Jeannine Hall Gailey's Blog, page 111
January 19, 2011
All over the internets!
Hey guys! Kelli Russell Agodon interviewed me today about my research recently on small presses and micropresses for an article in the 2012 Poet's Market.
Check it out here!
I'm going to miss AWP this year, but Deb Ager from 32 Poems has some great tips for AWP-goers here!
Check it out here!
I'm going to miss AWP this year, but Deb Ager from 32 Poems has some great tips for AWP-goers here!
January 17, 2011
Snow Bees, poems for the weather and some great books I'm reading...
A very seasonally-appropriate Winter 2011 issue of Goblin Fruit is out, featuring my poem "Snow Bees" - you can even hear me reading it!
Incidentally, this is one of the poems that I wrote while collaborating with artist Amy Johnson for her installment art exhibition, which involves snow, wolves, bees, the works. I'll post info on it as soon as it's up!
While the doctors are busy trying to figure out why I keep going into anaphylaxis (I'm going to learn to spell that word correctly, for one thing) - food allergies, autoimmune, etc - I'm trying to keep my mind occupied with new reading material. Cate Marvin's Fragment of the Head of A Queen, Sandra Beasley's I Am The Jukebox, and issue 8 of Cave Wall, which I've seen some people mention lately, and I wanted to discover a new lit mag. I've only glanced through all three so far, but I've loved what I've read of Sandra's "I Am the Jukebox." Here's a little bit from "Another Failed Poem About the Greeks," which will indicate why I love the book so much:
"His sword dripped blood. His helmet gleamed./ He dragged a Gordon's head behind him...As first dates go, this was problematic."
I'm also reading Lizzie Acker's terrific and strange Monster Party , a hybrid-forms, short-short fiction collection from Small Desk Press, as odd and crazy and interesting as can be. I just finished the story called 'Baby,' in which a dying narrator talks to...well, I can't explain what or who the baby is, but let's just say, it's not what you'd guess.
Incidentally, this is one of the poems that I wrote while collaborating with artist Amy Johnson for her installment art exhibition, which involves snow, wolves, bees, the works. I'll post info on it as soon as it's up!
While the doctors are busy trying to figure out why I keep going into anaphylaxis (I'm going to learn to spell that word correctly, for one thing) - food allergies, autoimmune, etc - I'm trying to keep my mind occupied with new reading material. Cate Marvin's Fragment of the Head of A Queen, Sandra Beasley's I Am The Jukebox, and issue 8 of Cave Wall, which I've seen some people mention lately, and I wanted to discover a new lit mag. I've only glanced through all three so far, but I've loved what I've read of Sandra's "I Am the Jukebox." Here's a little bit from "Another Failed Poem About the Greeks," which will indicate why I love the book so much:
"His sword dripped blood. His helmet gleamed./ He dragged a Gordon's head behind him...As first dates go, this was problematic."
I'm also reading Lizzie Acker's terrific and strange Monster Party , a hybrid-forms, short-short fiction collection from Small Desk Press, as odd and crazy and interesting as can be. I just finished the story called 'Baby,' in which a dying narrator talks to...well, I can't explain what or who the baby is, but let's just say, it's not what you'd guess.
January 13, 2011
Reality is Overrated
Julianna Baggott has an interesting post at her blog about creative writing programs and "reality" literature. Meaning, most MFA programs strongly encourage their writers not to stretch their imaginations beyond the bounds of "what really happens." Which I think makes for some very boring fiction. And also, poetry.
My favorite fiction writers are fabulists, magical realists, writers who cavort at the edge of the possible – Haruki Murakami, Kelly Link, and Margaret Atwood, for instance. Geek culture figures heavily in a lot of the books I read – The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao might fall into that category, or The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. The movies and television shows I watch aren't reality shows, or even shows that follow realistic plotlines – they often have superheroes, or time travel, or those kinds of elements. Japanese Anime does wonderful futuristic dystopias, if you're into that kind of thing.
So why the fetishization in fiction and poetry, in MFA programs, of "the real?" Is it from the old adage, "Write what you know?' (I always say, write whatever you can imagine. Just imagine it with a lot of specific details.)
I often tell my students to get away from writing about their families of origin, their latest breakups, or their backyards. Yes, I know that's what Sharon Olds and Billy Collins do. Doesn't mean you have to do that too. There's too little flair, wild creativity, in most poetry books today. The old great poets – William Blake, Yeats – they had imagination, and it showed up in their work. I encourage them to try new subjects, write in persona, break out of their personal "reality" cages.
