Hey there – it has been a long time, I know. Here’s some stuff I found interesting.
In addition to being a gifted writer David Abrams is generous. His blog site The Quivering Pen is worth investigating. Self-described as a book evangelist, he is always featuring recent books and articles on writing. He is the author of Fobbit and the upcoming book, Brave Deeds.
I follow David Abrams on social media. That’s where I saw his mention of this article from Esquire, “Why Some Artists Are Struggling to Process a Trump Presidency” by Diana Spechler.
If you want to express yourself about current events, consider submitting to Woman Made Gallery. Here’s the call to submission:
Call for Poetry: Woman Made Gallery Literary Series
Submission Deadline: December 14, 11:59 p.m.
Theme: Inauguration: Affirmation, Empowerment & Resistance
Date of Reading: Sunday, January 15, 2017 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Place: 685 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL
“The recent election has plunged us into a grim new reality. Many are still in a state of shock, fear, grief and anger. As poets, we can start by speaking out in behalf of humanity and a planet, against an unprecedented threat. To stand up for human rights, social and economic justice against fascism and hate. For women, people of color, those with disabilities, for the 98% and the environment. Let’s make this Sunday before the inauguration a day to give voice to our feelings about our future, to affirm all we hold dear and to empower ourselves in the face of the future.
Please send 4 – 6 poems on the theme ALONG WITH a 50 to 75 word bio, IN THE BODY OF AN E- MAIL to . Selected poets MUST be available to read in person.
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 14, 11:59 p.m.. We will make every effort to inform those chosen of our decision by December 18.
Selections are made with an eye to assembling a program that represents a diversity of poets, styles, and approaches to the theme.
Although we can’t afford to pay readers, this is a great opportunity to sell books and read with other talented people in a very special environment.” Thanks Woman Made Gallery!
If you are blocked, you may find it helpful to get poetry prompts. Check out this website of Chicago poet and performer Marty McConnell. I signed up to receive her Fierce Voice writing prompts sent thru email. Thanks so much Marty McConnell.
While I am on the subject of creativity used to counter life events, friend to Solace in So Many Words Mike Smith, sax virtuoso, dealt with the death of his mentor and friend Frank Sinatra, Jr. by making an incredible CD, Close Enough for Love. The title song features Kurt Elling and you can listen to it on YouTube. You can buy a CD on Mike’s site or download it on iTunes.
SISMW contributor Elizabeth Kerlikowske just had a poem “In Our Etats Unis” on New Verse News. This poetry site features “politically progressive poetry on current events and topical issues.”
Last night I shoveled the driveway, pushing snow under the spruce. When I bumped against a branch, snow went down my back. When I finished I tweeted about it, using the hash tag #cheapthrill. One nice Twitter user responded by tweeting (in two tweets) “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost. It is in the public domain so I will share it below. THANKS to twindy5 for that nice exchange–it made my day.
Peace, love, and solace
Dust of Snow
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
by Robert Frost
Leave a Reply