Partners in Truth and Beauty March 2011: A conversation with Sage Cohen, author of The Productive Writer

Portland writer Sage Cohen talks with Christopher Luna about how to be a productive writer

Sage Cohen has achieved a level of success that many writers merely dream about. A respected poet and teacher, she has also written two books on craft for Writer’s Digest: Writing the Life Poetic and The Productive Writer. Sage has worked hard to establish herself, and has learned many important lessons along the way. Her generosity of spirit has driven her to share what she has learned with others who are struggling, or just getting started. Writing the Life Poetic is a great book filled with practical advice for beginning and veteran poets alike. Sage also edits an e-zine of the same name that contains words of wisdom from local authors including Steve Williams and Constance Hall, Brittany Baldwin, Toni Partington, and myself (http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs010/1100476723030/archive/1102663212204.html).

The Productive Writer contains many helpful tips on time management, professionalism, building relationships, and “putting vision into action.” As Cohen explains, “productivity is a lifestyle choice. Just as a vegetarian reinforces daily this way of life with the food he chooses to eat, the Productive Writer holds a clear and meaningful value that gets expressed in a myriad of ways every single day—in the writing she does, the relationships she has, the spirit in which she works, and the opportunities she creates to move toward her goals.” The good news is that the ideas Sage shares are simple, useful, and easy to implement right away. The Productive Writer can be used to make big changes in your writing practice through exercises designed to help you face your fears, motivate yourself, and manage your submissions.

Sage Cohen recently agreed to answer a few questions about her new book and her work helping writers increase their output and efficiency. I was particularly interested in how her ideas can help poets to be more productive.

How did you begin writing?

This question lands for me much the same as "How did you begin living?" At some point when I had enough mastery of language and writing to put them in service to my needs, I found that life made more sense and my experience was easier to navigate with writing as my lens. It took many years to have self-consciousness that I was actually writing, as there was no goal other than to keep myself company, and no intended audience beyond myself.

What was the hardest part of becoming a productive writer? What time management challenges did you face?

This challenge is different for everyone. For me, the hardest part has always been prioritizing myself and my writing ahead of my many, many other commitments. It's been an ongoing dance, discerning how to live a life that reflects my goals -- both personal and professional -- and nourishes my being while giving service in the ways that matter to me.

When did you know that you had discovered your platform? How did it change your creative process?

In a class on platform with Christina Katz, I proposed platforms on a variety of topics ranging from single parenting to pet care, and Christina reflected back to me very simply, "But aren't you a poet?" Somehow, I had neglected to consider my most important craft to be platform-worthy. With this feedback, a lightbulb went on. I named my platform "Writing the Life Poetic," and within a year, I was teaching online poetry classes, producing a zine and writing a nonfiction book by that same name.

What have you learned from business writing that has helped you to write poetry?

I have become more methodical in my approach to writing poetry and learned to trust the labor of it, regardless of outcome. I sit down and work at something, anything -- revising an older poem, freewriting, following a phrase or image to see where it leads me -- understanding that it is the work of showing up to the blank page with an open heart and moving pen (or fingers on the keyboard) that creates the space for what wants to come through to reveal itself.

And, because I have come to trust my authority as a business writer, I think I also trust myself more as a poet. I know what I'm doing with language, which helps me surrender to all that I don't know about language as I'm in the throes of a poem's particular blindnesses.

One of the great things about The Productive Writer is that it demonstrates how useful it is to be organized. Have you always been this organized, or was it a skill you developed over time? What
mistakes did you make, and what did they teach you?

I am definitely temperamentally suited to organization. I feel better when my life, my work and my stuff is orderly. But I see my organization systems as a work in progress -- one that I've been refining all of my life. I don't like to feel overwhelmed, and I don't like to miss deadlines and I don't like to lose information that is important to me. These discomforts have driven me to find ways to effectively manage and prioritize a huge amount of information, paperwork, goals, deadlines, and now the ever-outgrown toddler clothes! I claim no mastery over this pursuit, but I do have a passion for the process.

Who inspires you?

My son Theo and our muse menagerie of two dogs and three cats are constantly awakening me to the poetry of our ordinary, magnificent lives together.

Who are some of the professionals who inspire you to be productive?

The example and guidance of Christina Katz (http://christinakatz.com/) taught me a great deal about career trajectory, pacing, platform, community building and authoring in the productive writing life. Christina was the most powerful influence in my platform creation and pitching, writing and promotion of my two, nonfiction books.

Seth Godin (http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/) is the most productive thinker / writer / paradigm-transformer I have ever experienced. He churns out insightful books faster than Superman leaps tall buildings.

Jen Lemen (http://www.mondobeyondo.org/) is a social media / community-building / content-creation genius.

Chris Guillebeau (http://www.chrisguillebeau.com/) has cultivated a movement through his blog that has sustained him financially and led to a traditional book deal. On his blog, in his book and through a number of free offerings, he generously shares with readers how he's done the whole shebang.

Do you have a professional mentor? What did you learn from this person?

One of my favorite tips for writers is, "Pretend you are Pam." Meaning, when you get stuck in fear that you don't know enough or aren't good enough to do something, pretend you're someone you believe to be worthy. I swear, it will catapult you right out of your own imagined failure into something far more interesting.

This example has grown out of my own habit of imitating my dear friend, colleague and role model for many, many years: Pamela Kim. Back in 1997, she was my boss and then my business partner. Over the years we have collaborated on endless work and life projects, often serving as each other's primary feedback loop. I have learned from Pam so much about being a professional business woman, creating truly useful systems, and having a productive writing life that is in harmony with who I am and what I want from my life and my work.

How is business writing different from writing a poem?

When I'm writing copy for a client, my goal is to understand their objectives, get inside the perspective of the targeted reader, and then tell a story that bridges the two--showing the end user how a particular product or service is going to address some specific problem or need. So, the writing approach is extremely strategic, with a focus on telling a particular story that inspires a very particular outcome. And, I'm working with a client who is the ultimate decision maker about what I've written. When they are satisfied with what I've written, that's how I know when content is final.

When I write a poem, I am in a completely receptive space that is pretty much the opposite of strategic. It's more like listening for language to choose me, and then meeting it at the page. As words, images, music start unfolding, I grope around for a palpable sense of what they want from me. It's almost like being a beginning partner dancer -- the follower -- paired with an expert leader. I follow the cues as best I can. And once I have a draft, I'm generally cutting back to the quick of the poem's barest and truest intention, trying to release its scent from the burden of words.

In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake that many writers make?

Ready for a tongue-twister? I think that thinking of mistakes as -- well -- mistakes is the biggest mistake a writer can make. I try to view things that didn't go as I had hoped as opportunities for learning more about myself, my writing, the human experience, the publishing world -- whatever the case may be.

How does one repair one’s relationship with a client if the work is unsatisfactory?

I don't think a client relationship is ever irreparable if the writer has been professional about meeting deadlines, communicating well and delivering something that reflects their best effort to meet the client's expectations.

I consider any content that doesn't meet a client's expectations to be a reflection of a miscommunication about objectives. If something isn't hitting the mark, I ask for more information about what the client is striving to accomplish with the communication, how they feel that my draft is not achieving that, and then refine from there.

Of course, it's possible that a client and a writer could decide that they are not a match after a few rounds of revision, and that's ok. Like any relationship, sometimes you have to take a few paces together before discovering that what the client is seeking and what you are offering do not resonate well.

In the book, you talk about embracing fear. Please say a few words about how and why writers should embrace fear, and how this has been a useful tool for you.

I think fear is the number one productivity kabosher. Perfectionism and procrastination are two sneaky ways that fear derails us. Chances are good that if there's some goal you have in your writing life that you're not moving toward, fear is at the root. I dedicated an entire chapter in The Productive Writer to helping writers work with fear in the hopes that it becomes a source of fuel rather than a dead end--because fear actually has tremendous energy that can be harnessed to our benefit.

Probably the scariest thing in my writing life has been public speaking. Because I have been so terrified of it, I made myself do it at every opportunity throughout my life. The more I have practiced, the more relaxed and effective I have become at speaking to an audience. These days, I'm noticing how I actually need that fear energy to give me the big burst of adrenaline that gets me through the hour or two or three when I'm "on."

My hope is that writers will find ways to honor the negative stories that come up when we are afraid, while learning not to let them stop us. In the movie A Beautiful Mind, there is a moment when John Nash (played by Russell Crowe), the famed, schizophrenic mathematician, is is told that he will be awarded the Nobel prize in Economics. He is taking a walk with the person from the Nobel prize committee who asks him, approximately, "How did you silence those voices that were interfering with your work and your life?"

Nash replies something to the effect of, "I didn't stop them. They're talking to me right now. I have simply made a choice to stop engaging with what they're saying."

This is every writer's opportunity with fear -- to learn to live with the negative stories that get air time in our minds -- without letting them limit what we know we are called to do. The productive writer feels the fear and does it anyway.


Sage Cohen is the author of Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World. She holds an M.A. in creative writing from New York University and a B.A. from Brown University. Sage lectures and teaches widely—including the popular online class Poetry for the People, publishes the Writing the Life Poetic zine and recently launched the online community and learning laboratory The Path of Possibility (http://pathofpossibility.com/). She and her son, Theo, live in Portland, Oregon.

The interview above is the latest in a series of conversations between Christopher Luna and his Partners in Truth and Beauty. To read the earlier interviews in this series, follow the links provided below.

