Elana Bell

Elana’s March Newsletter

Elana Bell — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:19:39 +0000

BOOK RELEASE FOR EYES, STONES MAY 3, 2012

I have been gearing up for the book release event for Eyes, Stones. Before I give you the details of what I have planned, I wanted to say that for me, writing this book was a sort of coming out, a way of exploring the deep and conflicted feelings I have about Israel and Palestine, a way of moving from silence and paralysis into action. Throughout the journey of researching and writing this book, I have been fortunate to develop relationship to many amazing individuals— Israeli, Palestinian, and American—who are doing incredible work towards creating a just peace in that troubled place.

When I thought about what I wanted to do for the book release, I knew I wanted it to be connected back to the people there, doing that difficult and powerful work, people who do not have the privilege of moving between worlds and borders the way that I, as an American, do. I immediately thought of Just Vision, an organization that provides in-depth media coverage of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and civilians working for a just peace in the region.

Read Elana’s entire March Newsletter

Elana Bell’s February Newsletter

Elana Bell — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:39:43 +0000

Hi there.

I hope you are enjoying this mild winter, and relishing in the almost-Spring and all the new growth and blossom to come!

I was recently invited to participate on a panel of “New Jewish Poets.” Because I am Jewish, and because the subject matter of my forthcoming book is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I am considered a “Jewish poet.” And while I am proud of my Jewish heritage, I still sometimes wonder what this label means…

“I contain multitudes” —Walt Whitman

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Elana Bell’s January Newsletter

Elana Bell — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:31:36 +0000

I am right now holding in my hands the proofs of the manuscript for Eyes, Stones. This is a first for me. Seeing the poems as they will actually look in the printed book for the first time is quite an experience. My editors have given me a little over a week to make any final edits. Meaning, once I hand them over, the book is out of my hands. Pretty exciting and a little intimidating, too. I think as long as the manuscript has been in the liminal space between acceptance and publication, it has felt like I could go on tweaking and perfecting the poems forever. But this part feels really final. Whatever I give to the press next week is it. Of course, the good news is that it means these poems are finally going to be out in the world. And, to the voice inside that says “but what if they’re not perfect?” I offer the words of the poet Ellen Bryant Voigt, reminding us that “it’s all a draft until you die!” Right on.

Cover for Eyes, Stones.

Read Elana’s entire January Newsletter

Elana Bell’s First Newsletter

Elana Bell — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:28:01 +0000

Happy holidays! I am so excited to be sending the first of a monthly newsletter, which means you’ll hear more from me about publications, readings, and workshops, as well as articles and other creative offerings! This is my way of staying connected and saying thank you to the incredible community of artists, educators, students, listeners, and friends I have met from all over the world and am so grateful for.

Elana reads from Eyes, Stones.

Read Elana’s entire First Newsletter