March 29, 2024

Sugar Fix is “charming, surprising, and moving” – and now available!

My first full-length poetry collection, Sugar Fix, has made its debut in the world at the beginning of my favorite season - on the autumnal equinox - and one week shy of my fifty-somethingth birthday. This begs an entire essay or speech about second acts and second chances, but that will have to be on another day. For now, "elated" sums things up for me. I had a few early copies to sell at the poetry and storytelling booth at our local arts festival this weekend, and one review has already … [Read more...]

Write a Tanka for the We Are Tennessee Project

The Discovery Center and I want your words. In late April 2018, The Discovery Center will be unveiling a new exhibit called We Are Tennessee that explores the cultural diversity of our state and what it means to be a Tennessean. Murfreesboro's Painter Laureate Ginny Togrye is working on a fantastic mural that will include art, photos, and writing by Tennesseeans of all ages. That's where YOU come … [Read more...]

The Big Poetry Giveaway

It's April, it's finally spring in Tennessee, and it's National Poetry Month - all great reasons to emerge from my blogging hiatus and participate in this year's BIG POETRY GIVEAWAY being curated by Kelli Russell Agodon. Be sure to visit Kelli's blog for a list of all the blogs participating in this event. How it works: I'm supposed to give away my own book and a copy of a poetry book I really love. I'm also throwing in my poetry and roots music CD and another chapbook from a fellow Tennessee … [Read more...]

Celebrate Tennessee Poets for National Poetry Month

Yes, it's National Poetry Month, but I'm celebrating closer to home with three delightful Tennessee poets in this article I wrote for April's issue of The Murfreesboro Pulse. Since my space in the article was limited, I wanted to add a bit more here to share how you can learn more about these poets and their recent work - and buy their books, of course! Sandy Coomer, Continuum  Visit Sandy's website at sandycoomer.com Sample one of Sandy's poems here in The Southeast Review Buy her … [Read more...]

Delightful Contemporary Tennessee Poets

The folks over at Chapter 16 are doing a great job of promoting both poetry and prose by authors who have connections to Tennessee, but in honor of National Poetry Month, I couldn't resist making my own list of contemporary Tennessee poets whose work I enjoy. Here are 3, … [Read more...]