Derek Fenner, artist, writer, and co-founder of Bootstrap Press: http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com/2010/02/work-february-2010-interview-with-derek.html

Ryan Gallagher, co-founder of Bootstrap Press and translator of Catullus: http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com/2010/04/work-april-2010-interview-with-ryan.html

Apply Now for Sage Cohen's Poetry for the People

SAGE COHEN offers POETRY FOR THE PEOPLE class, Levels 1 and 2 starting May 3

Tune into the poetry of your life -- and get it down on the page -- while cultivating your craft toolbox and fine-tuning your revision skills. Six classes in six weeks--taught by email.

Level 1: May 5 - June 16, 2010
Level 2: May 3 - June 14, 2010

Learn more and register:
http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/classes-with-sage-cohen.html

Apply for 1 of 2 POETRY FOR THE PEOPLE scholarships -- for classes starting in May

Would you like to study poetry but can't afford it? Sage Cohen is offering two scholarships for her Poetry for the People Level 1 and Level 2 classes (one per class) starting in May.

Scholarship applications will be accepted through April 15, and winners will be announced on April 24 at Sage Cohen's blog: http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com

Learn more and apply:
http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/2010/03/poetry-for-the-people-scholarship-applications-now-open-for-may-classes.html

POETRY E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2010

Happy new year, poets and poetry lovers!


Please join us for the book launch for Toni Partington’s new book, Wind Wing, on January 14. More info below. (Also, check out Alex Birkett’s excellent profile of Toni and the VoiceCatcher anthology on Guerrilla Media: http://www.guerrilla-media.com/profiles/blogs/voice-catcher-4-a-must-read)

Join us as we celebrate three years of open mic poetry at Cover to Cover Books with a special reading and potluck. Please bring a dish and some poems to share.

Christopher Luna and Toni Partington would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for helping us to make the 2009 season a success: Mel Sanders and Cover to Cover Books, Angst Gallery, Urban Eccentric, Mermaid Music, Mint Tea, Coffee Lounge, The Catalyst, The North Bank, the Wiener Wagon, and Moe’s Barber Shop.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our featured readers for 2009, who generously donated their time, poetry, and energy to this community: Catherine Warner, Lorraine Healey, David Abel, David Meltzer, Michael Rothenberg, Jeff Lair, Judith Arcana, Jim Martin, Eileen Elliott, Sage Cohen, Neeli Cherkovski, Melissa Beal, and Casey Bush.

Finally, thank you to all those who attended a reading in 2009. Without your love, support, and positive energy, this series would not exist.

Open Mic Poetry
hosted by Christopher Luna
6:30pm Thursday, January 14, 2010
& every second Thursday
Cover to Cover Books
1817 Main Street, Vancouver
McLoughlin Blvd. & Main Street
“always all ages and uncensored”
For more info call 514-0358 or 910-1066
christopherjluna@gmail.com


With music by Alisha Judge


and our featured reader, Toni Partington:

Toni Partington is a poet, editor, collage artist, life/career coach, and grant writer. Her new book, Wind Wing, a collection of poems dedicated to the women who transformed her life, will be available for $10. The author of a poetry chapbook, Jesus Is A Gas (2009). Toni serves as an associate editor for VoiceCatcher, an annual Pacific Northwest anthology of women writers. Toni is a regular columnist for Writing The Life Poetic, an online Zine that complements the print version of the book by Sage Cohen, http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com.

Toni holds a BA degree in Social Work from Chapman University and an MA in Humanities with a focus in Literature and Literary Editing from the California State University, Dominguez Hills. She spent over ten years teaching and advising women in transition returning to college. Toni is involved in promoting poetry, writing and art in Vancouver, Washington with a lively group of friends and peers. She facilitates Life In The Moment, Poetry & Other Riches, which can be found on the web at www.poettone.blogspot.com.

Christopher again:

I would like to thank Tommy Gaffney for inviting me to read at the book launch for his new book, “Whiskey Days” at Alberta Street Pub on December 7. It was fun to read Ghost Town poems to an enthusiastic crowd that was ready to hear some poetry. I really enjoyed hearing Tommy’s work, which is both poignant and funny. He is a compelling performer as well. Tommy’s book was published by Chris and Amber Ridenour at Night Bomb Press (www.nightbombpress.com), which also publishes Night Bomb Review. If you’d like to submit to this publication, see item 5 below.

On January 9 I will begin facilitating a new workshop at Angst Gallery, and there is still space available – see item 1 below for more details.

I am proud to announce that I will be a featured reader at two locations this month. Daniel Nelson has graciously asked me to be the first featured reader for his new open mic reading at the Paper Tiger Coffeehouse (703 Grand Blvd at Evergreen Blvd.) on Thursday, January 21 at 7 pm. I will be accompanied by my new friend Olin, who will do some live painting.

I will also be reading at Moonstruck Chocolate at 6:30 pm January 31 with bassist Julio Appling. This event also features Dennis McBride, David Rutiezer, and guitarist Peter Zisa (www.zisaguitar.com). Moonstruck Chocolate Café is located at 45 South State Street in downtown Lake Oswego, 97034. Call 503-697-7097 for more information.

I just posted my Ghost Town poems for October, November, and December:
http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com/2009/12/ghost-town-usa-october-november.html

I was recently published in Chiron Review. See item 4 below for information on how to order the special all-punk issue that includes my work.

Would you like to hear some good music? Toni and I recently attended Matt Meighan’s weekly Songwriter Roundup at Artichoke Music (see item 6 below), and were astounded by how consistently great the music was. The space is beautiful, and the musicians are top-notch. Check it out.

I would really like to thank all of you who attended one of my readings, invited me to read in your town, or bought a copy of my book this year. I am truly fortunate to have reached so many readers and listeners in 2009.

Finally, I want to thank my friend and fellow activity demon Sage Cohen for everything she has done to support my work and the poetry community in 2009. Check out her book, Writing the Life Poetic (www.writingthelifepoetic.com). It is filled with great ideas for poets and teachers alike. Here’s some more info about Sage:

Classes and services for 2010:
http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/study-with-sage/

Sign up to receive the free Writing the Life Poetic zine, featuring columns by Christopher Luna, Toni Partington, Brittany Baldwin, and many others:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs010/1100476723030/archive/1102663212204.html

Here’s hoping 2010 is filled with love, laughter, and language,
Christopher

POETRY E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2010


1. New workshop facilitated by Christopher Luna begins January 9


2. OSPA writers group meeting Sunday, January 10/


Inaugural Figures of Speech Reading January 20 (Portland)


3. William Stafford Celebration at Barnes & Noble Vancouver January 13


4. Chiron Review All-Punk issue available now


5. Night Bomb Review poetry submission guidelines


6. Thursday Night Songwriter Round-Up at Artichoke Music hosted by Matt Meighan


(Portland)


7. Information on Montana Artists Refuge Residencies


8. Hedgebrook Workshops with Theresa Rebeck (Feb 2 – 9) or Carolyn Forché (Mar 7 - 14)


9. Radio Interview with Dorianne Laux


10. New Website for Pongo Teen Writing Project


11. January events at Ronen Center for Healing & Happiness (Vancouver, WA)


12. MORE SUBMISSION CALLS (Start the New Year right – get published!)

1.

Join us for “The Work,” a new workshop facilitated by Christopher Luna:

Well, while I'm here I'll
do the work –
and what's the work?
to ease the pain of living.
Everything else, drunken
dumbshow

Allen Ginsberg, “Memory Gardens”

Why do we write? What is the poet’s place in the world? What can we do to increase our ability to inspire and provoke with our words? How do we integrate our compulsion to create into our everyday lives? These and other questions will be addressed in The Work, a new workshop facilitated by Christopher Luna. At noon every second Saturday in January, February, and March, we will gather at Angst Gallery to listen to, discuss, and write poetry. The cost is $20 per session or $45 for all three months. Due to space and time considerations, the class can only accept eight people, so register now by contacting Christopher Luna at christopherjluna@gmail.com or 360-910-1066. The Work begins Saturday, January 9, 2010 and continues on February 13, and March 13.

For more information about Christopher Luna, and to learn about poetry events in Vancouver and Portland, go to http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com.

Angst Gallery is located at
1015 Main Street
Vancouver, USA 98660

2.

from steve williams slw1057@hotmail.com

Our next writer's group meeting will be this sunday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. in Looking Glass Books in Sellwood. Bring 5-6 copies of a poem you'd like feedback from the group.

Also, don't forget the inaugural Figures of Speech reading at the 100th monkey studio on January 20th at 7-9 p.m. Our featured readers are Heidi Schulman Greenwald and Don Colburn. This is part of the William Stafford birthday celebration around Portland, so bring a favorite Stafford poem or one of your own or both to read at the open mic. portion of the evening (2 pages per reader).

Looking forward to a wonderful new year and hope to see you all soon.

warmly,
steve and constance

Click here for figures of speech website: http://figuresofspeechpdx.wordpress.com/

3.

From Shawn Sorensen:

I am so pleased to announce that Scot Siegel will be our featured author for our annual William Stafford Celebration - Wednesday, Jan. 13th at 7 pm.

Siegel is an urban planner, a poet from Lake Oswego and a board member of the Friends of William Stafford. In celebration of Oregon’s sesquicentennial, Poetry Northwest and Oregon State Library selected Siegel’s first book, "Some Weather" (Plain View Press 2008) one of 150 Outstanding Oregon Poetry Books. Siegel is an up-and-coming talent who has already contributed so much to the Northwest literary community: http://www.pw.org/content/scot_siegel

In addition to Scot, we are also honored to host guest readers Rosemary Lombard and Bill Siverly. Rosemary is one of our regulars, a fine poet/author who was a student of Stafford's. Bill is a well-known poet in the Portland community and the co-editor of the popular literary journal Windfall.

