RAWI & AWP; open letter to PEN; Jewish Book Council initiative; more plagiarism from John Kucera; Chat GPT and editing; return of lit mags; merger of lit mags; jobs & opptys; markets & more
I am a reader of the newsletter though not typically active in the comments. I felt compelled to echo others — thank you Becky for reporting with integrity. I had not been aware of the goings-on at AWP.
As an American Jew of SWANA heritage, I have found Erika Dreifus's rhetoric and (seemingly uncritical) support of Israel, and implicitly its genocide, to be so off-putting that I unsubscribed from her newsletter. It saddens me to see someone I used to respect devalue Arab life in this way. I believe it is this devaluation of life — rather than criticism of Israel — that is ultimately cultivating antisemitism in this country and globally.
< John Kucera, known plagiarist, just submitted to Thimble Literary Magazine using the email johnkucera33@gmail.com, same as he usually does. This time with the name R.J. Franz. The email comes up as John Kucera, but now he's stating another name. ... >
Am I the only one who is mystified by the calls for a ceasefire in Gaza? The Palestinians HAD a ceasefire before they brutally raped, murdered and beheaded some 1300 Israelis. Now they’re surprised that Israel is fighting back? Give me a break.
Becky,
Thank you for reporting in a neutral way on disagreements within the literary community over the Middle East. Much appreciated.
I am a reader of the newsletter though not typically active in the comments. I felt compelled to echo others — thank you Becky for reporting with integrity. I had not been aware of the goings-on at AWP.
As an American Jew of SWANA heritage, I have found Erika Dreifus's rhetoric and (seemingly uncritical) support of Israel, and implicitly its genocide, to be so off-putting that I unsubscribed from her newsletter. It saddens me to see someone I used to respect devalue Arab life in this way. I believe it is this devaluation of life — rather than criticism of Israel — that is ultimately cultivating antisemitism in this country and globally.
Thank you for always being brave, Becky, and for not shying away from controversy. So rare these days.
Oh, no one knows the zine trouble I've seen!
I stole a crummy story! Is that obscene?
When friends see my bio, they always turn green.
But the consequences were (sadly) unforeseen.
Editors have accused me (- MOI!!! -) of being mean.
Hey, I'm not just a thief! I'm a legend --- a machine.
- - Yours truly, John Kucera / R. .J. Franz
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< John Kucera, known plagiarist, just submitted to Thimble Literary Magazine using the email johnkucera33@gmail.com, same as he usually does. This time with the name R.J. Franz. The email comes up as John Kucera, but now he's stating another name. ... >
Am I the only one who is mystified by the calls for a ceasefire in Gaza? The Palestinians HAD a ceasefire before they brutally raped, murdered and beheaded some 1300 Israelis. Now they’re surprised that Israel is fighting back? Give me a break.
If plagiarists have ever been paid, then there is a trail to find them. PayPal, cashed cheques, etc. all link to bank accts and can be traced.
Your ending diatribe inspired me once again! Thank you, Becky!
I, for one, would be perfectly happy to see the "legacy" of Creative Nonfiction not live on.