This has been one of the more challenging semesters, but quite fulfilling. Many of the classes I taught were filled with freshmen, excited, then nervous, then exhausted, and now feeling the pinch of the final week. I rode through this roller-coaster with them, while offering encouragement, guidance, and (of course) lessons along the way.…
For two years now I have been working hard to publish my poetry, find teaching positions, and become a local advocate for poetry through readings and starting my own literary journal. At some point with any work, no matter how much you love it, it becomes just that…work.…
I can now breathe a sigh of relief. While last semester sent me into a spiral of letting the non-paid work slide, this semester is turning out a little more balanced. Thank goodness!
I have been able to keep OVS going, write, provide my students with feedback, and spend time with the family.…
I am posting tonight to tell you that my first book will be out in March, 2012! Any Other Branch, the collection I worked on while in graduate school, is being published by Salmon Poetry of Ireland. I am thrilled! On to the next! I am working on a new collection. I have yet to title it, but am leaning towards, Eating Earth.…
As I sit writing this, the fireworks are going off just up the road. Every once in a while, a big one cracks the air and both of my German Shepherds jump to attention and whine. The heat of summer seems to have settled into the White Mountains.…
Well, Spring has come and gone it seems. While the nights in the foothills of the White Mountains are still cool, the bugs are coming with the heat of the day. It is shaping up to be a great year so far!…
I realize that no matter how hard I work, it is about me being happy with what I have done. No matter how many times we try to work harder, better, or reach our goals, there will be pitfalls and hurtles that stand in our way. After receiving a run of rejections from literary presses, dealing with an individual who doesn’t give a pat on the back due to frustration and economic concern, and generally feeling the Spring blah, I have decided to just let all of the stress of it dissolve. In order to do this, I need to cut myself some slack. Recognize that I have worked long and hard to get to a point in my life where I can support a family, dabble in my writing, run a few open mics, and teach as time allows.…
As usual, I am remiss in my postings. I keep promising myself I will post once a week, minimum! Alas, I have been far too insane with other projects.
As I sit writing this tonight, I am printing off my application to the McDowell Colony.…
Well, today came with mixed responses and emotions. I heard from the New Southerner, they are publishing my review of Sarah Luczaj’s new collection of poetry An Urgent Request. Pirene’s Fountain Poetry Journal rejected several of my poems, but requested I send more as they, “like my style.” I am anxiously awaiting a response from Night Train on the only poem they haven’t rejected “Pumpkins.”
In just a few minutes I am going to break out the guitar for the first time in months and sing my kids to sleep.…
During this weekend I have been working on the finishing touches of a book review, packing my house, and trying to market myself as a poet. Packing is refreshing in a way, the book review is fun, and marketing…well I do that everyday at work for others and it seems to be harder to do it for myself.…