Realism is a fine mode, but it's not the only mode. It wasn't the mode of Homer, or Ovid, or some of the finest ancient poets. "Poetry is Not Memoir."
If you want to put superheroes in your poetry, well, that's a reflection of some part of your "real world," anyway. Ancient humans created myths to liven up extremely hard and dull lives. It's up to us to continue that tradition. So yes, write about your zombies, your superheroes, your anime characters and your folk tales. Write your book in reverse narrative as both a ghost-story and a time-travel story like Karyna McGlynn did in "I Have to Go Back to 1994 and Kill a Girl." What do you have to lose?
My favorite fiction writers are fabulists, magical realists, writers who cavort at the edge of the possible – Haruki Murakami, Kelly Link, and Margaret Atwood, for instance. Geek culture figures heavily in a lot of the books I read – The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao might fall into that category, or The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. The movies and television shows I watch aren't reality shows, or even shows that follow realistic plotlines – they often have superheroes, or time travel, or those kinds of elements. Japanese Anime does wonderful futuristic dystopias, if you're into that kind of thing.
So why the fetishization in fiction and poetry, in MFA programs, of "the real?" Is it from the old adage, "Write what you know?' (I always say, write whatever you can imagine. Just imagine it with a lot of specific details.)
I often tell my students to get away from writing about their families of origin, their latest breakups, or their backyards. Yes, I know that's what Sharon Olds and Billy Collins do. Doesn't mean you have to do that too. There's too little flair, wild creativity, in most poetry books today. The old great poets – William Blake, Yeats – they had imagination, and it showed up in their work. I encourage them to try new subjects, write in persona, break out of their personal "reality" cages.
Realism is a fine mode, but it's not the only mode. It wasn't the mode of Homer, or Ovid, or some of the finest ancient poets. "Poetry is Not Memoir."
If you want to put superheroes in your poetry, well, that's a reflection of some part of your "real world," anyway. Ancient humans created myths to liven up extremely hard and dull lives. It's up to us to continue that tradition. So yes, write about your zombies, your superheroes, your anime characters and your folk tales. Write your book in reverse narrative as both a ghost-story and a time-travel story like Karyna McGlynn did in "I Have to Go Back to 1994 and Kill a Girl." What do you have to lose?
January 8, 2011
Trying Not to Get Discouraged...
Okay, well, 2011 hasn't quite shaped up to be a banner year so far...birds falling out of the sky, mass fish deaths, and a small girl, a young female congresswoman, and a judge were just shot out of the blue at a public appearance today. Plus I'm still on crutches thanks to my sprained ankle, and unable to eat much due to my food allergies (hello, rice and potato, I'm totally sick of you now!) which the doctors are still in the process of figuring out. By the way, an extreme elimination diet is a great way to lose weight in the new year!
I did send out a submission or two, but generally I'm feeling hesitant to ask for readings for my new book, and feeling somewhat weirdly reticent about sending out poems as well. Maybe it's general overall life discouragement seeping into my poetry life.
In Seattle we're experiencing a bizarre cold snap, with highs this week supposedly in the twenties, and snowfall called for on multiple days. I heard Georgia was getting snow too. So add weird weather into the things that seem inauspicious for the beginning of 2011...
Adam Deutsch has been blogging about the phenomenon of big poetry publishers asking for (mostly poor poets) people to fund them. I've been writing an article about working with micropresses as an alternative to sending checks of $25 and more to publisher contests where we get very little input back for the money, and we're lucky to even see a copy of the winning book. Something seems imbalanced in the poetry world. Maybe I should send out a poet fundraiser letter back to these publishers, and tell them that in these hard times, if they want me to continue working as a poet, I'll need a donation of $25 and up...and if they pledge more than $100, I'll be happy to send them a copy of my first book! What do you think?
I did send out a submission or two, but generally I'm feeling hesitant to ask for readings for my new book, and feeling somewhat weirdly reticent about sending out poems as well. Maybe it's general overall life discouragement seeping into my poetry life.
In Seattle we're experiencing a bizarre cold snap, with highs this week supposedly in the twenties, and snowfall called for on multiple days. I heard Georgia was getting snow too. So add weird weather into the things that seem inauspicious for the beginning of 2011...
