Debut

April 02, 2006

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea."

There's truth in Isak Dinesen's words, and also romance: after all, one might suggest, say, food and shelter are other useful elements in our lives.

Dinesen, whose true name was Karen Blixon, was a Danish woman who operated a coffee farm in Kenya from 1914 to 1931. Her famed storytelling eventually emerged on paper. Out of Africa was her favorite of her many books "because it is true." But she was also a prolific writer of dark-edged tales--long, luxurious stories that rattle and creak and slant reality with unabashed verve.

I don't mean to imply, by naming this website after her, that Isak will be a tribute site, or a research site, or a bio site. Rather, Isak is a space to celebrate tales and truths in the curious, loving way that embodies the spirit of the writer for which it is named.

By tales, I mean fiction (especially short fiction), as well as other literary and artistic narratives. By truths, I mean the world in which we live. I especially have my eye on creative social justice.

And I take the word "celebrating" in Isak's tagline seriously. While there is so much to fear for in this world (hello, U.S. empire!), and, dare I say, an equal amount to fear in the artistic world, it's impossible to ignore the causes for joy and hope.

Let's explore them together.

Welcome to Isak.

Posted at 06:27 PM in Isak | Permalink

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Isak

Isak is a space to celebrate tales and truth in the curious, joyful way embodied by the writer for which it is named. The name "Isak," after all, means "laughter," as she was fond of pointing out.

By tales, I mean fiction (especially short fiction), as well as other literary and artistic narratives. By truth, I mean the world in which we live. I especially have my eye on creative social justice.

Isak: The Extended Version

Support Isak

For more than five years, I have edited Isak, supporting it with my time and treasure. I keep my commitment to keep this site ad-free. I do this because I believe in this as a project and because it is a joy. If you find this website valuable in any way, and if you are moved to contribute a donation to support it, I would be deeply grateful. All funds will go toward the enhancement of this site and its resources.

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