Dear Outer Space

bless this mess

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:30:00 +0000

I'm rather proud of our messy apartment. It used to be that I couldn't stand the clutter. Now I just go with it and when I have time to tidy, I do. When I have better things to do, I do them instead. I can't clean up the mess around me thinking that it will calm the mess inside me. It only works for a time, a short-lived balm, a shot of tequila. It's good to just embrace the mess.

unwriting

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:27:00 +0000

sometimes you just need to have one of this days inside your head. a day where you can’t open the windows or even the curtains. maybe you don’t shower until after dinner. maybe you don’t shower at all. cereal is essential.

what do you do when you can’t find desire? or when desire is a laser beam. or one grain of rice. that’s where all the wanting lives. singular concentrated metallic taste like a spoonful of ten grapefruits packed into a mason jar. i won’t remember writing this. i don’t remember writing much of anything anymore. the best i can do is unwrite.

Poetry About Outer Space

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Helix Nebula - Unraveling at the Seams

Since a handful of people keep landing on my little blog trying to find poems about the final frontier, I figured I'd help you, dear poetry seeker, by sending you in the right direction with some useful links. I hope you find this helpful. If you find any other great sites feel free to leave them in the comments and I'll update this post on occasion. I wish you all a happy intergalactic poetry adventure!

1) The Poetry Foundation is a great starting place when you are looking for poems about a certain topic, written by a certain poet, written during a particular time period, in a particular style, and more. I've already searched for poems by Subject: Nature: Stars, Planets, Heavens, which gives you over 200 results. You can continue to narrow down this search by using the handy search feature on the left. For example, if you wanted outer space poems written in the 19th century or kid-friendly outer space poems (under "Other Options" then select "are good for children"), you can filter for either or both of those. You can also look for examples of a particular type, form, or even literary device.

2) The American Academy of Poets also has a less extensive archive of poems. You'll want to select the Advanced Search option from the main page, then use the "Theme" drop down and select "Space" to find about 20 poems. Again, I've done the search already, because I'm cool like that. You also have the option to browse by title and first line, if you're looking for a particular poem.

3) The Poetry Out Loud website has an online anthology of poems that qualify for their national annual recitation contest. This archive is alphabetical by title or poet and has no browsing or filtering functions. You can, however, search the whole site using the search box in the top right corner of the site. If you search for things like "stars" or "space" or "planet" you will find links to poems, though not all of them will be. But don't overlook some of the video performances from past finalists; these have a power all their own and are worth at least a viewing. You can also listen to poetry recitations.

Submission Bombers Seeking New Targets

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The Submission Bombers are currently seeking editors of literary publications that want to collaborate. Here's a little about what we do:

The Submission Bombers are a group of 700+ writers who want our (often marginalized) voices to be heard. Through online events called "bombings," group members are encouraged to submit to a collaborating journal. Our goal is to take large-scale action that will bring about the change we want to see within literary publishing.

A publications must be either 1) one year old with one issue published or 2) less than a year old with two or more issues published. Available upcoming time slots are listed below and are FCFS. If you're interested in setting up a bombing, please email me with your top 3 preferred time slots.

~~Jun 24 – Jul 5~~
~~July 1 – 12~~
~~July 15 – 26~~
~~July 22 – Aug 2~~
July 29 – Aug 9
~~Aug 5 – 16~~
Aug 12 – 23
Aug 19 – 30
~~Aug 26 – Sept 6~~
Any Monday starting September 2nd through December 23rd (excluding the Monday before Thanksgiving).

Long Time No Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:39:00 +0000

It's been quite a while my friends. I'm still here. Lots has happened and is currently happening.

I learned to speak a little Spanish, and I can read and write in Spanish fairly well considering I only took one class. Summer class is lined up and I've got plans for Spanish 2 come fall.

Last month I submitted my first AWP panel proposal that I personally think kicks some serious ass. Let's hope the selection committee agrees.