Adam Deutsch has been blogging about the phenomenon of big poetry publishers asking for (mostly poor poets) people to fund them. I've been writing an article about working with micropresses as an alternative to sending checks of $25 and more to publisher contests where we get very little input back for the money, and we're lucky to even see a copy of the winning book. Something seems imbalanced in the poetry world. Maybe I should send out a poet fundraiser letter back to these publishers, and tell them that in these hard times, if they want me to continue working as a poet, I'll need a donation of $25 and up...and if they pledge more than $100, I'll be happy to send them a copy of my first book! What do you think?
January 2, 2011
2011: A New Hope
Yes, I am purposefully referencing Star Wars (the original flavor - and best chapter.) A new beginning, a new hope. Isn't that what we all wish for this time of year? Welcome 2011! Bring us happiness, health, warmth, and all that good stuff!
This morning the sun is shining though ice is still on the ground outside, I am feeling slightly better (she says with cautious optimism!) and my very first piece of creative non-fiction has been published at In Posse Review:
http://inpossereview.com/IPR_Hall_Gailey.htm
I've written two new poems (both very nostalgic, what's that about?) and today is the day I plan to put together some submissions. I planned to do it yesterday, but my computer stubbornly froze and had to be doctored up. I'm afraid my little computer may be on its last legs.
My class starts back up tomorrow, so I'd better be ready for that. I've got my brand new Writer's Calender open and it is reminding me of deadlines...
This morning the sun is shining though ice is still on the ground outside, I am feeling slightly better (she says with cautious optimism!) and my very first piece of creative non-fiction has been published at In Posse Review:
http://inpossereview.com/IPR_Hall_Gailey.htm
I've written two new poems (both very nostalgic, what's that about?) and today is the day I plan to put together some submissions. I planned to do it yesterday, but my computer stubbornly froze and had to be doctored up. I'm afraid my little computer may be on its last legs.
My class starts back up tomorrow, so I'd better be ready for that. I've got my brand new Writer's Calender open and it is reminding me of deadlines...
December 31, 2010
A Kick-Ass New Year's Eve Post
I woke up this morning thinking about the main character from the movie, Kick-Ass. An average young man wakes up and decides he is going to stand up for good against crime, despite having no superpowers or special talents at fighting. So he puts on a green suit, goes out and almost immediately gets stabbed by one set of thugs, then run over with a car by another criminal. His injuries put him in the hospital, but sever a nerve and enable him to feel no pain. So it's not that he doesn't hurt himself, but he doesn't feel it. Because of this, he goes back to crimefighting, inspiring people by standing up for the innocent, etc. (And he gets a supercute superheroic girl to really do all the hard work for him. Just like a man! Just kidding.)
This story seems important to me because the hero's lesson is not that he can escape suffering in his search for justice, but that he must embrace it as if it does not exist. It seems that is an important lesson for me too. We can't be afraid of suffering; we must act as if it doesn't matter. We can't fear pain, or rejection: we must go out and do the things we do despite those injuries, despite our inborn fears of getting hurt.
Yesterday I read January's post on creating a Poetry Action Plan - not anything I'd ever thought about, actually, though I have a pretty regular schedule of writing, submitting, and reading that I keep to - and this morning read Kelli's post on successful artists. And I have to admit, I was afraid. Afraid everything wouldn't go right - that I would keep having injuries and illnesses that would be prevent me from being the poetry superhero I want to be, that I wouldn't have enough courage to ask for readings or reviews for my new book, etc. The past two years for me have been one long exercise in not being able to do the things I wanted to do - breathe (pneumonia,) walk (broken foot, sprained ankles), eat (ameoba, food allergies)...you know, the normal human stuff. On the other hand, this last year I also finished up a fourth book manuscript I am very proud of and had my second book accepted by Kitsune Books. I am ready to be fearless, to put on my super poet suit and walk out and fight for poetry without thinking about the pain. I need to embrace my inner Kick-Ass-self.
We moved back to Seattle in part because it is where we both feel the most at home. It is a place that honors bookstores, coffee, that embraces art and oddballs. Where they have a sci-fi museum and a poetry-only bookstore. Already, since we have been home, I have felt stronger, more embraced, fortified somehow. Part of this is because of the good friends I have here, the contacts with artists and poets I admire. I hope in the new year to make even more friends, to strengthen a connection to the communities I love, to help young people love poetry, to bring poetry to people who think they hate poetry.
