Erotica Accepted by CLEIS PRESS

CLEIS PRESS has accepted my story, "In a Station of the Metro," for inclusion in FRENZY, an anthology of short (flash) fiction erotica, edited by Alison Tyler. FRENZY will be published in the fall. Alison is also interested in two additional pieces of erotica that I submitted. I'm waiting to hear if the publisher has accepted those for other anthologies Alison has in progress. CLEIS PRESS publishes provocative, intelligent books in the areas of sexuality, gay and lesbian studies, erotica, fiction, gender studies, and human rights.

And the winner is...

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
This little guy has won the Ugliest Dog contest. Maybe he's not handsome, but then he has a certain charm. Or maybe this is just proof that I love all dogs. Read about Gus here.

Two Poems Up at The Dirty Napkin

I have two new poems up at The Dirty Napkin: "Dinner Party" and "Lives in Decline." This is a gorgeous journal, and I'm thrilled to appear alongside one of my favorite poets, the stunning Arlene Ang. (She and Valerie Fox have a new book forthcoming soon. I've had the privilege of a sneak preview and will post more details when the book's release date nears. It's a gem.)

At The Dirty Napkin, the editors provide the opportunity to record your poems. That was rather fun, even though I sounded like a drunken speed reader. Okay, yes, I drank a little wine before Jeremy called to do the recording. And I had to read fast because I live in a house with kids, parrots, and dogs, which means quiet moments are fleeting at best. Unlike Arlene, I did not wear a hat. Next time, I will borrow one from A, maybe something with feathers.

Other news of a distressing variety: My website has vanished like a fat man in quicksand. I am not amused. Apparently, a glitch occurred with the system where I purchased my domain name and website bundle. Now I am waiting to see if either the computer gurus or related gods can restore it. If I have to rebuild that damn site, expect to find me with a shaved head, wearing my sackcloth and ashes. There will be gnashing of teeth and profanity in mega doses. F%$#S@*S#$@#$%D^&*@!!!!!!!! See, it's already started.

POEMS ABOUT FATHERS

Caroline Kennedy holds a Postcard of her Father, 1961


POEMS ABOUT FATHERS:

"Daddy" by Sylvia Plath

"Father's Song" by Gregory Orr

"Yesterday" by W.S. Merwin

Virginian Poet Anne Spencer’s Works Turned over to UVa

Anne Spencer is considered one of the most important voices of the Harlem Renaissance literary period, from 1925-1935

“She kept everything she wrote,” said Ann Spencer, widow of Anne Spencer’s son Chauncey, “not because she thought it was all important, but because she just didn’t throw anything away. She used the back stairs of the house as her filing system, and after she died, we could hardly get up them.

“She would even make corrections in books she was reading if she thought something was wrong.”

Such packrats are like gifts from God for historians.

As UVa employees hauled the boxes out to a white college truck, sweating even at 9:30 a.m., Ann Spencer said: “It’s a little sad to see them go, but I understand.”

Her daughter, Shaun Hester, felt the same way.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Hester, who recently moved back from Washington, D.C., to live with her mother in the family home across the street from 1313 Pierce. “I used to enjoy looking through that stuff myself. There’s magazines, stuff written on envelopes, letters, papers from my father.”

Read the complete article in the Lynchburg News and Advance.

Female contenders rule out 'archaic' post of Poet Laureate

Wendy Cope, a favourite for the post of poet laureate, said: 'It means nothing. It is not important'


Three of the leading contenders to be Britain's first female Poet Laureate have ruled themselves out of contention for the post.

The ancient role, currently held by Andrew Motion and remunerated by 630 bottles of Spanish sherry, is due to be reappointed next year.

But hopes that the 10-year tenure, whose previous incumbents have included Ted Hughes and John Betjeman, could go to a woman look set to be dashed.

Almost none of the leading female poets are interested in the position. Read the rest of the article in The Independent.

2 Poems Up at Blossombones

I am ecstatic to have two poems, "Lazarus" and "Red Rulers," appearing in the newest issue of Blossombones. Susan Slaviero, poetry editor, has put together an amazing group of poets, including Kristy Bowen, Juliet Cook, Brooklyn Copeland, Shanna Germain, and others. Original artwork by Missy Frattini. Don't miss this bold and exquisite journal!