I was accepted to the Napa Valley Writers' Conference (which reminds me, I owe them an email...). I get to write poems alongside other fantastic writers under the guidance of our workshop leader, Jane Hirshfield. How did I get so lucky?

In January I sat down and made a list of five-year goals. Then I broke that down into 1 year goals. Here is my list of crossed-off goals thus far:

~~Apply to Workshop/Residency~~
~~Attend~~ ~~Workshop/Residency~~
~~Propose AWP Panel~~
~~Weigh < 172 Lbs~~
~~Release Weave Issue 08~~
~~Plan/Go on a Book Tour~~
~~Complete Spanish 1~~

Turns out, if I set goals for myself, I accomplish them. I think this has always been true, I've just never intentionally made a list on which to cross them off. Scratching that line through a goal, damn that feels so good.

National Poetry Month: Spread the Love

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

During my trip to Pittsburgh for my book tour, I visited my alma mater, California University of Pennsylvania. I had the pleasure of speaking with an Intro to Poetry course taught by poet Dr. Michael Levan. The students had awesome questions for me and I got to discuss my work in K-12 schools. When a student asked me if poetry was still relevant today, I replied, "It is to the students I teach." I then said that I see my work with children as a way of making sure it remains relevant. Teaching poetry in the schools is one of the best ways to support a vibrant poetic culture. Speaking to this class was the highlight of my trip. So you can imagine my delight when, this past week, I received this email from a student in Dr. Levan's class (shared here with permission from the sender):

My name is Anne Sternberger, and I am currently a Junior at California University of Pennsylvania. I had the joy and privilege of hearing you speak to my Intro To Poetry class, with Dr. Levan, in early March. I am contacting you, because my poetry group and I included you in a recent group project, and I wanted to fill you in. Because April is National Poetry Month, Dr. Levan assigned us with the task of creating a project in which you bring poetry awareness to the community. My group and I really wanted to include your program Poetry Out Loud in this assignment, because you felt that there is no better way to keep poetry alive then by teaching it to children. Our group went to a local Wal-Mart the other day with signs and poems, and we explained to people what Poetry Out Loud program is all about, and provided email links to the site. We also asked for donations in exchange for reading a poem!

She closes by asking me where she should send the donations; I'm working to get them routed back into Pennsylvania so the funds can go toward a POL program for the community that made the donations.

I can't really describe the feeling I got from this email. Overjoyed and humbled are a good start. The fact that my visit made any impression still flabbergasts me at times; sometimes I forget it's been a decade since I went to college so I don't feel that much further along in life than they. Most impressive is the work these students put into their class project; that is no small task to stand outside a Walmart and ask for money. I'm sure they got their share of cold shoulders. But I have no doubt that any grumpiness was quickly forgotten in the wake of their enthusiasm and generosity, not to mention the personal poetry readings.

I'm sharing this story in the hopes that you'll pause to consider your impact (no doubt you've made one) and for whom you are a mentor. Take a moment to feel good about that. Most importantly, I want to thank Cal U students Anne Sternberger, Alyssa Fowler, Emily McMullen, and William Davis. Your project definitely inspired those you met. It is still inspiring me! When people talk of the millennials' lack of interest in anything that's not sent via text message, you proved them wrong with your willingness to be excited about poetry, self-expression, and arts education. Thank you so much.

hello old friend, how about a few lit links?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:40:00 +0000

I haven't been here for a while. Let's just skip the part where I feel bad about that, k?

The Literary Roundup is going to be renamed. Lit Links sounds fun, but I'm not sure yet. It's also going to be more frequent, until I decide it will be less frequent. So, infrequent sometimes and frequent other times. With changing frequency.

You should read this article by Deborah Copaken Kogan for The Nation. Brave and relevant words.

The third issue of Blast Furnace is up and it's a doozy. John Simon, Valerie Loveland, Bob Walicki, Rachel Bunting, and more. So much delicious poetry. Seriously, go marvel at Mr. Walick's line breaks. He enjambed the crap out of that beautiful, stark poem.

oh yeah, I tumblr for you.

