Author Archives: Kendall Dunkelberg

20 Reasons to Write or Read a Poem (besides commemorating a life event or making a buck)

This is a follow-up to my last post, “Indeed, Why Poetry?” which was a response to Daniel Halpern’s essay, “A Few Questions for Poetry,” that began with the mother of all questions: “Why poetry?” I don’t mean to start an argument, but I thought I ought to offer a few more answers to that questionContinue reading “20 Reasons to Write or Read a Poem (besides commemorating a life event or making a buck)”

Indeed, Why Poetry?

A Response to Daniel Halpern’s “A Few Questions for Poetry” On Dec. 30, 2016, Halpern published a defense of poetry in the New York Times. As often seems to be the case with these kinds of defenses, he raises some valid points while making a few troubling claims, not the smallest of which is theContinue reading “Indeed, Why Poetry?”

Catch, Knox College Magazine

This week, I had a blast from the past, an email from Knox College asking about the times the undergraduate literary magazine, Catch, had won the CCLM national prize. The acronym is for the Coordinating Council of Literary Magazines, which around 1990 changed its name to CLMP —Council of Literary Magazines and Presses. The three coversContinue reading “Catch, Knox College Magazine”

Revision: Taking My Own Advice

If you follow this blog, you may know that I’m publishing a creative writing textbook next year, titled A Writer’s Craft:Multi-Genre Creative Writing. The contract has been signed on both sides of the Atlantic, and this fall I’ve been working on revisions. Since I’ve taught with the notes that became this book for a few years, theContinue reading “Revision: Taking My Own Advice”

Book Review: Miss Jane by Brad Watson

Miss Jane by Brad Watson My rating: 5 of 5 stars It’s no wonder Watson’s latest novel was nominated for the National Book Award. Watson presents us with compelling characters whose lives explore contemporary issues in a setting of historical fiction. The title character, Jane is born in the early 20th century with a birthContinue reading “Book Review: Miss Jane by Brad Watson”

Clarion Ledger Review

I am incredibly honored that today’s Clarion Ledger includes a review of Barrier Island Suite, and I’m grateful for the meticulous reading that Lisa McMurtray gives of these poems. I’m also thankful to Steve Yates who organizes these reviews, which is such a great service to writers and readers in Mississippi. I do need to make one small correction —Continue reading “Clarion Ledger Review”

Barrier Island Suite Fall Book Tour

I’ve been updating my Events page with readings and signings I’ll be doing for the next couple of months. It’s starting to look like a book tour for Barrier Island Suite: Upcoming Readings and Signings September 15, 5:00 p.m. — Lemuria Books, Jackson, MS September 16, 5:30-7:00 p.m. — Oddfellows Gallery, Hattiesburg, MS September 17, 11:15 a.m.Continue reading “Barrier Island Suite Fall Book Tour”

15 Things to Do Before a Low-Res MFA (plus 5 bonus things)

Here are 15 things you should probably do before applying to a low-residency MFA in Creative Writing like ours: Read at least a dozen different literary magazines (find some at your library or local bookstore) Read multiple issues of at least two literary magazines Submit to your favorite literary magazines multiple times Get rejected by magazinesContinue reading “15 Things to Do Before a Low-Res MFA (plus 5 bonus things)”

More Thoughts on MFA Applications

About a year and a half ago, I wrote a series of posts about MFA applications, beginning with “What to Say in your Statement of Purpose.” At the time, The W was just launching its low-residency MFA in Creative Writing, and I wanted to be transparent about the application process by telling prospective students whatContinue reading “More Thoughts on MFA Applications”