Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

Tally-Ho!

My blogging time with Poetry Has Value may have reached its end, but that doesn’t mean I can’t continue to share my poetry submission stats with you. So here’s the report for the month of April.

First, a prelude: I’m sorry to say that despite my most noble intentions, National Poetry Month was a generative bust for me. (I think I drafted just two new poems.)

Also, if you’re new to these posts, it may be helpful for you to know that I work very hard to submit my work mainly to paying venues that don’t charge fees for journal/website publication. If you’re similarly looking for paying calls and contests that don’t charge submission fees, you’re always welcome to check my monthly newsletter (and with my weekly “Monday Markets” posts on this blog). And if you’d like to know more about how, generally speaking, I choose where to send my work, this Literary Hub essay remains a good standby.

On with the April report: (more…)

Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

Nice Surprise #1

I was elated when, last November, Cathryn Hankla accepted my poem “Fighting Words” for The Hollins Critic.

But I had no idea when, exactly, the poem would be published. So it was a nice surprise to arrive home the other day and discover a thick envelope containing a set of contributor copies. (And, yes, a check!)


(more…)

Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

Something This Writer Has in Common with Prince Harry

ICYMI: Britain’s Prince Harry recently made his podcast debut. (He did so as part of an ongoing collaboration with his brother and his sister-in-law—aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—to promote mental health and de-stigmatize the subject; I applaud all that they’re doing.)

As it happens, I’ll be making my own first podcast appearance soon enough! (more…)

Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

Back from #AWP17

Like thousands of other writers, I journeyed to our nation’s capital this past week for the latest gathering of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). And, I suspect also like many others, I’m still “processing” those days.

One definite highlight for me, however, was Thursday evening’s “off-site” event at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (Fun fact: This panel event originated as an AWP session proposal. Which AWP rejected. Just another reminder that rejection doesn’t necessarily signal “the end.”)

I’m waiting for the video of “Memory Transferred: Voices from the Descendants of Destruction and Displacement” to be posted to the Museum’s YouTube channel. In the meantime, though, I can share one of the event’s photos. (more…)