We'll feature a roundtable discussion, an audio recording of Stafford himself, and, as always, an open mic and free treats. The title we'll be discussing: The Way It Is: New and Selected Poems by William Stafford. I just ordered in 10 copies for our Poetry and Staff Recommends sections. Over 3,000 of his poems were reviewed in the making of this 250-page treasure of a book.

It will be wonderful to start another year of our 2nd-Wednesdays Poetry Group. Thank you ALL for your good cheer, insightful comments, terrific poetry and love of literature.

Merrily, Shawn

Event Details: www.bn.com/events

Barnes & Noble Vancouver: 7700 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., 98662

4.

The all-punk issue of Chiron Review is now hot off the press. You can get a copy for $7 ($3.50 for contributors) from Chiron Review, 522 E. South Ave., St. John, KS 67576 (check, money order or cash) or via Paypal: poetry_man61@earthlink.net.

This issue was guest-edited by Sarah Daugherty and features Meri St. Mary on the cover (photo by Monte Cazazza) and 7 poems/lyrics inside. "In the mid-1980s, Meri St. Mary was the full-lipped punk siren to drive the prepubescent San Francisco anarchists wild. She was beautiful and crazy-eyed, as feral as a foul-mouthed alley cat, with a voice like Patti Smith and an attitude straight out of an Aqua Net can."

Other poets featured are: A. Razor, Chairman Ralph, Puma Perl, D.C. Lynn, Dion Olivier, Doug Cox, Clifton Snider, Adelle Stipe, Gregory Sherl, Marc Olmsted, Andrea Janov, Dave Newman and Brian Fanelli.

There is also poetry by Henry Denander, Anna Badua, Andrew Hilbert, Tony Moffeit, Charles Rammelkamp, Kenny Nonymous, Joie Cook, John Oliver Hodges, Clint Margrave, Glenn W. Cooper, Adam Matcho, Elijah Kellogg, Adam Wisnieski, David S. Pointer, Robert Cooperman, Elizabeth Schumacher, klipschutz, Jennifer Fandel, Christopher Luna, LJ Moore, Cassandra Dallett, Kelly Scarff, Jeff Flaster, Rick Horton, Liz Worth, Naomi Tokuda, llori stein, Dan Wilcox, Adam Schechter, Rick D’Elia, C Ra, James Benedict, Carol MacAllister, Craig Blais, Susan Deer Cloud, Christopher Locke, Gene Mahoney, Greg Urbaitis, Hugh Fox, Pris Campbell, Paul Handley, Frank Johnson, tracy bischoff, Troy Schoultz, Tom Sullivan, Sean O'Brien and Kristin Berkey-Abbott.

Other highlights of the issue are an excerpt from the novel "A Long Slow Screw" by Eugene S. Robinson (Robotic Boot), stories by Victor D. Infante, Kenny Nonymous, Sab Grey, D.R. Haney, Doug Mathewson, Gregory K.H. Bryant, Michael Cuglietta, Larry Crist, Edward Jay Dawson, Chris Mortenson; a tribute to "we jam econo" by Charles Plymell and a review of Sean Punk's artwork by James Benedict.

The punk issue is illustrated with photographs by John Oliver Hodges and Adam Wagler; and art by Sean Punk/Simon Buch, Jeff Flaster, Dee Rimbaud, Henry Denander and Sarah Daugherty.

Since I accepted way too much stuff for this issue, a couple of the stories and poems that got cut will appear in the next issue of Chiron Review as will my small press news column, "News, Etc." I'll also post that column here and at Outsider Writers soon.

OTHER CHIRON NEWS: We remain closed to submissions until Sept. 20, 2010. After next summer’s issue, Chiron Review will take another very brief hiatus, while I learn new software and explore the possibility of a major format change (from newsprint to book form).

Due to economic difficulties and changes in the local newspaper industry, changing technology, and extreme increases in the cost of production, printing and postage, the last year (as has been for most everyone) has been unusually difficult and expensive for Chiron Review. To those who have subscribed and donated, I send my heartfelt gratitude. To those who haven't, if you have enjoyed Chiron Review, I hope you will take a moment to subscribe or renew your subscription. Your on-going support is vital.

For updates, visit Chiron Review's website: http://chironreview.com.

Michael Hathaway

5.

The Night Bomb Review is published bi-annually, depending on the volume of quality submissions. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Send 4-7 poems cut and pasted into the body of an e-mail AND attached as Word documents (or, failing that, .rtf files) if the original line breaks and spacing goes screwy in the cut n' paste process. Please include a SHORT bio that references your physical address so we know where to send a copy if your work is included.

Submit poems to
anthology@nightbombpress.com
or
1812 NE 66th #91
Portland, OR 97213

We're looking for poetry that pays an equal amount of attention to linguistics as it does to conceit. We're fans of innovation and wordplay and enemies of cliché and prose with line breaks masquerading as poetry. Do anything you like; just don't bore us.

6.

Thursday Night Songwriter Roundup

Come join our weekly celebration of songwriting and songwriter community every Thursday. It's a great chance to hear from a wide variety of Portland-area songwriters, or to play a tune for an appreciative audience of song-lovers.

Songwriters are invited to put their name in the hat and play an original song as names are drawn throughout the evening. Song-lovers are invited to come and enjoy the great diversity of talent we have in our area. Each week a featured performer presents a 30 to 40 minute set as well. Hosted by Matt Meighan, with Sherry Pendarvis on upright bass. All welcome!

Time: Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00
Artichoke Music
3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd
503-232-8845

7.

From: Judith Arcana

I've just exchanged notes with the interim director of the Montana Artists Refuge, Melissa Bangs - she noted that there are vacancies this winter* ---- so I'm just being sure you all know about this ...... also, you may want to tell others ........ later, ja

 at http://www.montanaartistsrefuge.org/residencies.htm

We have a number of vacancies this winter we are looking to fill now. Easy on-line application process and partial scholarships available!

Also... we will select SPRING residents by the END OF JAN and SUMMER residents by March 15th.

For a good time, visit http://www.juditharcana.com/

8.

Resolve to invest in your writing with this

special opportunity from Hedgebrook

Space is limited, so don't miss this incredible program!

Spend seven days learning and sharing with other writers under the guidance of Theresa Rebeck or Carolyn Forché.

Each week-long session includes: Ten hours of workshops over 5 days with Theresa Rebeck (Feb 2 – Feb 9) or Carolyn Forché (Mar 7 - Mar 14), instructor-led constructive group feedback sessions, one-on-one sessions with the instructor and two additional days of retreat time. Space is limited to six writers per session. More information is available on our website: click here for details.

Theresa Rebeck's work has been seen on Broadway (Mauritius) and off-Broadway, as well as on television (writer/producer of NYPD Blue and Law & Order: Criminal Intent), and the big screen (Harriet the Spy) Her co-written play Omnium Gatherum was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2003. Theresa's new play The Understudy starring Julie White just completed its run at Roundabout Theatre Company's Laura Pels Theatre. Her Master Class for fiction writers, playwrights, and screenwriters will focus on the power of Story.

Carolyn Forché is a poet and author of poetry collections, including Blue Hour, The Country Between Us and The Angel of History. Her honors include fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1992, she received the Charity Randall Citation from the International Poetry Forum.

For applications contact Executive Director Amy Wheeler:
amywheeler@hedgebrook.org, 360-321-4786.

Visit us at www.hedgebrook.org

2197 Millman Road
Langley, WA
98260 - 360-321-4786

216 1st Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98104
206-325-6773

Hedgebrook is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

9.
Listen to this interview with poet Dorianne Laux:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword/2009/10/16/the-blood-jet-writing-hour-radio-show-with-rachelle-cr

10.

From: pongo_publishing@hotmail.com
Subject: Stress Relief!! PONGO's new teen poetry site! (Great resource in difficult times!)
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 06:38:00 -0800

Dear Friends,

Hi. GREAT NEWS! The Pongo Teen Writing Project has just launched a new web site that features 34 online writing activities for youth who have led difficult lives. These activities are geared to teens who may never have written before! The activities may also be downloaded for use in the classroom, etc.

Would you do me a big favor -- Would you forward this email to teens, counselors, teachers, schools, libraries, etc. I'd love to see this opportunity made available to youth who are negotiating painful life issues and difficult choices. It might ease everyone's stresses this time of year!

As examples of writing exercises, the web site has an activity "I Just Thought You Should Know," which could be a letter to a missing parent, or "Letter After a Time," which is a letter to someone important who died. There are activities called "You Don't Know Me" and "Anger" and "Love, Sometimes" and "Addicted."

When teens finish their poems online they have the option of printing and emailing their poems to themselves and their friends, and also of submitting their poems to Pongo.

In addition, the site contains information for teachers, 100 teen poems, and a project journal (my blog!).

This web site brings together some of Pongo's best work from the last 15 years. Our writing program has served over 4,000 teens in juvenile detention, the state psychiatric hospital, homeless shelters, and other agencies. Our mission and history are available on the web site.

Check it out! Write your own poem! Be brilliant! And PLEASE FORWARD OUR LINK!!!

Home page - http://pongoteenwriting.org/
Writing Activities main page - http://pongoteenwriting.org/index.php?id=31
Teaching Resources main page - http://pongoteenwriting.org/index.php?id=127
Teen Poetry Collections main page - http://pongoteenwriting.org/index.php?id=27
Project Journal (my blog) - http://pongoteenwriting.org/index.php?id=132

Cheers and Best Wishes!
Richard
Pongo Teen Writing Project

11.

