend and issues of being a single mom.”

This may seem like nothing new to readers of the genre but even for a fictional Filipino life, it is quite controversial considering that the Philippines is a staunchly conservative society with over 81% of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. The president, a devout catholic woman, once “admitted” to using the contraceptive pill as a young mother, but said it made her feel so guilty she had to go to confession. She has announced her intentions to withhold public funding for contraceptive programs, pushing for natural birth control (i.e. abstinence) which is the only method sanctioned by the church. Issues of homosexuality, pre-marital or promiscuous sex are clearly not issues open to discourse.

The dichotomy between modern Filipino mores and the peoples’ inextricable symbiosis with the United States is most evident in the contemporary literature the country has been producing in recent decades.

To say there is an exilic nature to the English writing by Filipinos – insofar as that distinction can still be drawn between what is deemed “Filipino” and “Filipino in English” writing – is a subjective matter. However, what many of the nation’s most prominent writers agree on – and often promulgate in their work – is the notion that Filipino writers are caught between two languages and two cultures. As renowned Filipino writer Nick Joaquin has declared, “the identity of a Filipino today is of a person asking what is his identity.”

And in his book Authentic Though Not Exotic: Essays on Filipino Identity, Dr. Fernando N. Zialcita, suggests that “many Filipinos question the “authenticity” of their identity. They are uneasy about the heavy Spanish influence that came in with colonialism. They wonder if their culture is but a mixture of conflicting traditions. Moreover, they fear that the Hispanic presence seems an oddity in a Southeast Asia that defines itself as non-Western.”

Oddity or not, the Filipino experience on display in its literary works, is certainly unique in the South Asian region. When Anna Ishikawa references shows like Sex and the City, or has characters that demonstrate an affinity to the lifestyle depicted in such shows (controversial even by western standards), is she representing the modern filipino woman? Or urging her to be more liberated, to own her sexuality? Her main characters are pointedly atypical Filipinos from the main character who lives alone in her condo, to the single mother supported by a family of friends instead of actual kin. Is this lifestyle a trend in the younger generations? No, not really. She is providing escapism and at the same time exploring these themes as a writer even as the entire country is exploring them as a society. Perhaps the fact that such novels serve as a vehicle for escapism is most indicative of the existing social polarity.

Imagine this: You have always wanted to be writer and have been writing stories since time in memoriam; Short stories, poems, and plays. Maybe you even have a comic strip with your very own made up super hero that you continuously develop for the fun of it. You do very well in school (bookish ones always do) Among your favorite books you count Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, Jane Eyre by Bronte, as well as books by Nick Hornby and Terry Pratchett. You gain acceptance to the nation’s most prestigious University where you join ranks with other literary scions of the country. And what do you major in but English Studies and creative writing, of course. You publish your first three books before the age of twenty-seven; even greater things still ahead.

All these things are true for Anna Ishikawa. But in terms of livelihood and prestige, what does it mean for her? Especially when for decades bookstores have been flooded with American and European publications, From TigerBeat magazine to the latest by James Patterson.

Fox Literary House was founded by Anna’s former university classmates. They have just published her third book “Where Your Dreams Come True” about a young woman who sees the man of her dreams in, well, her dreams, and starts looking for him in real life.

Sarah Grutas, a friend of Anna’s and editor of Fox books, seems to feel it’s time to move ‘Filipiniana’ out of its niche and squeeze it in next to the Sweet Valley High books on the store shelves. The most direct way to do this, is to offer Filipino stories in the same vein, same language, as the competition. The lack of language barrier has made this possible and necessary. Especially when your young Filipino writers grew up reading and being educated on Dostoevsky and Austen.

As editor, Sarah says her main goal for Fox Literary House is to heighten the Filipino people’s level of awareness of great literature. “Yes, we want to earn money. Yes, we want to provide entertainment. But the most important thing for us is for the Filipino people to have something that will stimulate their creativity and [sense of] cultural excellence.”

Another goal, apparently, is to cheat. “With our own horror anthology which are very popular in the country, our writers tried to incorporate issues that are not usually addressed, like homosexuality. How do you write a story about a gay ghost? Most of the stories are about homosexuality, prostitution, militarization, and domestic violence – issues that abound in the country but people keep quiet about….not many Filipino readers care about these things anymore. They’d rather watch Pinoy Big Brother or a telenovela or something they won’t have to process.”

Not many publishers in the Philippines offer advances or give royalties. Fox books does both. If a publishing house does offer any monetary compensation, the highest incentive pay a writer will get is Fifteen thousand pesos ( about 356 US dollars). Fox Literary House is one of the only two publishers in the country that will offer that fifteen thousand pesos to writers. Houses that do pay will, at most, give “known” authors eight thousand pesos. New writers can settle for compensations in the three to five thousand peso range. Actually, some larger companies do not give any monetary compensation for any written work. She explains that oftentimes, the only incentive larger companies will offer is the “prestige of being published by a big-time publisher.”

Fox Books also has three options on copyright ownership for writers to choose from: in perpetuity and five or ten year options – they do not claim copyright ownership on the book as an idea or concept only on the book as Object. Sarah says they are the only publisher in the Philippines who has this kind of “copyright-ownership-(ewan).”
It isn’t the competition, then, that has pushed Fox Literary House to offer writers like Anna such a liberal “copyright-ownership-thingy”. What they are doing is creating a platform for expression in written works. They are bringing more Filipinos to writing and are promoting the arts as a profession, and not just an extracurricular activity. Almost unheard of in large publishing markets abroad, Fox books accepts unsolicited manuscripts. In fact, they have an open submission policy and advertise for manuscripts on the internet.

Revolution by chick lit? Probably not. Still, one can at least hope for a little social discourse. After all, the Philippines is a nation whose national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was a writer. His written works – the novels Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Subversive) – have been credited with igniting the revolution against the Spanish empire which ruled over the Filipino people for over 333 years. True, the legacy of the colonial period is not only manifested in politics and language but in literature as well. Writings on the subject of the trauma due to imperialism has brought us illustrious works by the likes of J.M Coetzee and Salman Rushdie. Should it then follow that the trauma be accompanied by obligations for Filipino writers – or any other writer who originates from a former colony or commonwealth nation – to explore the weath of “material” available to them due to colonization?

Anna and her colleagues do not presume this task is incumbent upon them. Of course, as the literary progeny of internationally recognized literary luminaries such as Lualhati Bautista, Nick Joaquin and Ninotchka Rosca, they balance the future of the nation’s literature on the tip of their pens.

But the task they are taking on is the promotion and development of a fledgling market: Filipino literature for the global masses. Having been weaned on western literature and tastes, who can be better entrusted to poise Filipino writers – particularly since they are already free of any linguistic encumbrances – for the international market? Their works donot seek recognition, but universality and establishment. The past is precious, but the future is at risk. Much in the same way national bookstores and overseas markets do not discriminate in the literature they import into the country, it seems the philosophy of the new generation of nationalistic Filipino writers is to produce work that transcends their regionality.

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