M.A. Dubbs's Blog, page 2

Publication & Reading Video

Happy New Year!

I’ve been enjoying some well earned relaxation after a busy lead up to Christmas. I’ve also been recovering from some sickness, too. So a lot of time laying down and reading! Here’s a couple updates from the tail end of 2024.

Issue 74: Winter is now live from The Penn Review! My poem “Transcribed” was published in this issue and explores my struggle with my Mexican-American identity and learning Spanish. I really enjoyed this poem and it came so quick and naturally, hardly any edits. I also enjoyed playing with form, with Spanish in the left margin and English in the right. I really wanted to show the disconnect I have felt at times from family and language. You can read my piece here: https://www.pennreview.org/transcribe

I also had a live video reading I did with Garden Party Collective. My unpublished chapbook, In the Shadow of Sanity: Poems on Mental Health, was short-listed for the 2024 Annual Chapbook Contest. The winners of the contest along with the other short-listed authors read from their collections and GPC made a recording! You can listen to me read some new work along with some great recitations from talented authors here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AfDt28_ylQ

I’m looking forward to another year of writing and reading! This year is the release of my forthcoming chapbook A Walk to Americana with Dancing Girl Press so I’m excited to share more updates as the year carries on!

Publications and End of Year

Howdy readers! 2024 is almost to a close, so I have some final updates and some reflections of the year.

First update is that Cursed Cooking: A Horror Community Cookbook and Food Horror Anthology by Cat Eye Press was released! And….it sold out fast!! I believe more hardback cover books are going to available in the future based on an update I saw from the publisher but super cool! I hope readers also get a chance to make my ube cookie recipe! The publication is also looking for slush readers, so apply if you want to read some horror!

Next, I had a poem published with Opal Age Tribune: Performance. I really liked the theme of “performance” and the various ways it could be interpreted. The poem that got accepted was “A Closet Waltz” which explores my LGBT identity and ways I perform (and don’t) this identity. I used stage cues throughout the piece to show times when I feel comfortable being “out” and times when I feel uncomfortable. Living in Indiana, I don’t always know who I can trust with my identity and if I will be accepted or accosted. After my local library had book bans on mostly LGBT+ books, I felt even less sure in my community. You can read the digital issue on their site: https://www.opalagetribune.com/performance/#melinda-waltz

Next, I had my poem “Are You There, Godot? It’s Me, Speck” published in Underbelly Press Issue #2. Underbelly Press publishes “raw works that capture the gritty, everyday struggles and realities of ordinary lives.” I really liked resonated and enjoyed this concept so I decided to submit a few things. My poem that was published has been rattling around the editing block for a bit, poor thing! The title is a play on two references: the play “Waiting for Godot” and “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.” I really enjoyed “Waiting for Godot” but I’m gonna be honest, I don’t think I ever read a single Judy Blume book but the title is snappy, so there we are! (if the book is good, let me know, I can add it to my to-read list!)

Anyway, my poem explores the human polarity of self-importance versus straight up nihilism. Nihilism is a world where you are most valued by what you can produce (a.k.a how much money can be squeezed from and out of you) but also nihilism in the realization in how completely unimportant we are in an ever-expanding, timeless universe. Sometimes I find relief that no matter what mistakes I make, I know that literally nothing matters on an universal scale. Although, a single human making ANY mistake that would impact something on a galactic level would be one hell of a fuck up! You can read the entire digital issue here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c6ed482270.html#page/1

This afternoon I received my Goodreads 2024 In Review which was fun! I had set out a goal to read one book a month to help me get back into reading. I was obsessed with reading as a kid and teenage, but after college and graduate school, I found it difficult to focus. With young kids at home, focus, uh, is still really hard! But I’ve learned that graphic novels is the perfect medium for me in this phase of life. It is so much easier to jump back into a book after I’ve been interrupted a few times to open a snack, or helping to reach something, or tending to a boo-boo. I also discovered that non-fiction graphic novels are my jam! I read 76 books this year!! So, I definitely met my goal this year and then some!

