Publish Your Poetry Book (Without Getting Scammed)

Recently, I received an email from a local writer, asking for advice on how to publish a book of poems. I’ve never read her poetry, so I could only give general advice, and since I get this kind of question a lot, I thought I’d post my reply here. Publishing a book of poetry canContinue reading “Publish Your Poetry Book (Without Getting Scammed)”

Historical Markers

Here’s a writing exercise I haven’t given to any of my classes (yet), mostly because I’m not sure when they’ll be driving. Stop at a historical marker. It may be one you pass on a regular basis without sopping or one that you see on a trip. Read the marker and look around you. NoteContinue reading “Historical Markers”

New Year’s (blog) Resolution

Early this New Year’s morning, I had a dream of teaching a creative writing class in an apartment. All my students showed up gradually, starting at 1:00 a.m., since the class time hadn’t been announced. I had them all do calisthenics to warm up and dreamt up several ideas for class. I probably won’t makeContinue reading “New Year’s (blog) Resolution”

A few thoughts on eBooks

A student in one of my classes has started bringing a funny little book to class — her Kindle. She loves it, and I can see the allure (especially given the weight of most students’ backpacks), but we’ve come across a problem. Her Kindle editions don’t include the original page numbers! So how can sheContinue reading “A few thoughts on eBooks”

It Could Have Been Music

As I turn from grading exams and essays back to getting ready for this year’s Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium, coming up in less than two weeks, I am thinking about this year’s theme. It could have been a musical theme, at least judging by our poets. Shirlette Ammons’ book includes an extended play CD withContinue reading “It Could Have Been Music”

Front Row Happiness

My internal geek is happy. I finally found the solution I’ve been looking for, and it’s been right there all along — an overlooked piece of Apple software, Front Row. (Click on the icon to see what Apple has to say about it.) When we first bought the Mini, I knew it came with FR,Continue reading “Front Row Happiness”