What we're made of

What we’re made of: Part One

I am happy to report that I squeaked out a win in the third annual Chicago Poetry Penthathlon on Friday. Despite near 100 degree heat in a church with no air conditioning, several poets, 4 fine judges, and hearty audience members were good company as we competed in five categories: the zombie poem, the sestina, the rant, a performance of Eliot’s “Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” and a poem that we wrote from a prompt we were handed at the beginning of the competition.  I barely beat the talented Jan Bottiglieri, and all of the poets were wonderful. This event has helped me gain immeasurable confidence as a performer – I recommend that all poets in the area give it a try!

What we’re made of: Part Two

I have been lucky enough this summer to work with Chicago book artist Matt Barton and his Naked Mannekin Press on the creation of a new chapbook entitled Come Out, Virginia. These are coming-of-age poems that hopefully resonate a feeling of a certain place and time, and I get to see the galleys in about a week. Matt makes lovely books, and I can’t wait to see what he created. I will let you know when they are available!

What we’re made of: Part Three

I am happy also to announce that Diagnostic Impressions, the collaborative nanopress project  that I have been editing for Dana Guthrie Martin, is starting to take its final shape. We have named our nanopress dna press – the common letters in both of our names, but also a reminder that our words reflect the inner fabric of who and what we are. More news on this project as it continues to unfold.

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