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...]
If Our Lady Were in Charge: More Art, Less (and Better?) Politics
December 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Our Lady has recently received a couple of pieces of mail that she wishes everyone would read and think about for the new year, right before they take some time to listen to someone else's point of view, learn something new from another culture, or make some art themselves. The first is from Arts Tennessee, a quarterly newsletter of the Tennessee Arts Commission. In his "From the Desk of the Executive Director" article, Rich Boyd shares part of a recent address to the Chattanooga Rotarians on … [Read more...]
Celebrating "Mankind's Great Chance" on Risk a Day
December 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
One of my favorite quotes is from Martin Buber in The Way of Man, in which he says, “Mankind’s great chance lies precisely in the unlikeness of men, in the unlikeness of their qualities and inclinations.” A few weeks ago as I was leading a poetry class, I forgot Buber's words when I unexpectedly found myself feeling very unlike the small group of students who faced me. I wondered if I was sharing poems - both my own and others' - that they could connect with at all. Since I was the teacher, I … [Read more...]
A Black Friday message about poetry
November 27, 2009 By 2 Comments
Not sure what to get Uncle Ed or Aunt Ruby for Christmas? Trying, as I am, to support the local economy or artists anywhere this year with your holiday purchases? Have you considered a small volume of lovely and highly readable poetry, inscribed to the recipient, as an inexpensive yet meaningful gift? Heaven Was the Moon sure beats another necktie, coffee mug or scented candle. So don't wait, order now! Now, after that word from our sponsor, an update on my poetry book: As many of you … [Read more...]
What Would Miss Manners Do? The Importance of Saying Thank You for Mentions on Twitter
November 11, 2009 By 7 Comments
Since I recently revealed my true dreams over on the Risk a Day blog, I might as well continue my confessional movement: I tweet. Now, I've already heard plenty of snide little remarks, so stop your snickering. It's part of my "real job" - as well as my persona - to stay relatively up to date on all this techy stuff. I've been on Twitter, both with a personal account (@korywells) and a work account (@WorkCompEdge), for several months now. I'll reserve my full list of pros and cons for another … [Read more...]
I Confess All on Risk a Day
November 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I've been doing such a good job of keeping this blog updated that I'm now writing for another one! (Yes, you are supposed to read a little sarcasm into that announcement.) Somehow, Laura Biering over at Risk a Day talked me into being a contributing writer. I did not have time for it, but I said yes anyway. Thank goodness she didn't have some ocean front property to sell me, too. My day is the 4th of each month. This being the 4th, I wanted to make a good impression, so I've actually … [Read more...]
