New Poem Up at Rise Up Review, New Review of PR for Poets, and Spring/AWP Approaches

Spring Flowers After Snow

New Poem Up at Rise Up Review

First of all, thanks to Rise Up Review for publishing my new poem, “Every Child a Legend.”   Be sure to check out the whole new issue.

I don’t usually write a lot of political poems but these last two years…well, I guess I’ve started. I may have another manuscript-in-progress going that has a more political bent.

A sneak peek below:

From Rise Up Review

A New Review of PR for Poets

Also, thanks to Debbie Okun Hill for this new review of PR for Poets! It’s always nice to hear from people who found that book useful. I’m really hoping to get the word out at AWP about PR for Poets and hope to get it into more people’s hands.

Spring is Coming, and AWP

Glenn and I in the sunshine

We’ve had some sunshine after the coldest February in Seattle on record, and we have snow in the forecast again next week, so the cold isn’t letting up yet. But I know intellectually spring is coming.  I know I can plant new flowers to replace that ones that were killed by ice and snow. I just…wish it would get here soon…

Just like I know AWP is almost here! Now I’m doing some offsite readings, a panel, and a book signing at the Two Sylvias Booth on Friday for PR for Poets. I hope to see a lot of you there. I’m also hoping my health holds up for the duration. Inspired by Selma Blair’s interview and Oscar party appearance, I bought myself a fancy new cane. Gotta get fancy for public appearances, right? Incidentally, I’m nervous, I think, about this year’s AWP – not just the usual I’m going to forget someone important’s name (though that’s definitely there) but more health-ish. I’m also looking forward to seeing friends, and finding new books to love, but…

Me with new pearly-handled cane with hummingbirds

What happens if I get sick, or have to go to the hospital while I’m there, or can’t make it through a reading and fall over?

So, to be clear with my AWP tips:

–Drink enough water. Bring a water bottle to panels and the bookfair, because they are always so dry. And hard candy for coughs!

–Use lip balm. Eat nutritious food when you can, and be sure to sit down with friends over coffee earlier in the day (because catching up with them at the bar at night may mean they don’t remember catching up. Personal experience says yes, this does happen.)

–Pack layers! Late March in Portland could be cold, could be very wet, could be spring-like. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet a lot, even when you don’t think you will.

–If you’re a bit iffy health-wise, like I am, take extra time to rest between events, drink even more water (and maybe a hot tea) and wash your hands (and bring hand sanitizer in your tote!) Don’t plan to be active from sunup to midnight unless you plan to also crash the next day. Leave a little room in your schedule in case you need to rest (or you get invited to a great party! Hey, it happens!)

Anything else? Leave your tips in the comments?