Upcoming Events

(at Ronen Center for Healing & Happiness, 306 East 16th St., Vancouver, unless indicated otherwise):

* Interfaith Chant for Peace in PDX, Saturday, January 9, St. David Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison. Goes 8am-8pm with a different chant leader/tradition every hour. I lead the 6-7pm slot. Free. Click here for more info.

* Meditation-Satsang, Friday January, 15, 7-8:30pm,

* Chanting-Kirtan, Friday January 22 7pm-?

* Full Moon Community Drum Circle, Friday January 29, 6:30pm-?

Please email or call with any questions or suggestions and forward this to whoever you think would benefit.

To the Happiness of One and All!

David Ronen

306 East 16th St.
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-750-9200

forthehappinessofit@yahoo.com

www.ForTheHappinessOfIt.com

12.

MORE SUBMISSION CALLS

Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:19:08 +0000
From: allenbraden@comcast.net
Subject: submissions calls for June Cotner anthologies

I have several publishers interested in the three projects listed below. It’s enormously difficult and time-consuming to process email submissions, so unless you live outside the U.S, please send all submissions via USPS along with an SASE to June Cotner, PO Box 2765, Poulsbo, WA 98370

WISDOM OF WOMEN: THOUGHTS AND POEMS FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE (Previously titled Girls Night Out and A Woman's Book of Poetry for the Soul) Over the past decade I’ve received wonderful submissions from female writers that never quite fit the particular theme of my general "inspirational books." These are poems and prose about womanhood, stages of life, memories, and everything in between. I would love to add a few more high-quality selections--poetry or prose. Unlike most of my other anthologies, there are no prayers in the book, but there is a chapter on Spirituality. The content of WISDOM OF WOMEN is much "edgier" than my other books. Chapters include: 1) The Strength of Us; 2) Relationships; 3) Motherhood; 4) Ordinary Life; 5) Self-Image and Beauty; 6) Aging Gracefully; 7) Heartache and Healing; 8) Joy and Gratitude; 9) Friendships; 10) Shared Experiences; 11) Spirituality; 12) Reflections; and 13) Inspiration. I particularly need submissions for chapters printed in bold. The submissions should not have an "I am woman, hear me roar" tone, but more "this is my experience as a woman." The collection will be for women to turn to when they need encouragement, understanding, inspiration, and to reflect upon the great blessings of being a woman. This book easily spans two generations and is geared to women in their late 20s to early 60s and possibly beyond. Submission date closes March 31, 2010.

GOOD DOG! BAD DOG! FUNNY DOG! A compilation of "funny dog" stories. Two publishers have expressed interest in this project. The word limit ranges from 180 to 600 words. My goal is to create a book as humorous as Marley and Me by John Grogan. Please put "FUNNY DOG STORY" on the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. Submission date is open.

I have several publishers interested in the three projects. It’s enormously difficult and time-consuming to process email submissions, so unless you live outside the U.S, please send all submissions via USPS along with an SASE to June Cotner, PO Box 2765, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Please feel free to forward this call to other writer friends and groups. Also, please visit www.junecotner.com for additional calls for submissions.

Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:19:53 -0800
From: crpratt@zhonka.net
Subject: OPN Sponsored 7th Annual Jeanne Lohmann Prize Announcement

(Please forward to others that might be interested in entering. Thanks. cp)

The Olympia Poetry Network is announcing its seventh annual Lohmann Poetry Prize to residents of Washington State. The contest begins December 1, 2009 and ends January 31, 2010. Please visit our website at http://home.comcast.net/~yake/opn.html for information on rules and how to enter, or call (360) 456-4862. Contest rules must be followed exactly or entries will be disqualified. Three winners will be chosen and each will receive $200. Winners will be announced in late March, and will be asked to read June 16, 2010, beginning 6:30 pm at Traditions Café, 5th and Water St., Olympia, WA 98501.

Cynthia R. Pratt
OPN Lohmann Prize Coordinator
5021 21st Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503-7032
(360) 456-4862

Poetry Northwest has a new editor and address
Kevin Craft will assume command of the magazine in January 2010.
Everett Community College
2000 Tower Street Everett, WA
98201

Submit your poems to Kevin Craft. Also, consider sending a letter to the Editor describing your feelings about the 50-year history of Poetry Northwest, whether it's about the past, the present or the future. Do this online at http://poetrynw.org. Subscribe at http://poetrynw.org. And consider making a tax-deductible donation to Poetry Northwest. Send your contribution to our current address in Portland: 4232 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215 between now and December 31.

Subject: Call for Submissions ~ Anthology~
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:05:24 -0500
From: alittlehawk@aol.com

Attention Poets:

Quill and Parchment is planning, with Sam Crespi as editor, an anthology which will encompass poems about Motherhood.

We will be looking for:

Mother Daughter and Mother /Son relationships.

Challenges that occur when a child becomes an adult - rites of passage and mother. ~ Death/ dying

Wisdom or warning that was passed between mother and child... the unexplainable bond that's there from the start, the things that happen without needing words..

Mothers who weren't there for the poet, the mother they never understood and perhaps even hated.

We will also consider adoption themes. Biological mother poems as well as adoptive parent poems.

These poems should embody the emotions of: anger, grief, joy, longing.

Especially deep seated emotions...

I have already scoured the pages of Q and P for poems we have already published on these subjects, so feel free to query me to see if your poem was included before submitting.

Before we make a final decision, if I have included your poem, from the pages of Q and P, I will ask permission before we reprint it again.

Here is the format:

Subject line: Submission: Title of Your Poem by Your Name

No intro necessary:

Please just send the poem in the body of the email. It is likely that Sam will contact you and discuss your poem if it is accepted.

Format

Title

by Your Name

Skip a line and start the poem

Please use a different e-mail doc for each submission.

Please no more than three at first of your absolute best work!

If we would like to see more we will contact you

I will not open attachments.

If I want to see the poem in an attachment I will request it and the same format should be used. I have folders full of poems with no poet name on them!

We will contact you if your poem or poems are accepted, so no need to write to ask.

Looking forward to your submissions to the above email address!

ALittleHawk@aol.com

If you do not follow the guidelines you will likely receive a rude email back from me! Save us both the trouble

And I apologise if you have received this more than once. I am using two separate lists and tried to catch and delete double addresses.

Poetically yours,
Sharmagne Leland-St. John

POETRY E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2009

Folks,


Let me begin by thanking Neeli Cherkovski for sharing his poetry and his wisdom with us October 29 and 30. I am happy to report that Neeli was received warmly by poets on both sides of the river. I really enjoyed his talk entitled “Bukowski, the Beats, and Other Rebellions” and hope to write more about the visit at a later date. I would also like to thank Mel for allowing us to hold the events at Cover to Cover Books, and Eileen Elliott for opening her home to Neeli and his partner, Jesse, while they were here. I could not pull off these events without the generous help of members of the community like these.
Congratulations to Herb Stokes, whose poem “Feeding Dolphins” won 1st Place in the OSPA Fall Poetry Contest in the category: New Poets / Dueling Judges by Judge A and 3rd Place in the category: New Poets / Dueling Judges by Judge B.
If you’d like to read the latest column I wrote for Sage Cohen’s “Writing the Life Poetic” E-Zine, go to:

http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/2009/11/the-poetics-of-community-finding-a-poetic-soulmate.html

If you’d like to read the previous columns, go to:

http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/the-poetics-of-community/

Please take look at “With Words and Song: An Interview with John Trudell” by Christopher Luna from the Fall 2009 Online Edition of Rain Taxi Review of Books: http://www.raintaxi.com/online/2009fall/trudell.shtml

Not convinced that poetry and music can work together? Check out recent posts from the Rockpile tour featuring David Meltzer and Michael Rothenberg at http://www.bigbridge.org/rockpile/

As we continue to bring poetry to Vancouver, WA please email me with your ideas for how to make this town safe for poetry, art, and music. I am very encouraged by the presence of great galleries like Angst and Lincoln’s Gallery (see item 1 below), and events such as Dada ’09. Come out creatives, and show us what you’re made of!

Of course, don’t forget to join us for this month’s open mic reading at Cover to cover Books:

Open Mic Poetry
hosted by Christopher Luna
7:00pm Thursday, November 12, 2009
& every second Thursday
Cover to Cover Books
1817 Main Street, Vancouver
McLoughlin Blvd. & Main Street


“always all ages and uncensored”

For more info call 514-0358 or 910-1066
christopherjluna@gmail.com
http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com/

With our featured reader, Melissa Beal:

Melissa Beal, MD is the author of In Her Eyes. Having survived sexual abuse as a child, a traumatic near-death fall, alcohol abuse, and most recently, ovarian cancer, Melissa has been through more in her 54 years than most will in a lifetime. Her work is an account of human frailty, psychological demise, and transforming that pain through poetry.
Melissa lives in Salem, Oregon. She retired from 18 years of service at Pacific Pathology Associates, Inc. in December 2008 to pursue writing. Written over the course of a year during her chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, In Her Eyes is Melissa Beal's first book of poetry.

