Poets & Writers just published their rankings of both traditional and low-residency MFA programs for creative writing. I confess, I took a peek. The idea that I somehow need an MFA nags at me ever so often, although to date I haven't quite mustered any full-board justification or enthusiasm for starting to file my applications. But as I scanned the rankings, something unexpected caught my eye. It was an eight point - disclaimer, if you will - posted in the rankings' Guide to the … [Read more...]
MTSU Writer’s Loft Graduate: "Well-Directed Program, Wonderful Mentors"
September 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Where Have I Been? Writing More Than I Thought About a Creative Life
September 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
So, when I last posted in late April, I really wasn't planning to take off from blogging for the entire extended summer! But here we are in September, and I find myself with plenty of ideas to share with you. First, though, I've realized I should cross-link to some of my posts on the Risk a Day blog, where I did NOT take a summer vacation. Here are several which relate to writing and/or living a creative life: A Daily Audacious Goal: Can I Do It? Can You? Twice in recent months, I’ve heard … [Read more...]
Delightful Contemporary Tennessee Poets
April 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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...]
Nothing Trickier, Nothing More Eloquent: Dani Shapiro Questions Personal Faith in Devotion
March 16, 2010 By 2 Comments
“Aren't we all just waiting for bad news?” advice columnist Carolyn Hax wrote in 2009. She was responding to a reader who had asked for advice about waiting for a loved one’s medical test results. Her question – right there in the morning paper beside the daily TV schedule and across from Arlo and Janis and the Peanuts gang– struck me as profound. I clipped the column and have a poem in the works using that quote. I know a few folks - like my dear Mama - who are most definitely not waiting on … [Read more...]
The Lesson January Taught Me
February 3, 2010 By 3 Comments
The month of January is finally, blissfully gone, although, like an inconsiderate house guest, she has left messy reminders here in middle Tennessee. Snow still covers our yard; a little slush clings here and there on the more shaded roads; we are still not quite in normal routine (with schools finally going back 2 hours late today); and we are dreading the utility bill when it arrives in another week or so. … [Read more...]