I am wishing us all a 2011 of more health, more prosperity, more peace, more connection to each other. And not to fear pain, or rejection, or failure, but to act as if those things are not important, as if they cannot hurt us, to not allow those things to be obstacles in our paths.
This story seems important to me because the hero's lesson is not that he can escape suffering in his search for justice, but that he must embrace it as if it does not exist. It seems that is an important lesson for me too. We can't be afraid of suffering; we must act as if it doesn't matter. We can't fear pain, or rejection: we must go out and do the things we do despite those injuries, despite our inborn fears of getting hurt.
Yesterday I read January's post on creating a Poetry Action Plan - not anything I'd ever thought about, actually, though I have a pretty regular schedule of writing, submitting, and reading that I keep to - and this morning read Kelli's post on successful artists. And I have to admit, I was afraid. Afraid everything wouldn't go right - that I would keep having injuries and illnesses that would be prevent me from being the poetry superhero I want to be, that I wouldn't have enough courage to ask for readings or reviews for my new book, etc. The past two years for me have been one long exercise in not being able to do the things I wanted to do - breathe (pneumonia,) walk (broken foot, sprained ankles), eat (ameoba, food allergies)...you know, the normal human stuff. On the other hand, this last year I also finished up a fourth book manuscript I am very proud of and had my second book accepted by Kitsune Books. I am ready to be fearless, to put on my super poet suit and walk out and fight for poetry without thinking about the pain. I need to embrace my inner Kick-Ass-self.
We moved back to Seattle in part because it is where we both feel the most at home. It is a place that honors bookstores, coffee, that embraces art and oddballs. Where they have a sci-fi museum and a poetry-only bookstore. Already, since we have been home, I have felt stronger, more embraced, fortified somehow. Part of this is because of the good friends I have here, the contacts with artists and poets I admire. I hope in the new year to make even more friends, to strengthen a connection to the communities I love, to help young people love poetry, to bring poetry to people who think they hate poetry.
I am wishing us all a 2011 of more health, more prosperity, more peace, more connection to each other. And not to fear pain, or rejection, or failure, but to act as if those things are not important, as if they cannot hurt us, to not allow those things to be obstacles in our paths.
December 29, 2010
White Post-Christmas and Happy Almost New Year
It's almost the New Year, and I'm on day eight of no solid food (still getting tests for food allergies etc. No fun!) Despite this, I've been madly productive, finishing up an article for Poet's Market on Micropresses, finishing up a manuscript consult for a terrific book of poetry, generally responding to e-mails from students and others, finishing up Christmas business.
We've already taken down the tree when low and behold this morning we woke up to a late white Christmas, silver downpour on our trees (though I heard sleet at about 4 AM in the morning against the windows - so hard it woke me up.) Right now it's snow showers, snow showers, with a white sky above. Haven't written or sent out much poetry, which I intend to do as soon as Glenn finishes my Christmas present - a submissions tracking database. Then I just have to find some good places to send to.
These are some of my wishes for the new year:
--Health (sooner rather than later would be nice)
--A big happy welcome for book #2, She Returns to the Floating World, when it comes out in July.
--Dare I say: placing MS #3 and/or #4?
--Financial grace (jobs, fellowships, awards, freelance work or etc...)
--a permanent residence, perhaps?
It was nice to read Kristy Bowen's post here on how her attitude towards poetry and "the po-biz" has changed over the past few years. I feel now, embarking on the launch of a second book, with lots of published poems in lots of wonderful literary magazines over the past seven or eight or so years, with my part-time working teaching poetry, that I am lucky and blessed, not in so much of a rush, with less anxiety. I spend more time thinking about how to help others, how to move people ahead to their own best next steps, how to calm their anxiety about writing or sending out or etc. I think about how trends change, how people in charge of things shift, how more women my age are starting their own magazines, presses, etc. I feel that spending time writing, a life devoted to writing, is a gamble, a gamble that we can't know is worth it until the end, maybe not even then. I can't say to anyone else, yes, for you the gamble is worth it or not, but for me, right now, yes, it is.
We've already taken down the tree when low and behold this morning we woke up to a late white Christmas, silver downpour on our trees (though I heard sleet at about 4 AM in the morning against the windows - so hard it woke me up.) Right now it's snow showers, snow showers, with a white sky above. Haven't written or sent out much poetry, which I intend to do as soon as Glenn finishes my Christmas present - a submissions tracking database. Then I just have to find some good places to send to.