Rock on,
Christopher Luna

POETRY E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2009

1. Lincoln’s Gallery and Lincoln’s Beard: New Art and Music for Vancouver

2. Matt Meighan’s "Songwriting as Truth-telling" workshop at Artichoke Music (Portland) begins Tuesday, Nov. 10/Matt Meighan plays at a house concert Nov. 15

3. Charles Potts on Blog Talk Radio talking about his new book “Inside Idaho”

4. Voice Catcher 4 Readings Nov. 11 and 16 featuring Naomi Fast, Constance Hall, Toni Partington, Paulann Petersen and others

5. Sage Cohen’s “Writing the Life Poetic” excerpted in “Writer's Digest Guide to Creativity”

6. Judith Arcana’s schedule of readings for November

7. New NW Poetry Calendar by Debi Stone

8. “How to Increase Consumption of Poetry by Non-Poets." Poetry Panel in San Rafael, CA Nov. 16

9. Poetry Foundation Launches Online Poetry Learning Lab

10. Applications are being accepted for Artist Trust’s 2010 EDGE Professional Development Program for Writers (Deadline Dec. 7)

11. SUBMISSION CALLS/FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


1.

Lincoln’s Gallery recently opened in Vancouver at 108 Main Street. It is definitely one of the coolest places in the ‘Couve: www.lincolnsbeard.com. If you’d like to exhibit your art there, send an email to lincolnsgallerymail@gmail.com

Lincoln's Beard is a great band that plays every Thursday from 7:30 – 10:30 at the Brickhouse located at 15th and Main Street in Vancouver (www.vancouverbrickhouse.com)

Other shows:

(art) December 3 First Friday Lincoln's Gallery Artist TBA
(Music) December 12 White Eagle Time TBA
(Music) January 23 Pop Culture Main Street Vancouver Time TBA


2.
Hi,
Since January I've been teaching a workshop called "Songwriting as Truth-telling" at Artichoke Music, and have been been having a great time with it. A lot of wonderful songs have been written by students during the course. The next set of classes starts this Tuesday (Nov 10), and I have room for a couple more students in my afternoon class.

We'll meet for six weeks this time (instead of the usual eight, due to the holidays) - Tuesdays from 11/10 through 12/22, with no class on 11/24, from 3 - 5:30 pm at my home in North Portland. It's a great chance to lean into your songwriting and share new songs with a small group of other songwriters (classes are limited to 8 people). A class description appears below and is also on the Artichoke Music web site. There is also an evening class, but it is full for November.

If you're interested in attending this time, have any questions, or would like to receive emails about future classes and one-day workshops, please let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

Songwriting as Truth-telling - Taught by Matt Meighan

Begins November 10

This class will explore songwriting as a means to uncover and express deeply-felt truths of the songwriter. We'll look at aspects of songwriting craft, but our main focus will be on the songwriting process itself. What makes a song feel 'true'? How does the songwriter invite and listen for truths that want to be told, then stay true to the song's heart even while using craft to shape it into a work of art?

We'll draw inspiration and guidance from great songwriters and poets, but most of all from the collective wisdom and experience of class participants. We'll write in class and between classes, share our songs, and explore ways of listening and responding that help draw out the writer's intention rather than impose the listener's. We'll create an inspiring, non-judgmental and fun space in which to deepen our songwriting practice.

As poet William Stafford wrote, "There is a knack about writing; that knack apparently comes to the individual through performing the act of writing and the act of considering writings. The aim is to induce a kind of jog through literature and its settings. It's a group project, the class; and if we can work it right the riches of the group will provide for us all."

The class is most suited for those already writing songs, but all levels are welcome. To register or if you have any questions, please contact Matt Meighan at matt@mattmeighan.com

Hi,

I'm writing to let you know about a show I'm greatly looking forward to: Kate Mann and I will present a house concert next Sunday (Nov 15) at 4 pm. Kate is one of my favorite songwriters and performers, and I relish the prospect of sharing the stage with her.

The show will be at McLundy's Green Room, a lovely, intimate listening room attached to Suzan Lundy's house in Brightwood, Oregon. McLundy's is a great community music venue and well worth getting to know. It's about an hour drive from Portland -- 12 miles past Sandy on the Mt Hood Highway.

Seating is limited so reservations are strongly encouraged, at mclundy2008@verizon.net. The attached poster has details. If you don't already know Kate, you can learn more about her at http://www.katemann.com or http://www.myspace.com/katemann.

I hope to see you there!

Matt

http://www.mattmeighan.com
http://www.myspace.com/mattmeighan


3.

From Charles Potts order@thetemplebookstore.com

Dear friends, family and poetry lovers,

Charles Potts has a new book of poems from West End Press in Albuquerque, Inside Idaho, which contains selections from 100 Years in Idaho and Lost River Mountain, although 2/3rds of the book is published for the first time. The beautiful red cover features a photograph CP took of Leatherman Pass in 2005 from high in the west fork of the Pahsimeroi River in Idaho on his way back down from climbing Leatherman Peak.

http://www.thetemplebookstore.com/inside.html

will take you directly to the website where the book is easily obtainable by pay pal or send $18 to the PO Box 1773 below. We don't do credit card purchases anymore.

Happy Trails,
Charles Potts
capotts@thetemplebookstore.com


The Temple Bookstore.com
PO Box 1773
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Charles Potts was interviewed by Rafael Alvarado of Blog Talk Radio on Sunday the 8th of November. Subject was the new book, Inside Idaho, from West End Press.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword/2009/11/08/The-MoE-Green-Poetry-Dissicusion-with-Rafael-FJ-Alvarado

4.

Join the VoiceCatcher 4
publication celebrations

November 11, Barnes & Noble Lloyd Center

November 16, Powell's Books on Hawthorne

VoiceCatcher 4, an anthology of Portland women's writing, is here!

VoiceCatcher exists because a collective of women -- editors, authors, artists, poets and teachers -- who love to read and write wanted to collect the voices of local women and offer them to the community.

Featuring new and emerging writers of diverse perspectives, voices, ages, orientation and experience, VoiceCatcher offers a panoramic view of literary life in Portland through the poetry and prose of more than 40 local women writers.

Join us in celebrating the publication of VoiceCatcher's fourth edition and hear a magnificent line-up of this year's authors reading selections of their work at two events this month!

Mark your calendars and come prepared to be thoroughly entertained.

Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Lloyd Center
As part of the Poetry and Prose for the People reading series, hosted by Sage Cohen and Tomas Mattox
1317 Lloyd Center // Gift section
Portland, OR 97232
503-249-0800

Featured readers:

Favor Ellis
Naomi Fast
Heidi Schulman Greenwald
Constance Hall (pen name: M)
Christi Krug
Toni Partington
Wendy Willis
Monday, November 16, 7:00 p.m.
Powell's on Hawthorne
3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 235-3802

Featured readers:

Paulann Petersen
Abby Mims
Liz Prato
Carolyn Moore
Nancy Flynn
Kaitlyn Burch
Penelope Scambly Schott

5.

From Sage Cohen

Some of my favorite prompts from *Writing the Life Poetic* have been excerpted in the *Writer's Digest Guide to Creativity* magazine, available in bookstores and on newsstands now!

This magazine features four, chock-full writing-boosting sections: Creative Habits, Creative Craft, Creative Business and Creativity Workbook -- all designed to get ideas flowing, words on the page and published work into the world!

You'll hear from leading thinkers, writers and teachers about the craft and business of writing -- including my mentor, platform guru Christina Katz, author of *Get Known Before the Book Deal.*

For just $5.99, you can give your creative practice a back-to-school shot of adrenaline by tapping into a wealth of wisdom from a range of genres.

Happy writing, poets! May the muse (and the moose) be with you.

6.

From Judith Arcana jarcana@earthlink.net
November 9, 2009 at 7pm at The Waypost, 3120 N. Williams in Portland

I'll be reading with Charles F. Thielman, Laura LeHew and Patrick Cahill, presenting work in the new Uphook Press anthology: you say. say. Editors Ice and Jane Ormerod will be here from New York. I haven't met these people yet, but I know this: the book is well done and they are serious about poetry-as-performance. for more info: http://www.uphookpress.com/events/events.htm

November 10, 2009 at 7pm at DIVA Gallery, 110 West Broadway in Eugene (note change in venue for this one)

SAME AS ABOVE - Uphook reading

. for more info: http://www.uphookpress.com/events/events.htm

November 11, 2009 at 6:30pm at DIVA Gallery, 110 West Broadway in Eugene

Screening of documentary film Jane: An Abortion Service + I'll be there with the excellent folks from Oregon's Network for Reproductive Options [NRO] talking about the embattled status of reproductive justice in the USA.

Refreshments served ..... $5 suggested donation ...... for more info: http://www.nroptions.org/aboutus.php

+ NOTES:

* the other Eugene gigs this month, at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, are not open to the public.

* SAVE THIS DATE FOR GRACE PALEY'S BIRTHDAY, 2009!

December 11th at Broadway Books in Portland: Gina Ochsner & BT Shaw are featured readers; ja is mc ..... more info later

*All info is (or soon will be) on the EVENTS page: http://juditharcana.com/index.php/arc/events/

* Reply to those who've asked me about BLOGGING: I'm using my OP-ED page for that sort of thing (opinions on a variety of topics); blogging could happen, but not soon - for now, check out http://juditharcana.com/index.php/arc/op-ed/

For a good time, visit http://www.juditharcana.com/

7.

New calendar to promote poetry readings, events, workshops, and open mics; and to help increase public awareness of poetry activities in our communities. If you would like your event placed on the calendar, please email name of poet(s) or event, date, time, venue with address, and contact email or phone. If you would like to help spread the world, please consider forwarding the link in your emails, or adding it to your poetry-related web pages. The poetry calendar covers Oregon and Washington. This is a new calendar, in development. Please send information to be included.

NW Poetry Event Calendar

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=lrlr2401farljira5ifnelors0%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

If you have questions, feel free to contact me:

Deb Stone
debbiestone@bctonline.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/iwritedeb?ref=profile

8.