Kristopher Collins review Braiding the Storm for Pittsburgh Magazine. I am humbled.

Andrew Ervin confesses that he is part of the problem with regard to VIDA's Count.

Oh yeah, it's National Poetry Month. I didn't forget, it's just my brain and body decided to go on strike this April, which put me in some awkward situations with my writing journal. I'd just sit there avoiding eye contact, whistling, while the blank pages were just out in the open for all to see. With a pen lying on them, no less! I did manage a few translations of a Bashō poem though. You should try writing one. It's fun.

translations of Matsuo Bashō's poem "old pond" by Laura E. Davis

Adult Classes in Poetry and Drawing at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:53:00 +0000

My dear friend and amazing writer Sarah Leavens is teaching two classes for Pittsburgh Center for the Arts this spring. Sarah is the Out-of-the-Forge Writer-in-Residence in Braddock who has extensive knowledge in fine arts, poetry, creative nonfiction, and bookbinding, among other things. Her recent work has appeared in Fourth River, The Diverse Arts Press and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and is forthcoming from Weave and So to Speak. If you are looking for a great writing class or an intermediate drawing class, I highly recommend you sign up hers, both of which begin next week. Here's a synopsis below. More details on the PCA site.

credit to Pittsburgh Center for the Arts wesbite, 2013

Essential Poetry
April 1-May 20, Mondays 6:30-9:30pm
Level: All
Poetry is not a literary secret society. This genre, with its distilled language and imagery, often intimidates writers and non-writers alike, but in this class we will unpack it, uncovering the essentials of reading and writing poetry—and what makes poetry essential to our lives.

Intermediate Drawing
April 3-May 22, Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Level: Intermediate
Using a variety of drawing materials, students will develop keener observation skills, strengthen their ability to express themselves and be encouraged to further develop a personal style and aesthetic.

New York, New York

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:50:00 +0000

I hope all is well in your worlds tonight.

April: National Poetry Month

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:53:00 +0000

Spring doesn't mark a big change in San Francisco. I've noticed it was a little chillier the last couple of months, but still bright and sunny with a very occasional drizzle. One downpour. While everyone can't wait for the first really warm day of the year, I seem to forget what time of year it is. Perpetual spring, San Francisco. I'm not complaining at all, by the way.

This is why I'm happy for National Poetry Month. April is here! I can write a poem a day! Except, I'm not going to this year. Why not? Last year I wrote a poem a day in April and again in November. I have lots of poems. I've even edited some of them. And a few of those I submitted to journals. But I'm not in need of more poems, per se. So what's a poet to do? Great question. I'm glad I asked that. Here's a few "a-day" ideas ideas:

revise a poem
read a poem
send a poetry submission
read a poetry chapbook
read a poetry journal
share a poem
review a poetry chapbook
review a poetry journal

I'm leaning toward a couple, but they are the more ambitious ones and I'm less likely to succeed. Perhaps I can adjust the "a-day" bar by lowering it to "every-other-day" or "thrice-weekly" instead. I'd really love to write reviews. I've finished three chapbooks this week and I have a few others that I'd like to review in addition. Plus I have a review I owe a very patient reviews editor of a lovely journal. Why are reviews so difficult to write? I always worry I'm going to miss some obvious reference or say something that will make everyone realize I'm not as smart as they thought. Ah, the joy of impostor syndrome. Any tips for approaching review-writing in a way that isn't so intimidating? Feel free to add your two cents about how I should celebrate poetry month.

In Search of Empathy

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:11:00 +0000

So everyone is sharing this piece by Roxane Gay today. She makes beautiful points while tying together very troubling current events in a relevant way. And I agree with her... until the end and her remarks regarding empathy, what it is, and where it comes from.

"I try to imagine what would happen, if that someone, sixteen, at a party, were a boy. And then I hate myself, because that’s not empathy, not at all. We can’t use clever word play to empathize our way out of this mess. We cannot wish something terrible onto anyone to try and even the score. I am not sure what empathy is or how we wield it properly but I am certain it’s not that way."