I really was interested in books about war and various international conflicts and I learned so much this year! I also really got into history documentaries, mostly about WWII, Ancient Rome, ancient Mesopotamia, and early Native American history. If you told me ten years ago I would enjoy unwinding by running on the treadmill and watching a documentary about the Catholic Church’s role in WWII, I would tell you that I’d lost my mind.

Upon reflecting on my books read this year, I also notice a lot of representation from various populations across the globe. I personally have mixed feelings when people read books solely for the purpose of “check marking diversity.” I’ve seen readers ask “Can any recommend a book by a ____ author so I can add it my reading list this year” or I’ve seen reading challenges that say “Read one book by a ___ author this year.” As someone who, I guess, meets some diversity check-marks, I would feel weird about someone reading a book of mine for the main purpose of crossing something of their list instead of genuinely being interested in my writing. The lumping of representation together also ignores the various aspects and facets of diversity. For example, my experiences as a third generation Mexican-American are very different from someone who just immigrated from Mexico or someone currently living in Mexico. Although Latino, someone from Mexico will have different ideas and experiences than someone from Guatemala or Argentina. This concept also applies to the LGBT+ community and neuro-diversity and I’m sure other life facets. Lastly, I also find it a little surprising that people need to even ask for recommendations for diverse books and authors. I’m currently reading a book about Che and I didn’t set out to read a book from a Mexican illustrator or about an Argentino. Instead I saw the book at the library and thought, “That’s cool. I somehow went through my liberal arts college without learning much about Che so I should check this out.” It’s an organic experience and an organic curiosity to learn more, not a groomed check-list.

Now, I’m probably being a curmudgeon on this topic, so you can let me know how you feel about these kinds of lists yourself and tell me to shut up and quit shaking my fist and shouting at clouds.

As for submissions this year, my list was a bit smaller this year. Last year I submitted to 101 publications and this year I submitted to 75. Out of 75, 24 were acceptances, with 26 rejections and the rest are still pending or are probably defunct/in hiatus hell. (I also still have a pending submission from the New Yorker from last year. No surprises here!) I’ve tried to be more mindful of where I’m sending my pieces because time is precious and I want the limited time I have to submit to be fruitful for both myself and the editor/publisher. My acceptance to rejection ratio has improved from last year, so I think this is showing some good progress.

This year had a lot of growth for me. A lot of expanding into my local writer community and performing gigs. The release of a new poetry book and the upcoming release of a new one in 2025! I look forward to what next year will bring and I hope it brings you, as a reader or writer or both, good tidings as well!

Interview & Upcoming Releases, reading

Yesterday was the release of my interview “Story Behind the Story” with Dandelion Revolution Press! Earlier this year my short fiction piece “Like That” was published in their Transitions collection. In the interview I discuss some real world inspiration for the piece in addition to my process behind writing it. You can read the full interview on DRP’s substack: https://dandelionrevolutionpress.substack.com/p/story-behind-the-story-like-that

Next up is the release of Take The Fruit: An Anthology Of Religious Trauma by Listen To Your Skin Press. This publication has been a long time in the making so I’m excited to see the final result and proud of the editors for pushing through this long publication cycle! I have one short fiction story in this collection: “Transubstantiation.” I really liked the theme focus of religious trauma because I don’t often see this explore in anthology collections. I was raised Roman Catholic and, unfortunately, did not have a good experience. This short story is loosely inspired by a retreat I attended as a requirement for Confirmation which would lead to my realization of being an atheist.

