Robert James Russell

I’m thrilled to announce that my debut novel Sea of Trees has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

The prize has been around since 1976 and is “is the most honored literary project in America.”

I’m extremely grateful to James and everyone at Winter Goose Publishing for nominating me—they have believed in me and my writing since the beginning of our relationship, and it’s been a real honor working with them.

The results should be announced in Spring 2013. And you can pick up a paperback of Sea of Trees for only $10.99 at the WGP Bookstore.

 

Winter Goose Publishing, which put out my debut Sea of Trees, recently launched the WGP Bookstore, which aims to always keep copies of their books in stock (since Amazon and B&N can be finicky), as well as consistently offer them at slightly reduced prices.

So, I guess what I’m trying to say is…you can now pick up a hardcopy of Sea of Trees for only $10.99 at the WGP Bookstore (as opposed to $12.99 elsewhere)! Go team!

Sea of Trees at the WGP Bookstore

The Des Moines-based t-shirt company Raygun has together and published a book about the history and culture of the Midwest called The Midwest: God’s Gift to Planet Earth. The book is extremely funny, chock full of illustrations, and gorgeously bound with an embossed cover—and aside from the humor, there is quite a bit of affecting conversation regarding what it means to be a Midwesterner, how that has changed, and how people have and continue to perceive us from around the country.

The wonderful people at Raygun interviewed me for the chapter devoted to arts in the Midwest—about Midwestern Gothic and its mission, as well as my stance on the region (and Regionalism in general) and why I believe we’re starting to make a comeback—and I’m happy to say I made the final cut!

But really, more than anything, it’s awesome to see others who are promoting the Midwest so enthusiastically, and for those interested in a fun read that treads on very real topics, I highly recommend this book.

You can find details on the book here (as well as info on where you can buy), and you download the first chapter for free here.

I was interviewed at the Fiction Reboot blog (run by author, editor and scholar Brandy Schillace) about my novel Sea of Trees, my work with Midwestern Gothic and more. Read it here.

Sea of Trees was reviewed by Zoe Harrington at her blog:

“Simply put, this novella is hauntingly beautiful. The story behind the characters’ motivations is bitter sweet. The events recounted within the pages are raw and emotional. Robert James Russell has done an exceptional job at bringing together harsh reality and well-crafted prose.”

Thanks for the review, Zoe!

Nicola’s Books, Ann Arbor’s premiere independent bookstore, is now carrying Sea of Trees! If you’re hankering for a physical copy and don’t trust the internet, pop in and pick up a copy!

(Location and hours information.)

Nerine Dorman, who reviewed Sea of Trees earlier this year (and called it a “rare find of 2012”), interviewed me on her blog about my inspiration for the story, the structure of the novel, and how I researched such a macabre subject. Check it out.

I’m excited to announce that Schuler Books & Music, a large, Michigan-based chain of bookstores, is now carrying Sea of Trees! You can buy a copy online, or in person at the 28th St location in Grand Rapids, Michigan (in the Fiction section)!

(Location and hours information.)

If you’re in the area, you can now officially check out a copy of my novel Sea of Trees from the Ann Arbor District Library.

And if nothing else, they’ve taken great care in making each branch uniquely gorgeous. Absolutely worth the visit.