I agree that, in an ideal world, people shouldn't have to imagine their own child as the victim of a terrible crime in order to empathize. But the world isn't perfect and breaking down centuries of social norms, biases, and prejudices that even the emotionally aware often can't recognize will sometimes require a jarring comparison.

Due to the vast and varied amount of human suffering, we label and categorize experiences so we can decide which issues to care about, choosing ones that have affected us the most, that we identify with the most. This is unavoidable in some ways; otherwise we'd never get anything done because we'd all want to kill ourselves. Still, we all have issues that hit close to home - whether we are or know a victim of rape or we are or know someone with stomach cancer, an issue that touches our individual experience becomes a priority. We choose what we can't not choose because those issues awaken raw emotions in our numbed spirits. Can we do better than this? Yes. Can we expect or demand that empathy only come from a sufficiently virtuous place? I don't think we can. Not yet, at least. I'm certain we'll fail to reach that high a bar. I hope we can someday.

Here's what I know about empathy. Empathy is recognizing yourself in another person. It is feeling compassion for another person's suffering despite differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, abilities, and so on. Considering how much value our culture places on individualism and competition, and how little value we assign to recognizing and identifying our own feelings, it's amazing any of us develop empathy at all.

I also know that empathy doesn't come naturally to every person. Empathic ability comes in different forms. Some people feel it right away, some people read verbal or nonverbal cues, some both, some neither. Regardless, empathy is both an intellectual and emotional skill which must be modeled by mentors, politicians, parents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, and teachers. We must nurture and encourage compassion in the next generation. This requires a lot of hard work. The focus of Buddhist meditation asks practitioners to develop compassion. Since one can spend a lifetime meditating, this practice illustrates just how difficult it is to foster a deep sense of compassion. To be able to look at another person and not see differences, not see "the other", but rather see our shared humanity.

Here is what I also know. We've gotten ourselves into one fucking ugly mess. And it's entirely possible that the only way out is to trudge back through that ugly mess. Becoming a more compassionate culture will take decades of tirelessly facing our own ugliness until one day we won't need to imagine acts of violence or misfortune upon our loved ones in order to empathize. Until one day we as a culture can empathize with human suffering regardless of our individual differences.

AWP Bound!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:10:00 +0000

Boston will be cold. I wish I had a pretty coat that was warm and would also fold into a tiny, portable swathe. This year I won't be staying at the conference hotel as I have in years past. Also, this is my first year not tabling at the book fair for Weave Magazine. Just me toting my coat and my chapbook around a giant convention center.

By the way, if you see me please say hello. I really love meeting people I know only online. I apologize if I don't recognize you at first, but to be fair, I'm pretty bad at names and faces. I'll be glad to meet you!

If you want to pick up a signed copy of Braiding the Storm, I will have them in tow. As a special promotion, if you buy BtS I will write you a personalized poem on a Boston postcard. Buy my chapbook, get a postcard poem later! Win-Win.

I'm looking forward to being a rogue agent this year. This is my fourth AWP and I'm taking my past experiences and applying them to this year. Pace myself. Sit near the back. Make time for the book fair. If I get to 2-3 panels in one day I'm happy. It's hard to go go go. They should have time-out rooms at AWP with quiet music, soft lighting, lots of pillows. Except everyone would likely be there most of the time.

I'm excited to go to the book fair and collect stickers. Decorating my AWP notebook is going to be my new tradition. This year I have a larger, unlined journal and it will be beautiful.

"Everything in Sugar is feminist"

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:04:00 +0000

excerpt from Bitch Magazine article "Sugar Rush" issue no. 56, fall 2012

Can we have a sincere talk about beauty? I'd really like to chat about it. I want to pretend it doesn't affect me. It does. I worry. I fret over silly things. What's worse is I feel good when I look good. Why? Is that ok? Do I have to look good all the time? No, but I do have to have the "right" clothes. I know it's all crazy-talk. Brainwashing by a broken culture. I'm aware of my own internalization of these standards. Now what? I can't just will them away.