From madgalen@sonic.net
Date Sat, Nov 7, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Subject Monday Nov 16th Poetry Panel Seeks Your Insights

Dear Friends,

I am emailing to let you know that on Monday, Nov 16th, at Cafe

Arrivederci, San Rafael, I will be participating on a panel on "How to

Increase Consumption of Poetry by Non-Poets." The panel is hosted by MC

Angar Mora, and will also include Beth Ullrich, Marlene Weinstein, and

Shawn Pittard. We would love to have you join us and enter this important

discussion which concerns us all. There is $7.00 CASH cover charge which

will be applied to a 25% discount on food and beverages. The food is

excellent and inexpensive. If you plan on eating, it is best to join us at

or not too much later than 5:30 or 6 pm. The panel itself will convene at

7. There will also be an open mic (generally, limited to several minutes

each reader). If you are interested, please contact host Angar Mora at

415-492-8870. Cafe Arriverderci is located at 11 G Street in San Rafael.
Poetically Yours,
David Madgalene
9.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2009

Poetry Foundation Launches Online Poetry Learning Lab

New educational, media-rich poetry experience for teachers and students
CHICAGO — The Poetry Foundation invites teachers and students to tap into its new online resource, the Poetry Learning Lab. Hosted on www.poetryfoundation.org, the Poetry Learning Lab is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about poetry.

A dynamic resource for teachers, students, and learners of every age, the Poetry Learning Lab has been developed by the Poetry Foundation in conjunction with a team of education experts—including writing and literature teachers, librarians, and poets—to provide an immersive educational experience with poetry. By allowing students to experiment with different ways of reading poems—as text, sound, and visual artifacts—the Learning Lab provides readers of all levels with the opportunity to practice close reading and listening skills and to think broadly and analytically about poetry and poetics.

An extension of the Poetry Foundation’s comprehensive website, which includes an archive of more than 600 poets and 8,000 poems, the Poetry Learning Lab’s multimedia educational resources include annotations, reading guides, audio and video recordings, discussion questions, writing ideas, teaching tips, and podcasts. The diverse learning approaches incorporated within the tools provide students and teachers with endless ways to approach poetry, and ensure that individual learning styles are met. These features are offered in connection with 10 selected poems:

Louise Bogan’s “A Tale”
Robert Browning’s “Fra Lippo Lippi”
Lucille Clifton’s “won’t you celebrate with me”
Emily Dickinson’s “I started Early - Took my Dog”
John Donne’s “The Sun Rising”
Gerard Manley Hopkins’s “The Windhover”
Yusef Komunyakaa’s “Facing It”
Sylvia Plath’s “Fever 103°”
Walt Whitman’s “A Passage to India”
William Carlos Williams’s “To a Poor Old Woman”

Also serving as a one-stop portal for reference materials, the Poetry Learning Lab is replete with engaging articles about poets and poetry, bibliographies, a thorough glossary of literary terms, and a large selection of poetics essays and manifestos ranging from Plato to today.

Catherine Halley, editor of www.poetryfoundation.org, says, “The Poetry Learning Lab takes something Robert Frost once said as a point of departure: ‘Poetry begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ The Lab encourages students to attend to individual poems with a focus that’s rare on the Internet—and at the same time provides teachers and instructors with a unique range of supplementary material useful in teaching poetry, from a glossary of poetic terms, to a series of historic poetics manifestos, to a variety of pedagogical essays.”

The positive response from students across the country to Poetry Out Loud, a partnership of the NEA and the Poetry Foundation that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization and performance, suggests that readers of all levels are interested in the opportunity to enjoy poetry and learn more about their literary heritage. The Poetry Learning Lab builds on and fosters this interest in poetry by facilitating an interactive learning process that allows readers to discover for themselves the pleasures of engaging with difficult and precise language.

Teachers, students, and all users can also discover Harriet, the Poetry Foundation’s blog, where poetry teacher John S. O’Connor guest-blogs about the joys of teaching and studying poetry.

The Poetry Foundation will host a booth in the Exhibit Hall at the annual National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) convention in Philadelphia, November 19 to 22, 2009. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide more information. For more information on the conference, visit www.ncte.org/annual.

For more information on the Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Learning Lab, please visit www.poetryfoundation.org/learninglab.

10.

For Immediate Release October 13, 2009

Contact: Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Coordinatornirmala@artisttrust.org, 206/467-8734 x20; toll free 1/866/218-7878

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR

THE ARTIST TRUST EDGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR WRITERS 2010

Application Deadline: December 7, 2009

Literary artists who reside in Washington State are encouraged to apply to participate in the 2010 EDGE Professional Development Program for Writers.

The EDGE Program provides artists with a comprehensive survey of professional practices through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field, as well as specialized presentations, panel discussions and assignments. The EDGE Program focuses on supplying artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and with the opportunity to develop peer support and exchange.

The EDGE Program for Writers is open to emerging or mid-career writers of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Applicants must be residents of Washington State but cannot be students enrolled in a graduate- or undergraduate-degree program. Applicants must commit to completing the entire 50-hour program.

Artist Trust will offer the EDGE Program for Writers from February 12 to March 26, 2010. Tuition is $400 per participant and includes a one-year Artist Trust membership. Limited financial assistance is available.

EDGE Applications and Guidelines are available at the Artist Trust office, on the website (www.artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge), or by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to: EDGE Application, Artist Trust, 1835 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122-2437.

Completed applications may be mailed to the address above or hand-delivered to Artist Trust, located on the corner of 12th Avenue and East Denny Way in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, by 5:00pm on December 7, 2009. Mailed applications must have a US Postal Service postmark dated on or before December 7, 2009.

The EDGE Program for Writers is made possible by generous funding from Amazon.com.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Artist Trust offers professional development workshops around the state: How To Build a Strong Grant Application; Moving Forward: Resources for Artists; and I Am An Artist. The I Am An Artist Workshop offers essential resources, funding opportunities, peer-to-peer evaluation, networking and hands-on feedback. For dates and locations of these and other workshops, visit http://www.artisttrust.org/events/view.

For more information, contact Miguel Guillen, Artist Resources Manager at miguel@artisttrust.org or 206/467-8734 x 11 or toll free 866/218-7878.

Artist Trust is a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to support and encourage individual artists working in all disciplines in order to enrich community life throughout Washington State. Find out more at www.artisttrust.org.

I have several publishers interested in the three projects listed below. It’s enormously difficult and time-consuming to process email submissions, so unless you live outside the U.S, please send all submissions via USPS along with an SASE to June Cotner, PO Box 2765, Poulsbo, WA 98370

SUBMISSION CALLS/FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

EARTH BLESSINGS: PRAYERS, POEMS, AND PROSE FOR CREATING A GREENER EARTH Preliminary chapters include: 1) Nature & the Environment; 2) Honoring the Earth; 3) Healing the Earth; 4) Cycles of Life; 5) Love, Kindness & Compassion; 6) Living Simply; 7) Our Children; 8) Honoring Animals; 9) Spirituality, Prayers & Blessings; 10) World & Community; 11) Joy, Praise & Gratitude; 12) Reflections; and 14) Inspiration. I particularly need submissions for chapters printed in bold. For desired spiritual tone, refer to my book, Looking for God in All the Right Places or the previous version of this book, Heal Your Soul, Heal the World. “Green publishing” is popular right now and focuses primarily on the nuts and bolts of how to improve the environment. In contrast, EARTH BLESSINGS is a spiritual book that will reflect upon the beauty of the earth and remind all of us to cherish the earth. Two publishers have expressed interest in EARTH BLESSINGS.Submission date closes November 10, 2009


WISDOM OF WOMEN: THOUGHTS AND POEMS FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE (Previously titled Girls Night Out and A Woman's Book of Poetry for the Soul) Over the past decade I’ve received wonderful submissions from female writers that never quite fit the particular theme of my general "inspirational books." These are poems and prose about womanhood, stages of life, memories, and everything in between. I would love to add a few more high-quality selections--poetry or prose. Unlike most of my other anthologies, there are no prayers in the book, but there is a chapter on Spirituality. The content of WISDOM OF WOMEN is much "edgier" than my other books. Chapters include: 1) The Strength of Us; 2) Relationships; 3) Motherhood; 4) Ordinary Life; 5) Self-Image and Beauty; 6) Aging Gracefully; 7) Heartache and Healing; 8) Joy and Gratitude; 9) Friendships; 10) Shared Experiences; 11) Spirituality; 12) Reflections; and 13) Inspiration. I particularly need submissions for chapters printed in bold. The submissions should not have an "I am woman, hear me roar" tone, but more "this is my experience as a woman." The collection will be for women to turn to when they need encouragement, understanding, inspiration, and to reflect upon the great blessings of being a woman. This book easily spans two generations and is geared to women in their late 20s to early 60s and possibly beyond. Submission date closes March 31, 2010.

GOOD DOG! BAD DOG! FUNNY DOG! A compilation of "funny dog" stories. Two publishers have expressed interest in this project. The word limit ranges from 180 to 600 words. My goal is to create a book as humorous as Marley and Me by John Grogan. Please put "FUNNY DOG STORY" on the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. Submission date is open.

I have several publishers interested in the three projects. It’s enormously difficult and time-consuming to process email submissions, so unless you live outside the U.S, please send all submissions via USPS along with an SASE to June Cotner, PO Box 2765, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Please feel free to forward this call to other writer friends and groups. Also, please visit www.junecotner.com for additional calls for submissions.