There will be a reading in Denver, CO on December 15th at COUNTERPATH BOOKSTORE from 2 pm to 4pm. I won’t be able to attend but other fellow contributors will be reading their pieces. You can order your copy here: https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/take-the-fruit

Lastly, earlier this year my unpublished chapbook, In The Shadow of Sanity: Poems on Mental Health, was short-listed for Garden Party Collective’s chapbook contest. On December 18th there will be an online reading for authors who were recognized as part of the contest. I will be reading a few poems from this collection, including a few not read before, so feel free to join in on the fun! Sign up is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYN_X0P1VJ_VVKOqf2MfurRBAsaKrB6mvX5CV1zNugWmAYBA/viewform

As the end of the year approaches and holidays come, things will begin slowing down on the writing end of things. I’ve also learned that Instagram is getting rid of hashtags on your main page, making it near impossible to find #callsforsubmission via smaller publications and zines. This is such as bummer and now I have to find other avenues to find small, independent publishers.

#mailday!

Wednesday was a fun mail day for me due to receiving contributor copies from two different publications which was exciting!

First up is Baggage: Lost and Found by @textur_mag and Krater Books. This is an extension from Issue 6 and includes my poem “The Things She Carried” (a title nod to one of my favorite books The Things They Carried). This poem explores the various ways women carry their belongings over the course of their life while through a feminist lens. I’ve reflected and noticed over the years how I’ve gone from carrying very little to an increased load (both physical and mental) as I’ve grown from a carefree child to a teen to an adult mother with kids. There is also a piece by Krasna Vukasovic Herrero, “a flower I found on the road”, as well! You can buy a copy via textur’s site. Thanks for including me!

Look at that lovely subtle yellow illustration!

And for part 2 electric boogaloo! My contributor copy of the Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters by @thinkinginkpress came in! Looks so good and is thick with #scifi stories and poems waiting to be read! My poem “A Conversation with a Xotiran” (a Mass Effect and OCD inspired piece) is in print! You can pick up a copy through Thinking Ink Press’ site!

On a side note, I have an entire bookshelf overflowing with contributor copies I’ve received over the years! It’s exciting but I’m also going to need to re-organize my library. It’s getting out of hands. I’ll need to post a picture of the shelf soon.

Poems in Black Moon issue 12

Issue 12 of Black Moon Magazine is now live! This issue was called the Women’s Issue and focused on writing from women and various topics related to the female experience. University of Arkansas Gender Studies Bridge Fellowship also sponsored the magazine which provided writers with a small payment for their contribution (thank you!) Originally slated to come out in the summer, the issue is finally out for your reading pleasure!

I have two poems in this collection: “Health Commission Guidelines for the Traveling Woman” which is an absurdist piece about traveling and physical space from a female perspective. I often have noticed myself taking up as little amount of physical space as possible, moving out of the way, stepping off sidewalks, while moving in public spaces. I have to remind myself that I am allowed to take up the space I need and to not always have to be the one to make concessions while moving. My next piece is a tanka titled “Tanka for a Magical Girl” which inspired by Sailor Moon and my love of magical girl anime.

You can check out the Issue and more writing and art by reading the digital issue here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/49d8aff8-bc49-44f6-80d5-6862fa429663

Poem Publication (& Correction)

My poem “They Built The Wall Themselves” was published in “Proud to Be” a series of writing from those with previous military experience or those with family who served. This collection is made through a collaboration from Missouri Humanities and Greentower Press and this is their 13th volume.

I’m very proud of this poem because it was inspired by a walk I took on a boardwalk in Port Washington, WI. It made me notice and think how war creates distance and how that distance is perceived through strangers, through youth, through different walks to life. The poem title was inspired by the creation of the Vietnam memorial wall creation quote: “When the soldiers came home from Vietnam, there were no parades, no celebrations. So they built the Vietnam Memorial for themselves.” This was new information to me that I learned while researching the Vietnam War. I also wanted to use the image of a wall as physical (there are several physical barriers referenced in the poem), mental (distance and pushing away), and the Vietnam Memorial Wall itself. You can read it below:

I do have a correction for my biography, however. It should read that my MATERNAL grandfather is from Mexico and served a long military career. He served mostly in the Army but also the Navy, too. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Both my grandfathers were drafted during the Vietnam war though they spent time in Germany for their service.