And the pictures online. Today I discovered #GPOY (read this for a great analysis of it's cultural meaning). For the most part I only post cute pictures of myself online. Unless I'm being funny. I couldn't share a bad picture. It sounds ridiculous. Why would I share a bad picture? But, why share a good one? Why share any? What are my expectations? This is on my mind a lot lately. Partly because I'm feeling better about my body because I'm taking care of it. I'm losing weight, which is great in many ways. I can honestly say that the main reason I started being healthy was because I was depressed and anxious. I did it for my mental and emotional health and it's working (along with lots of other internal work I'm doing). But I can't help but like how I look. And I feel shameful, mostly because I don't know how to undo it. The truth is I'm a few pounds and a bad hair day away from feeling like crap. Cheryl Strayed is right. But how do we "stand together against the beauty machine" while also not shaming ourselves?

OMG I have a book!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:03:00 +0000

When my chapbook arrived in the mail, Sal brought the box up and surprised me in my office. He had the camera ready and then made this video. I say "holy $hit" a lot. It's pretty funny. Also, I'm wearing a tie dyed bandanna, which is always awesome.

Literary Roundup: whoa twice in one week!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:27:00 +0000

found a handmade bookmark in this used book

The Natural Bridge's three-part interview series consists of interviewing a writer, his or her editor, and a reader of said writer. After writing a review of Aimee Nezhukumatathil's book Lucky Fish here and on Goodreads, the editors reached out to me to do the "reader" interview. Of course I said yes after geeking out for a few minutes because I love Aimee Nezhukumatathil. I love her so much that I know how to spell her name by heart and I'm pretty sure I pronounce it correctly. Check out all three parts, interviews with Aimee, Tupelo Press managing editor Jim Schley, and myself.

Two poems by John Oliver Simon over at riverbabble are excellent examples of how to deftly mix the mundane with the sensational or sublime. Also, I love poems about grandparenting. I'd love to read more, particularly from grandfathers. The issue also features pieces by Bay Area writers Sharon Coleman and Cassandra Dallett.

Issue 16 of Redactions: Poetry, Poetics, & Prose is available. John and I both have poems featured, along with a bunch of other amazing writers. Editor Tom Holmes always puts together lovely issues. Highly recommend.

In other news, there are some reviews rolling in for Braiding the Storm. The book is doing really well with its Goodreads rating.

Literary Roundup: Miniature Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:36:00 +0000

New issue of Stone Highway Review is live. I've got a poem in there along with my amazing friend Sarah Leavens. Check it out.

The new issue of Right Hand Pointing features a fantastic acrostic poem by Robert Walicki, which is rare these days. The whole issue is worth a read.

Angele Ellis responded to the Next Big Thing on Carol Berg's blog, Ophelia Unraveling. In related news, I finished Berg's chapbook of the same name recently and was hypnotized by her layered, hymn-like tribute to Hamlet's lover.

Enjoy the similes and metaphors from my fourth grade students.

Maybe I should make these permanently miniature? Much simpler.

coming up for air

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:30:00 +0000

I'm floating to the top of my to-do list. For once it isn't completely obvious what I should do next, which means I'm not putting out fires. I can choose what's next!

Taking two months off from product writing to focus on poetry writing/editing/submitting has been better than I expected. My concerns about falling into an unstructured abyss were assuaged when, two weekends ago, I planned my long term goals. Five years, specifically. Then laid out one year. In between I discovered my personal values. Great exercise, very helpful. Freelance artists should know their values because then priorities are grounded in something bigger than yourself. Or grounded in the well-thought-out version of yourself, rather than on a whim or what's left on your Hulu queue.

I want to write more here, but it hasn't been a priority. I see my blog as a way to give back, to share my knowledge and experiences with others. To interact. Dialogue. I'm not reading other blogs right now, so it feels phony. I am reading and re-reading a couple beautiful chap/books though. And I have so many other ways I'm giving back so those things take precedence.

