I write primarily in my mother tongue, English. So why was it important to me to join the Swedish Writers Union? And, once admitted, why did it feel like an honor? My written Swedish is quite fluent, but it is “bureaucrat Swedish,” honed by years working as a consultant or as a director in a … Continue reading I Joined the Swedish Writers Union
Arts & Literature
Why I wrote “American Troubadour” — and why the song is more relevant than ever
If you want to listen first and then read the article, go to Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music (and other services). Or listen free at this website: AmericanTroubadour.com. Every time I tried to tell you the words just came out wrong, so I’ll have to say “I love you” in a song. — Jim Croce, … Continue reading Why I wrote “American Troubadour” — and why the song is more relevant than ever
I got sick and rediscovered Paul Simon
Fever, chills, and all the frills – that’s what it took to get me to watch the two-part documentary “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon” (highly recommended). My own restless dreams were of the feverish variety, lacking any sense or plot. Watching this masterful history of a phenomenally gifted songwriter, during short moments … Continue reading I got sick and rediscovered Paul Simon
Launching a new book: “Embraces, Vincent”
I am so pleased to announce the publication of this new book by my friend Vincent Williams (1933-2017). I had the pleasure and honor of editing it, together with Vincent’s daughter, Alexina Thorén Williams (who initiated and led the project). Purchase the book on Amazon.com or Amazon.se Vincent was a truly unique, wonderful person and … Continue reading Launching a new book: “Embraces, Vincent”
Why I am a stubborn optimist
Issue #10 of my personal newsletter, Words & Music My North Star platform at the Greenbiz.com website is no more. But they still publish columns by me when i send them. You can see the whole archive here. Maybe this column will be my last one -- I have been writing columns for a long … Continue reading Why I am a stubborn optimist
Harder but not impossible: Covid-19 and the Sustainable development goals
Issue #9 of my personal newsletter, Words & Music After a year of quiet, I finally published a new column on my North Star platform at the Greenbiz.com website. This column was also published in a Swedish version, here. Plus there's an afterword, on music, and some news about book translations. Here's the column: In … Continue reading Harder but not impossible: Covid-19 and the Sustainable development goals
Reflections on (Covid) Ephiphany
Stockholm, Old Town (Gamla Stan), 6 Jan 2021 I confess that I went to a museum today. Stockholm’s Fotografiska lets in just 8 people every half hour, for 90-minute slots. There are never more than 24 people in the whole museum of photography, which occupies a large former warehouse at the docks. So I felt … Continue reading Reflections on (Covid) Ephiphany
Covid side-effects: two books, two stories
Covid-19 has had many side unexpected side-effects. While I have so far avoided the virus (I think), I have not avoided certain side-effects — like having more time to write. The result was two books, two stories. Story 1 Last summer, I completed a new book. It is a very unusual book, even by my … Continue reading Covid side-effects: two books, two stories
Relaunching “Words&Music” – my personal newsletter
Dear reader, This post invites you to sign up for my newsletter, Words&Music. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/duzZz9 Now here's the background: In May 2018, I assumed a new professional position, working as Director of the Department of Partnership & Innovation at Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Becoming a public official in Sweden caused … Continue reading Relaunching “Words&Music” – my personal newsletter
Launching “Swedified” – a new blog
For years, I have wanted to write about what it is like to come to this small, unusual country — Sweden — and then become part of it. There is a Swedish word used to describe foreign people (or things) that have been absorbed by the unique culture of Sweden, but have been given a … Continue reading Launching “Swedified” – a new blog
Alan AtKisson 