Hello and thanks for visiting my website!
I was raised on the West Coast and Hawaii and graduated from the University of Hawaii. I have MFAs from Eastern Washington University and the University of Iowa and I’m a two-time MacDowell Fellow. My first book, The Territory of Men: a Memoir, was published in 2002 by Random House to critical acclaim.
I’m excited to announce my next book, another work of nonfiction, was just published by Counterpoint Press and is now on the bookshelves. It’s called The Forest House: a Year’s Journey into the Landscape of Love, Loss and Starting Over, and it’s set where I live now with my young son, in northeast California.
I also write smaller pieces: last year, I was pleased to discover that an essay I wrote was recognized as a Notable Essay in the Best American Essays, 2010 anthology. My award-winning work has appeared in many literary journals including Hawaii Pacific Review, High Desert Journal, Michigan Quarterly Review, Fourth Genre, Crazyhorse, Zyzzyva and The Iowa Review. I also teach writing, and have taught at the Mendocino Writers’ Conference and Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference.
To see a book trailer on YouTube, search for The Forest House – Book Trailer
And “like”
me on Facebook to get updates at: http://www.facebook.com/joellefraserwriter
Have you ever wished you could relive one day? Years ago I met a girl at a coffee shop. Conversation was easy,she was with her mother. At the time I was enrolled in a creative writing workshop, The woman is a writer which helped.Weeks later I received a phone call from this woman inviting me to a reading she was giving in Mendocino. Elated that she called me, I agreed to go. As the date grew closer I grew quite nervous about the whole thing. Im thinking whats this all about. My inner voice says ,man this chick is hot,and smart. Just be yourself. Unfortunately sometime,who knows when, in my head I got this impression that being myself is lacking somehow. Hope im making sense with this. So rather than risking rejection. Or the other crap my tape plays, I didnt go. The worst part of this whole deal is, Im afraid that I hurt this womans feelings. Its been years ago, but I think about that night quite often. Right now Im thinking that this letter wont even be read. That woman probobly doesnt know what Im talking about.. I just cant stop thinking about what would have happened had I went. I really wish I could turn back the clock and find out what or why this has been bothering me for all this time. Billy
By: Anonymous on October 28, 2012
at 4:09 pm
I got your book and am reading it; will shortly finish it. It’s a remarkable piece of work. Thanks for sending it to me and autographing it.
Bo
By: Marvin Blaustein on March 18, 2013
at 1:02 am
So glad you liked it Bo!!!
By: joellefraser1 on April 2, 2013
at 12:20 am
Hi yes I remember you–I’m so sorry it took this long to respond. I don’t actually manage this site…Anyway I hope you are well, and no worries you didn’t hurt my feelings at all way back when. Anyway I did read your letter here and it was nice to hear from you. Take care and keep in touch! Joelle
By: joellefraser1 on April 2, 2013
at 12:21 am