I’m a web producer at the Chronicle of Higher Education, and a freelance writer and editor. I live in Washington, DC. My current (big) project is a book about Proposition 8 and Mormonism.
Programming note: until I get my act together and build a real online profile, this is as close as you’ll get to one. Below are a handful of things I’ve written, mostly on other sites, though there are links at the bottom to old posts that I particularly like from 2007-2010, when I blogged right here. Without further ado:
Essays:
Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism: The Awl, 2010
“Unfortunately, few things settle one’s opinions like being persecuted for them.”
Team Earth! A Cure for the Common Cold: The Awl, 2010
“Please note: this method will make your face feel like it is exploding and you should not try it.”
Reporting:
Plotting a Library: The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2011
A science-fiction fan takes on the task of mapping the genre.
Suicide Barriers at Cornell Could Be Delayed: The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2010
The project faces an uncertain future because of a spat between members of the firm tapped to design barriers on campus bridges.
Biodegradable Forks: Not So Biodegradable: The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2010
I don’t think I need to blurb that one.
Community Colleges Take on Clean Energy Training: National Wildlife Federation, 2009
Reports predict that the workers in highest demand will be ‘middle-skilled,’ requiring education beyond high school but no bachelor’s degree.
A Man of Means: The Second Pass, 2010
Independent People, the best Icelandic novel I’ve ever read.
The Tense, Thrown Like a Switch: The Rumpus, 2010
Paul Farley’s The Atlantic Tunnel.
Given Sugar, Given Salt: The Second Pass, 2011
Scroll down: I’m #5 or so.
Failed Attempt at Feminism tell girls the truth
the nature of relics how i become old
the opposite of starvation Louise Gluck
swoon Silversun Pickups, Zooey Deschanel, honesty as a weapon
how to write a faith-dismissing blog post based on “science” for a women’s website as described
Poor Leroy Bacon nothing to do with the writing, but priceless, priceless, cultural anthropology
shining, perishable dream New York; the ways in which I do and don’t agree with Joan Didion
Satis House Glee, Charles Dickens
Other: You can also see what I’m sharing on Reader, and, of course, I will always answer mail at xarissa [dot] holdaway [at] gmail. Ta!
4 comments
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March 1, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Kate
We’ll miss you.
I’m all too familiar with the disenchantment of blogging. Hopefully you’ll find another creative outlet!
March 1, 2010 at 2:58 pm
matt b
:lighter:
March 1, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Pangolin
You *like* letters? Could have fooled me. ;)
I guess I’ll just have to get used to a less Xarissa-y life.
March 1, 2010 at 8:44 pm
jooj
no oh no. i know you have hinted at it before, but still. no oh no xarissa!! :( :(
will write a proper epistle soon.