I am a Washington, D.C.-based writer, editor and workshop facilitator.
My selected publishing credits include:
Art
“Writing Better Together” (The University of VirginiaMagazine) An essay about the importance of participating in a literary community, as well as the benefits of drinking while writing.
“Culture Framed: Iranian Art Exhibit Aims To Defy Stereotypes” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with Nikoo Paydar and Narges Bajoghli, curators of the TRANSFORM/NATION art show at Arlington’s Ellipse Arts Center, which highlighted the art of cutting edge artists living inside and outside of Iran.
“The Art of Punk” (Pink Line Project) Punk show flyers are art. They convey information but they are also historical documents of moments in our cultural, social and political lives.
“How to Host a D.I.Y. Writing Workshop” (CultureFphile) Lessons I’ve learned from teaching creative writing workshops.
“Raku, Renewed: Setting in Motion A New Spin On The Potter’s Wheel” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with Ramon Camarillo, who practices the traditional art of raku.
Blog
“As Plain as Black and White: South African Photographer Michael Wyeth” (DC Scorpiongirl blog) South African photographer discusses his photo series that captures the patrons of an underground, mixed race nightclub during the brutal apartheid era.
“Artist Alfredo “Libre” Gutierrez is Free” (DC Scorpiongirl blog) Q & A with innovative Mexican artist, Libre, whose unique artistic style depicts a narrative born of the streets of his native Tijuana and his chosen Mexico City.
Books (Author Interviews)
“Genocide, Through Children’s Eyes PW Talks With Uwem Akpan” (Publishers Weekly) Q & A with African author Uwem Akpan, whose book Say You’re One of Them was recently chosen as a pick by Oprah Winfrey.
“A Man of Change: PW Talks with Mark Sarvas A Web-Exclusive Q&A” (Publishers Weekly) Interview with author about his book, Harry, Revised.
Education
What Is the Purpose of Education? (Education Update) If you were to ask even a relatively small group of teachers, administrators, students, parents, community members, business leaders, and policymakers to address the question of purpose, how difficult do you think it would be to reach a consensus? You might have better luck asking, “What is the meaning of life?”
Can Your School Meet the Goals of the National Education Technology Plan? (Policy Priorities) An analysis of the National Education Technology Plan 2010, a five-year plan that outlines the Department of Education’s goals and objectives for technology use in U.S. schools.
Making Content Connections Through Arts Integration (Education Update) Dwindling school resources, as well as pressure to meet the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act, have led many schools to narrow the curriculum, leaving behind arts instruction. But, through carefully designed integrated curricula, educators can still provide students with arts education.
How to Manage Your Stress (Education Update) Stress management tips from educators, health professionals, and stress management experts.
Challenging Content: Teaching Banned Books in the Classroom (Education Update) Many educators argue that teaching young people content that offers a different or even critical view of society, the government, or religion helps students hone their close reading and thinking skills. This article looks at ways teachers can protect students’ right to read.
Fiction
“Road Trip” (Bohemia, p.43) Girl leaves home.
Music
Willona On Wax: Seattle Grunge & African Psych (AudioFemme) In this monthly column I review new and vintage vinyl.
“Show Review: Minus the Bear & O’Brother” (D.C. Music Download) On paper, the match-up of O’Brother and Minus the Bear seemed odd. O’Brother is a sludgy, post-metal band. Minus the Bear is all jingly and jangly, rhythmic and pop-y. Those sounds don’t mix. Or, so I would have thought.
“All Fired Up: DJ Enferno Joined Madonna on Tour” (The University of Virginia Magazine) Commerce School grad Eric Jao, a.k.a. DJ Enferno, landed an opportunity of a lifetime while performing a set at a bar in Orlando. A former U.Va. classmate (whom I didn’t actually know), Jao greatly enhanced my clubbing experience at the University.
“‘Organic Electronica’: Solo Artist Yoko K. Blends Classical Training with Modern Sound” (Northern Virginia magazine) Yoko K. creates a wonderfully ethereal electronica that blends rich instrumentation with her breathy vocal style.
“Endless Possicobilities? Eastern Influences Expand Band’s Width of Jazz” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with Chinese jazz musician Coco Zhao, who was dubbed the “Boy Billie Holiday” after performing at a German jazz fest.
Poetry
Untitled (queen) (BlazeVOX) Published in Fall 2014 issue.
Travel
“Baptism By Fire and Ice: My Journey to Iceland” Achieving a dream come true at the first annual Iceland Writers Retreat.
“Made in Banff” My experience doing a writing residency in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
“Dancing on a Glacier” (Afar) My journey to the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada.
“Road Trip: The Nature of Reston” (The Washington Post) A fun, quirky tour guide celebrating the history and culture of Reston, Virginia, which was one of the first planned communities in the nation.
Willona M. Sloan 