Winter Fellowship at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA

For the last forty years, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA, has
run the largest and longest residency Fellowship in the United States for
emerging visual artists and writers. Artists who have not had significant
recognition for their work and writers who have not yet published a book
with significant distribution are welcome to apply. Fellows receive a seven
month stay (October 1-May 1) at the Work Center and a $650 monthly stipend.
Fellows do not pay or work in exchange for their fellowships in any way.
Fellows are chosen based on the strength and promise of their work. Former
Visual Arts Fellows include Ellen Gallagher, Jack Pierson, Lisa Yuskavage,
Angela Dufresne, Geoffrey Chadsey, and Lamar Peterson. Former Writing
Fellows have won every major national award in writing including the
National Book Award and six Pulitzer Prizes. The list of former Fellows
includes Denis Johnson, Louise Glück, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Yusef Komunyakaa.

The postmark deadline for the 2010-11 Writing Fellowships is December 1, 2009.

2010-2011 Visual Arts Fellowship applicants may apply online beginning

December 1, 2009. Online submissions must be received by midnight February

1, 2010. FAWC will accept slide applications for one more year. Applicants

submitting slides, must have their applications postmarked by February 1,

2010.

For details, please visit:
http://www.fawc.org/fellowships/

Poetry for the People Scholarship

Apply for a scholarship to attend Sage Cohen's Poetry for the People class starting October 7! VALUE: $250.00 Would you like to take the Poetry for the People class with Sage Cohen that starts October 7 but can’t afford it? Then you qualify for The Poetry for the People Scholarship. And the time to apply is now! Sage Cohen will be accepting applications for the Poetry for the People Scholarship until Friday, September 18. The scholarship recipient will be chosen based on the following criteria: demonstrated past effort, need, and enthusiasm as determined by Sage Cohen. Please see the detailed guidelines for application requirements. The scholarship recipient will be announced by midnight, Monday, September 21 at http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com. Sage Cohen is author of Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry (Writer's Digest Books, 2009). Learn more about Poetry for the People, a six-week email class offering a mix of inspiration, craft tips, exercises and publication ideas -- as well as detailed instructor feedback every week.

