One of the most fun things for me in judging the Davenport Poetry prize at Knox College was talking with young poets about other poets they could read. I did try to write those names in my comments, but I’ve also thought of a few more that I might add, so I wanted to postContinue reading “Recommendations from a Poetry Contest”
Tag Archives: Poetry
Reflections on a Poetry Contest
I am in the Moline airport, heading back to Mississippi after two wonderful days at Knox College, judging the Davenport poetry prize. In reflecting back on the experience, I am first struck by how much fun it was. The best part for me, besides getting to spend time at my alma matter and hanging outContinue reading “Reflections on a Poetry Contest”
How to Judge a Poetry Contest
Okay, I’ll admit it, everyone is different in this regard, so I ought to just title this “How I’m Judging the Davenport Poetry Prize for Knox College.” There, now that I’ve included the name, some enterprising Knox students googling my name or their school, might stumble upon this page. That’s all right. I promise notContinue reading “How to Judge a Poetry Contest”
In Memoriam, David Hernandez, Chi-Town Poet
Yesterday, I learned that David Hernandez had passed away of a heart attack at the age of 66. He died in his beloved city, Chicago, on Feb. 25, 2013. (By the way, there is another David Hernandez, a poet from California, who is very much alive.) Reading this news two months after the fact broughtContinue reading “In Memoriam, David Hernandez, Chi-Town Poet”
Local Culture
This weekend, we took in a little of the local culture and had a lot of fun. Friday night, thanks to organizers Chris Hannon and Adele Eliot, there was an open mic night at Cafe Aromas in downtown Columbus MS. I took a few poems to read, and Aidan brought his fiddle. Since there weren’tContinue reading “Local Culture”
Some Thoughts on Rhyme
Though it is still the holiday season and most of my recent posts have been about food, I’ve been thinking about poetry and teaching, especially as we drive across country, listening to music. As we prepare to ring in the new year, I’ve been thinking about rhyme in song lyrics and in poetry. As aContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Rhyme”
Treasure your Word Hoard
Classes are over, exams are graded, and I finally have time to get back to the blog, which means I have time to write and think about something other than papers and exams! This morning on the walk, as I was processing last semester’s writing class and thinking about what I’d like to be ableContinue reading “Treasure your Word Hoard”
Nonfiction, what is it?
I’m constantly being asked this question, since the creative writing program I teach in has a class in it (that I don’t teach, but I’m the program director, so I get asked a lot anyway). It’s a tough one to answer, and usually I list some of the kinds of writing, I think might beContinue reading “Nonfiction, what is it?”
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)”
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”