Next thing on my list: submissions. My own. With two poem-a-days in April and November, plus random writing in between, I now have 99 poems just sitting in folders. They might not have enough ready yet, but that might also be an excuse. Either way, off I go. Be well, dear readers.

Recent Google Searches

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

if you want a postcard from me, shoot me an email with your addy

Whenever I wonder where all my time goes, I look back through my broswer's search history and it all makes sense again.

Oscar Nominations
gigli
The Paperboy
All-singing musical
snake breath bunny breath video
hate watching
neck muscles
play pool san francisco
events in san francisco
Odyssey
define Hellespont
define excoriate
Almost Famous
Turkey Burger Recipe
Chun Shu Poetry
how to create community in an online classroom
G+ Hangout
define base
cal u of pa
golem
milecalc
Redactions
cis bodied

Ann Hamilton's event of a thread

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

This is what I did in NYC. I laid on the floor beneath a giant white sheet that was being moved by a system of swings and pulleys in a huge armory in Manhattan. It was probably the most amazing installation art I've ever experienced. I am hoping for many poems to come.

Witness. Respond. Moment: An Interview with poet Claire Blotter

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

I first met poet and teacher Claire Blotter in September 2011 at the California Poets in the Schools Symposium in Santa Barbara. I was having a bit of a rough time, since I'd only just moved to California and barely knew anyone. A conversation I had with a few poets, including Claire, stood out from that overwhelming and somewhat lonely weekend.

She spoke about her experiences teaching, her use of performance in the classroom, and tips about getting started as a poet-teacher. She lives in Marin County where she writes and performs poetry with movement and body rhythms. Her warmth and energetic presence made me remember her name at this past year's CPITS symposium, our second meeting. After attending her Poetry Out Loud workshop (which was so rich and informative), we spoke at dinner about her forthcoming chapbook, Moment in the Moment House, bonding over our mutual titles from Finishing Line Press.

The third time I ran into Claire was last month when I read for the Why There Are Words Reading Series in Sausalito. I was particularly amazed by her pre-sale strategies, which mostly involved emailing everyone she'd ever met and through talking to her vast network of kindred spirits in person. She smiled as she told me about reminding her hair stylist to buy the book. Why didn't I tell my hair stylist? I thought. Which brings us to this interview where Claire speaks about building a successful career as a full-time poet. She has taught performance poetry privately and at San Francisco Bay Area universities since 1981 and also published two other chapbooks. She currently teaches writing to children and high schoolers through the California Poets in the Schools and Poetry Out Loud Programs.

Laura Davis: Your past work experience includes supporting yourself through teaching poetry writing and performance. How has that experience, particularly your work establishing a local network of interested parties, influenced your promotional efforts for your chapbook?

Claire Blotter: When I supported myself entirely by teaching writing workshops in San Francisco and Marin, it was by creating workshops, performances and readings, where people made social connections and enduring friendships- social networks with mutual support. The performances often involved the audience members in some way, which created a deeper community bond. Two of my students from Marin and San Francisco, whom I bought together for an advanced performance poetry workshop, ended up becoming life partners [who are] still together after 15 years. When I was called on to promote the pre-sale of my book, I used all the email and address lists of social networks I had ever been involved in—as far back even as high school!

LD: What advice do you have for published poets just beginning the promotional process?

CB: Think about the people who have loved and supported you over the years. Let them know that you've worked hard on this amazing new book you're delighted to share with them and ask them for their support. Ask them for help. People LIKE to help, but you have to ask, the hard part for me! I sent out 3 rounds of emails for the pre-sale of my book which I've heard is what it takes for most people to respond to non-profit requests.

LD: If you had to summarize Moment in the Moment House in one sentence what would it be? What about just three words?

CB: Stay present with fear, witness or respond with integrity in the moment, don't let the darkness outside or inside you scare you from seeing truth. Three words: witness, respond, moment.

LD: What part, if any, does performance play in Moment in the Moment House?