These are some of my wishes for the new year:
--Health (sooner rather than later would be nice)
--A big happy welcome for book #2, She Returns to the Floating World, when it comes out in July.
--Dare I say: placing MS #3 and/or #4?
--Financial grace (jobs, fellowships, awards, freelance work or etc...)
--a permanent residence, perhaps?
It was nice to read Kristy Bowen's post here on how her attitude towards poetry and "the po-biz" has changed over the past few years. I feel now, embarking on the launch of a second book, with lots of published poems in lots of wonderful literary magazines over the past seven or eight or so years, with my part-time working teaching poetry, that I am lucky and blessed, not in so much of a rush, with less anxiety. I spend more time thinking about how to help others, how to move people ahead to their own best next steps, how to calm their anxiety about writing or sending out or etc. I think about how trends change, how people in charge of things shift, how more women my age are starting their own magazines, presses, etc. I feel that spending time writing, a life devoted to writing, is a gamble, a gamble that we can't know is worth it until the end, maybe not even then. I can't say to anyone else, yes, for you the gamble is worth it or not, but for me, right now, yes, it is.
December 23, 2010
Christmas Cheer and Thankful Things
Well, readers, it's really important at this time of year to keep up our Christmas cheer, and so, courtesty of Cute Overload, a tickle puppy! (Santa, can you bring me one for my stocking?)Thankful for many things in 2010:--Finding a wonderful publisher, Kitsune Books, for my second book, She Returns to the Floating World. I just noticed I was wishing for this back (an enthusiastic publisher for my second book) in the Christmas post of 2009...thanks universe!--Moving back to the Northwest, which for now, feels like home. And has lots of beautiful trees, great doctors and shopping, and a plethora of bookstores, despite, yes, the near-constant rain.--A wonderful husband, who tackled gluten-free cooking this year after my wheat-allergy problems, and who continues to be my number one poetry fan!--My friends, who cheer me up every day (today I got a little robot in the mail, in honor of my new manuscript, "The Robot Scientist's Daughter") and the new friends I got to make in California.--My family, though they are far away, who are relatively healthy and happy this year. Pretty soon I'll be writing up my 2011 resolutions! I am wishing all of you health, peace, love, and all kinds of good poetry this winter season!
December 21, 2010
Happy Solstice, taking stock, blog housekeeping
Happy Solstice Lunar Eclipse Day, everyone!
I missed seeing the blood-red moon because of Seattle's obscuring clouds but saw the pictures and it was beautiful. My parents got married on the winter solstice, which I always find very romantic. Happy 41 years, guys!
This time of year always catches me accidentally taking stock of things. Last night I watched a movie in which a woman received her 15-year high school reunion invitation and freaks out, dreaming of her high school boyfriend and wondering if her life is sexy/fun enough. My 20th high school reunion is next year, and maybe I haven't freaked out enough yet, or maybe, mid-life crises happen later than they did ten years ago.
Speaking of taking stock, I've been checking over my blog roll and doing "blog housekeeping," taking down blogs that are dead or inactive. If you want to be added to the blog roll, and I don't have you listed, let me know!
Sprained my ankle last week (again) and yesterday had a full-blown food allergy reaction again, so I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, like thanks Santa! Maybe I can blame the eclipse. As far as taking stock, the lesson here is...um, I need to learn to keep my balance, literally!
I miss being around my family this time of year, my little brother playing video games and the nephews and nieces opening presents. But on the plus side, I am a thirty minute drive from many wonderful friends, which I am very grateful for.
Anyway, to avoid any depression or self pity, I will cheer myself up by celebrating that from here on, the days grow longer and sunnier, the world will get better. The sun will (eventually) shine again, and it won't always get dark at 4 PM. The whole Christmas festival is about birth and re-birth, as well. Cheer up, don't give up, all those twinkling lights and evergreen garnishes say!
On the plus side, I'm pysched about the fact that my new book is coming out next July and I've already started planning readings, I've been working with an excellent poetry manuscript by a friend and an article I'm excited about, and my husband is building me a poetry submission database for Christmas! Ho ho ho!
I missed seeing the blood-red moon because of Seattle's obscuring clouds but saw the pictures and it was beautiful. My parents got married on the winter solstice, which I always find very romantic. Happy 41 years, guys!
