Adrienne Rich, the invaluable advice of others

I was so saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of Adrienne Rich from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. It’s amazing how many of my writing heroes have autoimmune problems. I met her years ago at a writer’s conference in Arizona, one of my first poetry heroines I actually saw reading in person. I was so excited I called her a rock star. She was gracious and warm, a fantastic reader, just everything I would like to be when I grow up. You can tell why I love her in this quote, from her poem, “Planetarium:” “A woman in the shape of a monster/ a monster in the shape of a woman/ the skies are full of them.” (Click here to read the whole poem.) Science, mythology, feminism, and a singular voice. She will be missed.

You know, even though I’m getting ready to publish a third book next year, I am just as eager and anxious for good advice about publishing and publicity as I ever was. I am ready to learn more about how to do everything better! I’m plotting different tactics for the next book’s readings – how to make them more dynamic and exciting, exploring new kinds of venues like art galleries and shops, etc.
Here are two good write ups for writers:
—Julianna Baggott on Agents
—Laura Elizabeth Davis interviews fiction writer Karen Lillis on book touring when you’re paying for it yourself

I spent two hours yesterday signing financial paperwork for the house deal, even though we don’t close til May. Urgh. I will be glad when the whole thing is over! It is a huge distraction from writing, submitting, you know, everything that is not buying a place to live. I did discover, upon visiting the townhouse for the first time in actual sunlight a few days ago, that the cul-de-sac we’ll live on is across the street from a charming wetlands pond complete with reeds full of singing red-winged blackbirds. I’ll just be steps away from feeding ducks all year round!

I’m also applying for a job which I can’t talk about yet, but the prep for it is really stressful. Cross your fingers for me – this would be a terrific opportunity!