I have already memorized about a third of the book and performed poems for high school and adult audiences. By the time I've finished editing a poem, it is usually memorized or close to being memorized. Performance of the poems is what, in my opinion, will sell the book, because oral presentation gives the audience an emotional experience they often want to take home with them or at least examine more closely on the page to see what moved them.

LD: What plans do you have marketing-wise once the chapbook is released?

CB: I have a Marin [County] book launch planned for March 23, my birthday, at my favorite nearby independent bookstore Book Passage, and a reading with others at the Why There Are Words reading at 333 Caledonia Street on April 11th. I also plan to go on a performance poetry summer tour of cities where I have friends and relatives from Southern California up the coast as far as Washington. I expect to sell poems based on my performances as people have requested books after performance readings I've done in the past. I need to create a website and get more hip to social networking!

Submission Bombers Seek Publications for 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:57:00 +0000

12/4/2013 UPDATE! We're filled up for January but have openings in February going forward. Please still shoot me an email.

Happy 2013, Outer Space! I hope your New Year's Day celebrations were safe and delightful. Mine certainly were.

I'm posting a call for new publications for the Submission Bombers to target in the coming weeks. We have an opening for January 7th we'd like to fill immediately, then openings beginning in the later half of January moving forward. If you're an editor who is looking to increase your submissions from a diverse group of talented writers, please email (me) Laura Davis with your information.

My Quiet Lightning Reading: From Scratch

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Literary Round: No BS Version

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Over at Brevity Barrie Jean Borich discusses The Craft of Writing Queer.

Randall Horton reviews Remica Bingham’s What We Ask of Flesh over at The Offending Adam.

I'm not sure how I feel about this list of Top 10 Hottest Poets of the 19th Century via The Writing Source. Despite that it's "meant to be fun," it still feels disrespectful. Thoughts?

There's a new issue of Rose & Thorn available, including work by the lovely Mary Stone Dockery.

Kelli Russell Agondon provides a nice list of gifts for the world-lovers in your life.

BBC News reports on Chinese writers living in a culture that censors their work and imprisons them for writing it.

Matthew Bostick doesn't freak out about e-publishing. Good for him. We might consider the same.

Karen Lillis is collecting various writers' list of favorite small/indie press books from 2012. Here's the first installment. I plan to send mine noms soon.

Cheryl Strayed shares this dynamite quote from Adrienne Rich:

"We may feel bitterly how little our poems can do in the face of seemingly out-of-control technological power and seemingly limitless corporate greed, yet it has always been true that poetry can break isolation, show us to ourselves when we are outlawed or made invisible, remind us of beauty where no beauty seems possible, remind us of kinship where all is represented as separation." -Adrienne Rich

Funny little poetry nugget.

And finally, the Poetry Foundation gathered a list of Hanukkah poems.

When Siblings Spawn

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:03:00 +0000

My brother is having a baby. Well, his wife is doing the "having" (and by having I mean pushing and screaming and laboring) while he's doing the calming and the pep-talking and the ice-chip-getting.

I'm really excited. Can you tell? In case it's not clear, below is a photo depicting my excitement.

I can't wait to go home for Christmas. I leave early on December 14th. Everyone else in my big-ass family will have had two weeks with my soon-to-be-born (possibly-already-born-by-the-time-you-read-this) nephew, so I will get to love that little monkey all to myself. At least, that's what I'm telling myself. There's a lot of family that loves him. He's a lucky kid.

babies are kyooot!

I Wrote Ten Poems in One Day

noreply@blogger.com (Laura E. Davis) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:31:00 +0000

One free verse, one prose poem, one Naani, one palindromic butterfly cinquain, one semi-found poem, one erasure poem, one cinquain, one Tanka, one Cento, and one haiku.

That's ten poems in one day folks, and I did it with very little sleep (not planned that way, just happened). Never again can I try to tell myself that I'm too tired or overworked or whatever other excuse I want to make up to put off writing.

Thanks, November.