This time of year always catches me accidentally taking stock of things. Last night I watched a movie in which a woman received her 15-year high school reunion invitation and freaks out, dreaming of her high school boyfriend and wondering if her life is sexy/fun enough. My 20th high school reunion is next year, and maybe I haven't freaked out enough yet, or maybe, mid-life crises happen later than they did ten years ago.
Speaking of taking stock, I've been checking over my blog roll and doing "blog housekeeping," taking down blogs that are dead or inactive. If you want to be added to the blog roll, and I don't have you listed, let me know!
Sprained my ankle last week (again) and yesterday had a full-blown food allergy reaction again, so I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, like thanks Santa! Maybe I can blame the eclipse. As far as taking stock, the lesson here is...um, I need to learn to keep my balance, literally!
I miss being around my family this time of year, my little brother playing video games and the nephews and nieces opening presents. But on the plus side, I am a thirty minute drive from many wonderful friends, which I am very grateful for.
Anyway, to avoid any depression or self pity, I will cheer myself up by celebrating that from here on, the days grow longer and sunnier, the world will get better. The sun will (eventually) shine again, and it won't always get dark at 4 PM. The whole Christmas festival is about birth and re-birth, as well. Cheer up, don't give up, all those twinkling lights and evergreen garnishes say!
On the plus side, I'm pysched about the fact that my new book is coming out next July and I've already started planning readings, I've been working with an excellent poetry manuscript by a friend and an article I'm excited about, and my husband is building me a poetry submission database for Christmas! Ho ho ho!
December 15, 2010
Little Kindnesses in the Poetry World, Holidays, Fa la la
I was just thinking today about the little kindnesses in the poetry world that can help you keep going when you lack motivation, when you feel discouraged. A couple of days ago I drove 45 minutes in the driving rain, rode a $20 ferry in the driving rain, then drove another fifteen minutes in the pouring rain with no streetlights to attend a poetry meeting with my lovely poet friends in Kingston. It was such fun to see them I practically forgot about the nail-biting drive and the day after day of Seattle's terrible downpours, storms, and power outages. We all encourage each other, give each other advice (and occasionally gossip,) listen to each other's woes and carefully read each other's poems. That group of friends is worth so much more than money to me.
Besides that, I was thinking about a kind remark on a rejection - this time, from a poetry book contest. I think it is so wonderful when an editor takes the time to make a specific comment - to say, look, your work is valuable, even if we don't take it, it's good, don't give up. It makes the whole poetry submission process seem less like a dog-and-pony show and more like a civilized correspondence between literary acquaintances, if you know what I mean. It's the same with reviews. I won't write a mean review, although I strive to write a fair and truthful one every time. The reviews are so meaningful and valuable to the writer - and such unrewarding work for most reviewers - and something about the reviewing process reaffirms that there are readers out there that care about what writers produce.
I have also recently had poets out of the blue send me encouraging remarks, give me advice, offer help. I am thankful. The holidays this year are keeping me full of cheer, though we're low on cash due to the move (isn't that the story of my life!) and I'm far from my family back in Cincinnati. I haven't been writing or submitting like I should be, but I remember that I have friends who need encouragement, students that need close readings and guidance. A little kindness means so much. I should remember, kindness, kindness, make it mantra.
Besides that, I was thinking about a kind remark on a rejection - this time, from a poetry book contest. I think it is so wonderful when an editor takes the time to make a specific comment - to say, look, your work is valuable, even if we don't take it, it's good, don't give up. It makes the whole poetry submission process seem less like a dog-and-pony show and more like a civilized correspondence between literary acquaintances, if you know what I mean. It's the same with reviews. I won't write a mean review, although I strive to write a fair and truthful one every time. The reviews are so meaningful and valuable to the writer - and such unrewarding work for most reviewers - and something about the reviewing process reaffirms that there are readers out there that care about what writers produce.
I have also recently had poets out of the blue send me encouraging remarks, give me advice, offer help. I am thankful. The holidays this year are keeping me full of cheer, though we're low on cash due to the move (isn't that the story of my life!) and I'm far from my family back in Cincinnati. I haven't been writing or submitting like I should be, but I remember that I have friends who need encouragement, students that need close readings and guidance. A little kindness means so much. I should remember, kindness, kindness, make it mantra.