POETRY E-NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 2009

Poets and poetry lovers, Summer is here, and poetry is in the air! As always, the PNW is positively brimming with events guaranteed to make you sweat and cry and beg for air conditioning. Allow me to begin by telling you about a few items near and dear to my heart. I’d like to announce an exciting event: “Words,” a show at Angst Gallery that will feature collaborations between poets, songwriters, and other artists. I am seeking poets and musicians who would like to perform during the opening reception on September 4. See item number 1 below for details on how to submit art for the show, or how to be matched up with a partner-in-crime. I can also send you a PDF file of the entry form if you’d like. On June 10, I will be among those who will help Sage Cohen celebrate her fantastic new book, Writing the Life Poetic, at the Vancouver Barnes & Noble, a great resource for new and experienced writers alike. I am proud to be among those who Sage consulted while preparing the book, and she has very graciously asked some of us to share the mic with her that night. See item number 2 below for more details. I am also writing a monthly blog on poetics and community for Sage’s companion e-zine, also available at http://www.writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/. Let me know if you want to read a copy of the e-zine, or just send Sage an email and get on the list. Sage Cohen is a shining example of the generosity I called for at last month’s open mic: a warm, open, talented person who is always thinking of creative ways to spread the word and get as many people as possible involved in our poetry community. And of course, as always, I am really looking forward to: Open Mic Poetry hosted by Christopher Luna 7:00pm Thursday, June 11, 2009 (& every second Thursday) Cover to Cover Books 1817 Main Street, Vancouver McLoughlin Blvd. & Main Street “always all ages and uncensored” For more info call 514-0358 or 694-9653 christopherjluna@gmail.com http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com With our featured reader, Jeff Lair: Seattle area poet Jeff Lair will read from his two lavishly illustrated books, TALL GRASS and BUCKING AND BRAYING AT THE DARK EDGE, both of which will be available at the reading for $15 each. His often humorous writings turn out poetry's pockets for the spare change of consciousness clinking against the keys of life's dissonant chords where he discovers the sweeter harmonies hidden. Laugh and cry, give death the finger. Don’t miss him! *if* I roll up the living room rug, remove it, will the cat still puke? Jeff Lair POETRY E-NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 2009 (compiled by Christopher Luna) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. First Friday Artwalk in Vancouver June 5 Submission Call: WORDS 2. Writing the Life Poetic Reading at Barnes & Noble Vancouver with Sage Cohen and Friends June 10 3. Upcoming readings featuring Judith Arcana 4. Show and Tell Gallery Events June 1-15 5. Mountain Writers Series Columbia Gorge Writers Conference June 19-21 6. Green Poems Contest Guidelines 1. From Leah Jackson, Director of Angst Gallery: You are invited to attend the First Friday Artwalk Reception Hosted By 1220 Main Street Restaurant and Bar 1220 Main Street Corner of 12th and MainStreet First Independent Bank Building Vancouver, WA 98660 360.448.2020 www.1220main.com Friday, June 5th 5:00 - 7:00pm (please feel free to share this invitation with others - everyone is welcome) A free, fun evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres and guided tours of Vancouver's Fine Art Galleries! Come discover the art enthusiast in you! Please RSVP to Kristy Weaver at 360-735-3707 or firstfriday.artwalk@yahoo.com by June 4, 2009 Doing what you love is also good for you. Community Choices and Steps to a Healthier Clark County reminds us that: "Walking is for All Reasons and for All Seasons" Participating in First Friday Artwalk adds healthy steps to your life. ************************************************************ WORDS A juried show of art inspired by words (or words inspired by art) Have you been inspired by a word, a phrase, a speech, or a song? Have you written a poem, story, or song inspired by a work of art? All media are welcome, including the written word. Angst Gallery is currently accepting submissions for a juried show exploring the power of words. Accepted work will be on display in Angst Gallery for the month of September 2009. Work submitted and accepted must be available from August 24 – September 27, 2009. Entry Deadline is July 31. Show runs September 4-27. Opening night, September 4, will feature a live collaborative project. Are you interested in collaborating to create such a piece? Contact Angst Gallery by Saturday May 30 to be connected with another artist. How to enter: Fill out attached entry form and include a $20 jury fee made payable to Angst Gallery. Include up to 3 images that best represent each piece. A maximum of 3 pieces may be submitted. Images may be photos, slides, or digital images on CDR. These will be returned if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope. For further questions please email leah.angstgallery@gmail.com Official rules and regulations Entry form must be completed and returned with the $20 fee. Work submitted must be ready to hang if selected. Entries must be received by July 31. Artists will be notified by August 14 if accepted. Work must be at Angst Gallery by August 24. All art must be delivered to Angst Gallery and picked up when the show ends. If art is being shipped, return shipping must be included. Art that is not picked up 30 days after the show ends becomes property of Angst Gallery and may be sold (unless prior arrangements are made). Artists will receive 60% of the sale price of their work that is sold during the show. Angst Gallery will collect a 40% commission. An artist reception will be held on September 4 from 5-9pm. Angst Gallery 1015 Main St Vancouver WA 98660 360.253.1742 www.angstgallery.com Name______________________________________________ Address____________________________________________ City__________________State_________Zipcode__________ Email Address________________________________________ Phone number_______________________________________ Title #1_____________________________________________ Title #2_____________________________________________ Title #3_____________________________________________ Angst Gallery 1015 Main St Vancouver WA 98660 360.253.1742 Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 12-5pm (or by appointment) 2. From Sage Cohen: I'll be taking the show on the road in June to discuss Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry in Newport, OR and Vancouver, WA! Come on out and join me, won't you? This Tuesday, June 2, I'll be leading a Writers-on-Writing Workshop at the monthly Willamette Writers meeting in Newport. We'll explore what it means to live and write a poetic life--and will do a few exercises to prime your poetry pump. Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 p.m. Oregon Chapter of Willamette Writers Writers-on-Writing Workshop: Writing the Life Poetic Newport Public Library McEntee Room 35 NW Nye St. Newport, OR For more information, contact Sue Lick at suelick@casco.net or Dorothy Blackcrow Mack at dmack@netportnet.com. * * * * * Next Wednesday, June 10, I'll be joined by seven Writing the Life Poetic contributors as we celebrate the publication of Writing the Life Poetic at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver, WA. You'll hear excerpts from the book as well as wisdom and poetry from: Lane Browning, Dale Favier, Sara Guest, Christopher Luna, Toni Partington, Shawn Sorensen and Steve Williams. The event will be hosted by the one and only Shawn Sorensen, master of ceremonies. Wednesday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. Book launch reading and celebration featuring Sage Cohen and special guest contributors to Writing the Life Poetic Barnes & Noble Vancouver 7700 NE 4th Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA (easily accessible from both major freeways) For more information please email Shawn Sorensen at crm2679@bn.com. 3. From Judith Arcana: Come to these independent bookstores for evening readings by Judith Arcana from her new chapbook 4th Period English poems written in the voices of high school students talking about immigration arguing and thinking together about those always-attached themes: race, nation, class, border & language June 4, 7pm at Looking Glass Books in SE Portland and/or July 9, 7pm at Cover to Cover Books in Vancouver, WA (with its regionally renowned Second Thursday open mic series) Both readings include work-in-progress; pick one date or come to both - mark your calendar now! Reading and writing are sustainable and organic. Support your local independent booksellers to maintain the community you need. for more info: http://juditharcana.com/index.php/arc/events/ and http://juditharcana.com/index.php/writing/book/4th_period_english 4. From Melissa Sillitoe: Hi Friends! The Show and Tell Gallery is located at Everett Station Lofts: 625 NW Everett Street #231—a working/ living art space community in Portland. Featuring visual, literary, and musical programming, Show and Tell Gallery Productions hosts free artistic events in public places and promotes collaborations between indie artists. Find out more about Show and Tell Gallery: www.showandtellgallery.org or Keep up with event listings through Myspace: www.myspace.com/showandtellgalleryproductions or Check out reviews of our events at: http:/www.brokenhours.net/blog Show and Tell Gallery Productions 6/1/2009-6/15/2009 Mark your JUNE Calendar: 6/1/2009, 7:00pm, 3 Friends Mondays Caffeinated Art Series: Jason McBeth Friends Coffee House, 201 SE 12th Avenue Portland, US Cost:free The Lightning Bug Romantics are 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam runner-up Jason McBeth and Michael Roberts, author of the Puschcart Prize nominated collection "No More Poems About The Moon" (2008 Write Bloody Press). Teaming together to eradicate the lines between page and stage poetry, these two touring performance poets are polar opposites. Peanut butter and Jelly and siamese twins. Michael Roberts is trustworthy, heroically humble, and a recognized saint in seven different religions in 32 languages. Jason McBeth, on the other hand, is criminally insane. Formerly an award winning classical theater actor, McBeth grew up as a ’ward of the state’ of California, an upbringing which fostered in him a keen empathy for the plights of the downtrodden and dispossessed. He tackles these issues and more with a ferocious energy and passion that explode upon the page and stage. For more information, audio and writing samples, tour dates, and booking contact info, please visit www.myspace.com/lightningbugromanticstour or call 310-728-9904 Carrie Seitzinger has been featured in poetry venues throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. She self-published her first book of poetry, The Dots Don’t Connect, and one of her poems will be included in this year’s addition of the literary publication Mosaic. She recently has fallen in love with and moved to Portland, Or. 6/1/2009, 8:15pm, Show and Tell Open Mic Three Friends Coffee House 201 SE 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, US Cost: FREE You know, you know--this is the Portland community's open mic. With the casual comfort of the coffee shop as your backdrop, and a welcoming audience of artists and appreciators, standing on that stage is everything thrilling. You will be pod-cast so later you can show and tell with all your friends who couldn't make it. In the meantime, you'll enjoy the pleasure of performing with other passionate people and maybe make new friends in the process. Amateurs and verbal veterans alike are in high demand every Monday, so just jump and come do it. You know you're a star, so show us! 6/5/2009, 6:00pm, First Friday and Three Friends Coffee House 201 SE 12th Avenue Portland, US Cost:free Sarah Cruse is this month’s exhibiting artist! Check out her art and enjoy live music by Exosphere at 8 p.m. 6/8/2009, 7:00pm, Caffeinated Art Series: Casey Bush 3 Friends Coffee House, 201 SE 12th Avenue Portland, US Cost:free Casey Bush is a senior editor, book reviews and poetry, for The Bear Deluxe Magazine, the Pacific Northwest’s finest environmental arts magazine, and is Non-fiction editor for the on-line magazine www.WritersDojo.org. Casey will be accompanied by multi-percussionist and didgeridoo master Charles Sorgie. Bill Shively is bringing a host of new material and no musicians (save you in the audience) from Astoria. On the menu are a couple of participation pieces, a broadside about Central Oregon and some frogs. Leuth Novotny nee Bartels (recently married & 8-mo pregnant) has been on extended performance hiatus. The current massage school student & kitchen-witch-crafty domestic goddess-in-training has a variety of art projects in development. Her writing projects involve longer works & burlesque theater concepts, so the artist will be reading excerpts from a multiversal poem-in-perpetual-progress (detailing her love affair with the hyphen!). 6/8/2009, 8:15pm, Show and Tell Open Mic Three Friends Coffee House 201 SE 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, US Cost: FREE You know, you know--this is the Portland community's open mic. With the casual comfort of the coffee shop as your backdrop, and a welcoming audience of artists and appreciators, standing on that stage is everything thrilling. You will be pod-cast so later you can show and tell with all your friends who couldn't make it. In the meantime, you'll enjoy the pleasure of performing with other passionate people and maybe make new friends in the process. Amateurs and verbal veterans alike are in high demand every Monday, so just jump and come do it. You know you're a star, so show us! 6/15/2009, 7:00pm, Caffeinated Art Series: Blind Dates 201 SE 12th Avenue Portland, US Cost:free This week we match up James Williams; Kevin Nelson and local poet and open mic hostess, Jamondria Harris. Guest 1 "Jamondria Harris is a poet writing in Portland, Or. She is fighting an often difficult battle to write poems with real objects in them while not taking the "I" for granted.She is fascinated by the surreal aspects of things both outrageous and mundane, and is also the current host of the Alberta St. Broken Word poetry open mic on Tuesdays at the Alberta St. Pub." James Williams makes music that is a mixture of awkward genius and twisted humor that transcends genres and comes solely from the mind of one man, his guitar, his voice, and his computer. He writes: "I am one man in my apartment recording my songs on Garage Band. Kevin Nelson writes poems but prefers to call himself a poet since that’s what his poems do. He has avoided publication to date. As a poet, he crafts clean and tight imagery and delivers it with a powerful punch. On stage he has natural presence and is recognized around Portland and at other random open mic nights in other random states as a rare type of poet performer. He not only writes, he breathes the words in from the page and releases them into life. Show and Tell Open Mic, 6/15/2009 Three Friends Coffee House 201 SE 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, US Cost: FREE You know, you know--this is the Portland community's open mic. With the casual comfort of the coffee shop as your backdrop, and a welcoming audience of artists and appreciators, standing on that stage is everything thrilling. You will be pod-cast so later you can show and tell with all your friends who couldn't make it. In the meantime, you'll enjoy the pleasure of performing with other passionate people and maybe make new friends in the process. Amateurs and verbal veterans alike are in high demand every Monday, so just jump and come do it. You know you're a star, so show us! Where else is Show and Tell? * become a "Friend" of Show and Tell on Myspace; stay informally informed about indie art in our community: www.myspace.com/showandtellgalleryproductions If you missed Mondays, you can simply click this link and check out the talent that happened on Show and Tell's Three Friends Stage during previous weeks: http://www.brokenhours.net/podcasts/3F/3F.html Hugs, Melissa Sillitoe, Host/Producer and Nikia Cummings, Marketing Coordinator Show and Tell Gallery: “Art. Caffeine. Collaboration. Good times.” www.showandtellgallery.org 5. June 19-June 21, Mountain Writers Series Columbia Gorge Writers Conference will be held at Columbia Gorge Community College’s Hood River-Indian Creek Campus and will feature award-winning authors William Kittredge, Annick Smith, Vern Rutsala, Tom Crawford, Monica Drake, Ceiridwen Terrill and Gerald Costanzo, the Director of Carnegie Mellon University Press. In addition to three days of workshops and classes, the public may attend readings both Friday and Saturday evenings at the Columbia Center for the Arts, located at 215 Cascade Street, in Hood River. For workshop descriptions and registration, go to www.mountainwriters.org Contact person: Tim Schell at tschell@cgcc.cc.or.us (541) 506-6171. Mountain Writers Series 2804 SE 27th Avenue, #2 Portland OR 97202 503.232.4517 pdxmws@mountainwriters.org 6. Green Poems Contest http://www.virginiabookarts.org/2009/04/green-poems-submit-your-green-poem/ posted by Kevin McFadden: Green. It’s the color of our money and the banner of our environment. It can be drab as olive or sharp as spring. Green Poems is a contest whose name says it all…but not so much that you can’t further the conversation. Envy? Pastures? Miles? Acres? We don’t mind where you take it–the ecological, the economical, the ecologonomical—just not too far afield of the low 500 nms of wavelength. Supported by Poetry Daily and the Virginia Arts of the Book Center, Green Poems is a contest whose prize is a limited edition letterpress broadside and an appearance on Poetry Daily’s internationally reviewed website. Grand Prize: 30 limited edition, letterpressed broadsides, created by artists at the VABC, and special publication of the winning poem on Poetry Daily (poems.com). Contest Guidelines Submission size: Two poems per submission. Each submission should have a separate entry form. Multiple submissions may be sent in the same entry packet, with appropriate forms and fees enclosed. Entry fee: $15 per submission made payable to the “Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.” (The VABC is a program of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.) Entry form: Get form by clicking HERE. For a printed form, send an SASE to: Green Poems-Form Request / Virginia Foundation for the Humanities /145 Ednam Drive / Charlottesville, VA 22903. Submissions received without a completed entry form will not be eligible. Eligibility: Contest open to any poet(s) living and writing in the United States who are not employees, affiliates, or students of Poetry Daily, or the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Rights to works must reside with the submitting poets, though they may have been previously published. Poems must be original work by eligible submitters. Considerations: No poem should be no longer than one 8.5”x11” page in 12 pt font. Poems should be stapled together and submitted “blind,” with identifying information appearing only on the entry form. Winning poems and honorable mentions may be made available online for a limited time on the VABC website, pending permission of the author. Deadline: Submissions must be postmarked by July 1, 2009. Notification: Winners will be announced in September 2009. Judges: Poets and artists of the Virginia Arts of the Book Center. Selections will be made on literary merit, engagement of theme, and visual interest as a broadside. Judges are poets whose backgrounds are in publishing and book arts. Each has editorial experience with nationally recognized journals, anthologies, and/or prize committees, including the Virginia Quarterly Review, Best New Poets, Little Big Form, and recent VABC Companion Poems, Belle Letters, and Taste ‘Test contests.