Robin Hemley
@rhemley.bsky.social
Award-winning author of 16 books of nonfiction and fiction. Guggenheim. Pushcarts. Rockefeller Foundation. Former Director Nonfiction Writing Program, University of Iowa. Founder, NonfictioNOW. Co-founder Authors at Large. Co-editor, Speculative Nonfiction
Our Authors at Large writing retreat to Iceland has wrapped up after a great week of writing, readings, hiking, and otherwise exploring. Now it’s time to start planning the next one 18 months from now.
I’m reading tomorrow night (May 6) at 7:30 at Whoopsie Daisy Wine Bar in Brooklyn, 225 Rogers, along with several other writers, all born in May. Fun concept for a reading series. Come join us if you can.
My essay on lost things is featured on LitHub this month. Originally appeared in New England Review. bsky.app/profile/lite...
Lit Hub@literaryhub.bsky.social · 6mo ago@rhemley.bsky.social explores the significance of lost and misplaced objects on a three-month sojourn to Europe.
This week, I’ve been thinking about when The Misfit shoots the Grandmother. It’s right after she reacts not in fear or anger, but with compassion. It’s just too terrifying for him and he shoots her. So many Misfits creating mayhem right now and a lot of good people looking down the barrel of a gun.
Heading to DC for a workshop and reading at George Mason University tomorrow. So nice to just hop on the train from NYC rather than all the hassle of air travel.
Looking forward to my reading tonight and conversation with Amy Margolis at my favorite bookstore!
Prairie Lights Books@prairielights.com · last yr.Join us tonight at 7 pm for a reading by @rhemley.bsky.social !
I guess I must be a funny guy (or funghi) if Jane Curtin and Mike Doyle read a story of mine for Selected Shorts!
Symphony Space@symphonyspace.bsky.social · last yr.On this week's Selected Shorts episode, Negin Farsad, Tony Hale, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Jane Curtin, & Mike Doyle perform stories by @anandwrites.bsky.social, Gerald Jones & Jean Marple, David Sedaris, & @rhemley.bsky.social. Take a listen! bit.ly/4lPDqaN (Photos by @qbertplaya.bsky.social)
Today is the publication date of my new collection of essays, HOW TO CHNAGE HISTORY: A Salvage Project. This one took only 25 years to write. bookshop.org/p/books/how-...
How to Change History: A Salvage Project
A Salvage Project
bookshop.org
Never forget this day, February 28, 2025, when an American president abused and betrayed a democratic ally in the midst of a barbaric war with Russia. This grotesque stain will never wash away.
If you want to buy something tomorrow, buy books from indie publishers and university presses. Not from Amazon of course.
Currently appearing at UK bus-stops. More of this pointed ridicule, please.
It’s probably completely logical to him. He thought, “it’s a strip like Las Vegas. A few casinos. Maybe a boardwalk like Atlantic City.”
AOC: I don’t care what Elon Musk is doing behind the presidential seal, but in this country we hate Nazis. Kind of like a foundational defining thing. Two of the foundational things about American history is that we beat the confederates and we beat the Nazis.
One thing I love about Iowa City is that my doctors almost always want to read my books. My eye doctor who will performing a surgery on me in early January just asked me for my “best nonfiction book” for him and a book of fiction for his wife. I’m going to ask him for free surgery in return!
Wish I were back in Iceland where I Just spent the last three months teaching at The University of Iceland. Such a privilege to have had such a long time to immerse myself in Icelandic culture and arts.
My keynote last week at the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators Festival in Chiang Mai went as well as anything I’ve ever delivered. Many people suggested I publish it but it’s long, over 5000 words. The title, “How to Change History: A Salvage Project.” Suggestions where to send are welcome!
Okay, a bit stressful traveling today but at least there’s laksa at my travel lounge in Singapore.
Please spare a thought for the Philippines, which has been pummelled by 4 typhoons in the past 10 days. We continue to be one of the countries most at risk to climate change.
Nahel Belgherze@wxnb.bsky.social · 2y agoThe Philippines have now been hit by four typhoons in the span of just 10 days. Can't say I recall ever seeing this before.
Off to Chiang Mai in a few minutes. Bracing myself for four planes and the weird bubble of seemingly endless flight over the Pacific. First stop Denver, then SF, then Singapore, then Bangkok. I have my neck pillow, my water, my positive attitude. I’m ready.
I’m considering changing the title of my Substack to How to Change History, which is the title of my forthcoming book as well as a keynote in delivering a week in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s also the subject of my most recent post on Substack. robinhemley.substack.com
Heading to Thailand at the end of this week for the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators Association, where I’m give a keynote in Chiang Mai titled after my forthcoming book, How to Change History: A Salvage Project. My first time to Chiang Mai.
Hi All, leaving X finally! Looking forward to interacting with you here.
Heading to lovely Williamstown, MA this weekend to see my daughter in a play. Excited for that but equally excited to be taking a train and not driving or flying.
I’m not much of an thriller reader, but I enjoyed this one by a pseudonymous friend whose other work I admire as well. Just the right amount of seediness, setting, and character development to adrenalin ratio.
