Stay in the know

Sign up for our free newsletters to receive the latest news directly in your inbox.

Become a Supporter of the Independent!

Coachella Valley Independent’s award-winning journalism is available to all, free of charge. Help keep it that way.

$
$
$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Paying the transaction fee is not required, but it directs more money in support of our mission.
Posted inLiterature

Western Lit: Erika Krouse’s Novel ‘Contenders’ Is Full of Welcome Surprises, Surprising Upheavals

Each chapter of Contenders—Colorado writer Erika Krouse’s sharp, fresh debut novel of love, street fighting and deep-rooted disaffection—begins with a brief parable from martial arts lore or Asian folk traditions. In one, a squirrel tells a bird that he knows 15 ways to escape a fox. The bird, however, knows only one way: He flies. […]

Sign In

We've recently sent you an authentication link. Please, check your inbox!

Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email.

Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password.

Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password.

OR

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.