Pre-orders for 2 anthologies

Fall always seems to be such a busy time for writing! So many calls for submissions open during this time of year in addition to publishers trying to wrap up projects before the year ends. Today I have two anthologies I have work in that are available for pre-order.

First is Cursed Cooking: A Horror Community Cookbook and Food Horror Anthology
is now available for pre-order through Cat Eye Press. I have one horror flash fiction and one dessert recipe included among “features 55 real-world recipes and 34 fictional foodie frights.” I’ve enjoyed dabbling in horror writing more which is funny because I love horror so much but haven’t really incorporated the genre fully in my writing until now. My piece “Purple Ube Cookies for your Covenstead” mixes the horror of mommy food bloggers and magick gone wrong. The recipe is for purple ube cookies, an adaptation I made of the classic condensed milk cookies.

Support an independent press and writers here: https://lnkd.in/gcparbVR

Also, check out this amazing spooky trailer Cat Eye Press made for the anthology tease!

The next pre-order anthology is Myths, Legends and Monsters: A Chartus.X Poetry Anthology (Verse Book 3) by Chartus X Publishing. This anthology “Each poem is an exploration of or reflection on well-known stories about gods, monsters and magic told from new perspectives. From Olympus to Asgard, and old tales to modern..”

I have one poem in this publication, a traditional decima (form poem from Spain) called “Alebrijes.” The poem explores Mexico’s Day of the Dead and alebrijes, spirit guides from the other world. This anthology is available in e-book or soft-bound on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DJ1SJJSN?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_52131XPJ3QG0CN3CMP51&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_52131XPJ3QG0CN3CMP51&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_52131XPJ3QG0CN3CMP51

Issue 9 of Queer Out Here

issue 9 of Queer Out Here is now live!

Queer Out Here is an audio zine/podcast which mixes creative works ranging from poetry, fiction, non-fiction, art, interviews papers, etc. and mixes with background ambience. The creators of these works identify as queer and explore their relationship and perspective with the natural world. This issue was focused on the topic of Climate and I’m thrilled to have three poems featured in this release: “A Lonely Firefly”, “The Seagull’s Swansong”, and “Honeysuckle Cognizance”.

You can listen at their website and most podcast apps: https://www.queerouthere.com/listen/issue-09

Release Party & ARC Review

Purple Poetry Book is an annual anthology of poetry created by nonprofit TurnAround Inc for the past fifteen years. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the organization provides advocacy, resources, education, and support to those impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. Purple Poetry Book is a collection of poems by survivors to spread awareness. I have been published twice with Purple Poetry Book and was excited to be ask for my poem “No Woman’s Land” to be included in the 2024 Purple Poetry Book Compendium, a compilation of works over the last 15 years of Purple Poetry Book! I won’t be able to make it to release day but I wanted to share if others were in the area.

This month is the release of Imaginari: A Collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction Poetry by writer Kristina Kelly who is from my area! I was part of the ARC team and reviewed as part of the pre-release:

Excerpt from my review of Imaginari

You can read my full review and pre-order the book on Goodreads! Congratulations again to Kristina!

Postcard in Italian Gallery

Last week the Postcards for Utopia tour opened in Alvito, Italy at Ducal Palace. Postcards from Utopia asked for postcards from all over the world to showcase in their tour and exhibit, each exploring what the concept of utopia means to them. I created a digital art postcard using Canva, exploring how personal growth and peace is my version of utopia. I took themes from the poem I was writing at the time, “The Life of Fungi”, to incorporate fungi and its cyclic pattern of break-down and growth.

This was my first time my work has been featured in Italy so I was thrilled to be a part of the project! Check out Italy International Center’s Facebook post about the project and opening night!