I really did intend to write today, but...
Criticism.
From Writer’s Digest, a guide on how to deal with criticism in order to evolve as a writer: “4 Ways to Take Criticism Like a Pro,” by Tanaz Bhathena.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/4-ways-to-take-criticism-like-a-pro
Muhammad Ali as Poet.
“Mrs. Moore and I are going to write a sonnet about my upcoming fight…”
Among the countless stories floating around the internet about the late legendary Muhammed Ali, this one has a literary lean, documenting a meeting between poet Marianne Moore and Muhammad Ali.
https://bookhaven.stanford.edu/2016/06/poet-marianne-moore-meets-muhammad-ali-im-a-poet-too-he-says/
Damn.
This essay by Gabino Iglesias on Dead End Follies brings some heat to the literary establishment: Online Literary Magazines and their (Intense) Diversity Problem.
http://www.deadendfollies.com/blog/online-literary-magazines-diversity-problem
Where's Your Novel?
From a fiction standpoint, I’m a flash fiction/short story writer. As a result, I’ve often been confronted with the question, “But where’s your novel?”
So although I’m far from being a famous short story writer, I can identify with Amber Sparks’ article on Electric Literature: “Let Us Now Praise Famous Short Story Writers (And Demand They Write a Novel).”
Words Unlocked.
From NPR: Young poets in juvenile corrections – and their poems of fury, loss and beauty.
Unsung Heroes.
Check out this feature on from Lit Hub: The Unsung Heroes of the Poetry World.
A feature on some of the hardworking folks who keep some of the small presses afloat. Interesting read.
The “Moist” of It All: A Look at Word Aversion.
A recent study by Paul Thibodeau, a professor of psychology at Oberlin College, examines the phenomenon of "word aversion"--the extremely visceral distaste that some people have in response to certain words, such as "moist," "luggage," and "phlegm." Check out this article about this study and the words that repel us. It got me thinking about the inherent power of these words and how I can use their “yuck factor” to my advantage in my writing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/07/science/moist-word-aversion.html?_r=1
Cult (Books) of Personality.
Cult books, as with films that are considered cult favorites, often contain elements of the extreme, bizarre, or subversive--their power to inspire and persuade seemingly just on the edge of propriety. That is why I thought it would be great to share this awesome top-fifty list of cult books. These books are great to put into your personal reading queue, and I bet some will spark some original ideas for your own writing. Happy reading!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/50-best-cult-books/
Three Microfiction Pieces at A Quiet Courage.
A Quiet Courage is an online literary journal that publishes compelling, poignant, memorable, and well-written microfiction and poetry in 100 words or less. I am happy to announce that three of my microfiction pieces – Cabin Fever, Migrations, and Hopeless – have been published online in A Quiet Courage. Check them out if you get the chance.
https://aquietcourage.wordpress.com/2016/05/14/cabin-fever/
Embrace the Embarrassment.
“To risk something real as a writer is to risk making a fool of oneself.” This essay resonated with me: Idra Novey talks about Learning to Be Embarrassed on the Page.
https://catapult.co/stories/learning-to-be-embarrassed-on-the-page
Thirty Poets.
If you want to get the scoop on some talented poets or are just looking for something new to read, check out this from Literary Hub: 30 Poets You Should Be Reading.
The Tishman Review.
in Publications
Volume 2, Issue 2 of the literary journal The Tishman Review is available for purchase. Among the works included in this issue is my poem “Postlude.”
I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to The TIshman Review and I am looking forward to reading this edition from cover to cover.
An Update About Me.
in Acceptances
I have been so focused on posting resources lately that I haven’t talked very much about my writing. But there are good things happening behind the curtain and many more coming down the pipeline.
I do have a desk drawer and gmail inbox filled with rejection notices. Despite that fact, I have work forthcoming in The Talking Stick, Alchemy, Switched-on-Gutenberg, Opossum, and Birch Gang Review.
2016 has been pretty enjoyable so far from a writing standpoint and I am hoping to make it even better as it progresses on. Be good.
30 Non-Fiction Books a Well-Rounded Person Should Read
Bookmarked for future use: Paul Nowak from Iris Reading has compiled a great list of 30 Non-Fiction Books a Well-Rounded Person Should Read.
As a person who devours reading material, I sometimes wonder if there are books I’ve missed that can help in my never-ending quest to become better-rounded. At a glance, this list can be a great place to start. I was happy to see I’ve already read some of these. I see the value in spending some time with the others and maybe even revisiting ones that I studied previously. Happy reading!
Remembering Prince.
From Electric Literature: Catherine LaSota asks authors to reflect on Prince.
http://electricliterature.com/dearly-beloved-authors-pay-tribute-to-prince/
Counterintuitive advice.
A plea for writers to please stop thinking: an interview with Kathryn Harrison by Joe Fassler.
One great quote from this interview: “And I don’t sit there waiting for that perfect, beautiful sentence, because I know I’m going to sit there forever.” So true, so true.
For the Kids.
Wondering how to get kids more interested in poetry? Then this article is for you: 7 Playful Tactics To Get Kids Writing Poetry.
Obsidian.
in Publications
I just received my copy of Obsidian 41.1 & 41.2 and it looks like it will be a great read.
Obsidian is a premier peer reviewed journal of African and African Diasporic arts and letters published at the Illinois State University Publications Unit.
Thanks to Obsidian Magazine for including my poem “For the Tattooed Woman at Lefty’s Tap” in this issue. Appreciate the support and chance to contribute.
More Suggested Reading.
From The Culture, and perfect for National Poetry Month: 11 Poetry Collections by Black Writers Everyone Should Read.
http://theculture.forharriet.com/2016/04/11-poetry-collections-by-black-writers.html#axzz45nyIuYzd