David Gilmour interviewed me for Sound Poetry, his radio show on RadioTacoma. Our conversation went a bit overboard and took up two episodes. We discussed the nature of abstract poetry, landscape, cartoons, rock music lyrics, and much more. Check out both installments on Sound Poetry.
Blog
Poems on Video: Saints Among Us and Crumbs
I’m delighted to be a part of the Friendswood Library #NationalPoetryMonth Celebration. In collaboration with Mutabilis Press, Matt Riley produced a series called Primary Sources. This video features David Cowen and me reading poems published in Mutabilis Press books. My part starts at 5:21.
Happy National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, and there are lots of ways to celebrate. You can: Write a poem every day with NaPoWriMo. Daily prompts and encouragement are provided! Read a poem every day on Poets.org. Watch young people perform slam poetry from Brave New Voices Festival on YouTube. Explore the organizations that love poetry: Canto… Continue reading Happy National Poetry Month
The Book Is OUT
INTO THE THE is officially published! The publication date, March 21st, was on World Poetry Day. If you would like your own copy, please purchase one through Backlash Press. They have created a beautiful book, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Poetry Book Trailer for INTO THE THE
The Magic Box
Backlash Press Editor and Publisher Gretchen Heffernan opens the first box of INTO THE THE, and you can watch her do it on this video! I am so moved and grateful to see what a beautiful job Gretchen has done with my poems.
The Education Game
I am the guest expert on The Education Game podcast this week and got to talk with Matt Barnes and Scott Van Beck about writing, student-centered education, Writers in the Schools (WITS), and parenting. It was great fun! We talked about texting, journaling, how to get kids to love reading, and even my new book… Continue reading The Education Game
The Poet’s Role in Social Justice
In Houston, poet laureates were in the news two weeks in a row. First, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the opening of the application process to become the 5th Houston Poet Laureate. I cheered, but some complained. Then 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, stole the show at the Presidential Inauguration, perhaps even… Continue reading The Poet’s Role in Social Justice
Book Cover Sneak Preview
Backlash Books has revealed the cover design for my new book of poetry, Into The The. I’m so grateful and excited about this!
Favorite Books 2020
The pandemic provided us time. Here are six books I read and loved in 2020. #favoritebooks
School, Joy & Revolution: Takeaways from my Time at WITS
I retired from my leadership position at Writers in the Schools (WITS) in September, and the editors of Teachers & Writers Magazine invited me to write an essay about what I learned. When I became the Executive Director in the late 90s, the most talked-about book in our library was Wishes, Lies, and Dreams by… Continue reading School, Joy & Revolution: Takeaways from my Time at WITS
Riffing on Reading Novels, the Longer the Better
Ever had a “damp, drizzly November” in your soul? Check out my essay about reading, listening, pandemic, isolation, and self-healing on RIFF, a publication by Writers at Large. Huge thanks to Thea Temple and the editors at RIFF.
Pop Goes the Poem
In a very creative collaboration, Gemini Ink and The McNay Art Museum offer up a fun, free way to celebrate the pop art exhibition featuring Robert Indiana, best known for his famous LOVE sculptures. Take a moment and your phone, and you can access a short poem by texting one of these key words: “LOVE,… Continue reading Pop Goes the Poem
You Belong
On Being, one of my favorite podcasts, has started a poetry video project that is quite beautiful. Check out their page on YouTube when you’re looking for a bright spot of authenticity in your day.
Backlash Press Best Book Award
I got some wonderful poet news this week: I won the Best Book Award, and “Into The The” will be published by @BacklashPress in March 2021. I AM SO EXCITED! Thank you to the editors with an awesome mission. I’m so proud to join your fold! Check out their manifesto here: https://backlashpress.com/manifesto/