John Yunker 
I grew up around cats, so it always struck me as odd when people didn’t understand what a cat’s purr signified. Then again, I did not grow up around cows or goats or sheep and don’t understand their behaviors. You have to learn how to live among animals. How to read the languages they speak through their body …
Just a quick post to let everyone know that the contest closes on September 15th. The prize judge is Ann Pancake and we plan to have finalists announced by December. The winner receives $1,ooo; an offer of publication from Ashland Creek Press; and a four-week residency at PLAYA. Click here to learn more.
In Flight Ways: Life and Loss at the Edge of Extinction, environmental philosopher Thom van Dooren tells the stories of five species of bird: Albatross Little Penguin Indian Vulture Whooping Crane Hawaiian Crow Each species sheds light on a different “extinction story.” We begin with the albatross — birds that spend most of their lives gliding inches above the sea, …
In Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel, Carl Safina sets out on a global journey to listen to and understand animals on their terms and not ours. By the end of this book, I can guarantee that readers will come away with a greater appreciation for the self-awareness, intelligence, and empathy of the animals we share this planet …
Chatham University literary journal The Fourth River is now accepting poetry, fiction and nonfiction for a special supplement addressing climate change: The Fourth River wants to hear how writers approach the concept of “climate change” in a theme insert to be included in our 13th print issue, scheduled for spring, 2016. We want to hear your …
It’s always exciting to see a new literary journal launch with a focus on environment writing. So please welcome Zoomorphic, a new online journal founded by James Roberts and Susan Richardson and “dedicated to writing that deepens our connection with wildlife and the more-than-human world.” I recently conducted a brief Q&A to learn a bit more. Here …
Orion Magazine has announced its 2015 Book Award winners: Non-fiction winner: Feral: Rewilding the Land, the Sea, and Human Life, by George Monbiot (University of Chicago Press), Finalists: A Country Called Childhood, by Jay Griffiths (Counterpoint) The Sixth Extinction, by Elizabeth Kolbert (Henry Holt and Company) > See the EcoLit Books Review by Midge Raymond Windfall, by …
The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics has issued an important report that calls for the “de-normalisation of animal experimentation.” The report is backed by numerous scientists, scholars, theologians and writers, such as Coetzee. You can view the report here. According to the report: The deliberate and routine abuse of innocent, sentient animals involving harm, pain, suffering, …
The Association for the Study of Literature and Environment has announced the finalists for their bi-annual book awards: Creative Award Finalists: Bitten: My Unexpected Love Affair with Florida by Andrew Furman (memoir/essays) The Small Heart of Things: Being at Home in a Beckoning World by Julian Hoffman (creative nonfiction) Dark. Sweet. by Linda Hogan (poetry) …
In A Buzz in the Meadow: The Natural History of a French Farm by Dave Goulson, insects are given the respect they are due. For it is insects, in all their weird and wild ways, that keep this planet, and us, alive. The book tells the story about the author’s adventures after having purchased a French farm …
Terrain’s 6th annual contest for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry is now accepting submissions. The winner of each genre receives $500. Judges are as follows: Luis Alberto Urrea – Fiction Scott Russell Sanders – Nonfiction Pattiann Rogers – Poetry Entry fee is $15. Learn more here.
