MUSELETTER #53
10/18/2000
The baseball world may be focussed down this week on New York City's Subway Series -- but the poetry world is wide as can be, & this issue of Museletter carries news from all over:
- Gary Mex Glazner writes from Santa Fe, bringing you “a taste of the poetry life in a small town, far away from the world hubs.”
- Jenny Joseph has the straight dope on poets & poetry on the move around the San Francisco Bay.
- Larry Jaffe sends a special report “Live from London.”
Margy Snyder & Bob Holman
Poetry Guides
POETRY IS EVERYWHERE AT ABOUT
Poet Societies
Classic Poetry Guide Linda Grimes surveys the societies devoted to studying the lives & works of individual poets, from Browning & Dickinson to Shakespeare & Gertrude Stein.
NEW MEXICO/SOUTHWEST
The literary life in Santa Fe...
Santa Fe Festival of the Book
The big thing in town this past weekend was the Santa Fe Festival of the Book, including Quincy Troupe reading Friday night, October 13, & Penny Harter among others in a reading your correspondent hosted at the Inn on the Alameda on Saturday, October 14 as part of a celebration of the small presses of New Mexico.
Lannan Foundation Readings & Conversations
The Lannan series schedule for 2000-2001 is out & it includes readings & conversations with such luminaries as W.S. Merwin, Naomi Shihab Nye, Lois Ann Yamanaka, Anne Carson & Michael Ondaatje.
On To the Meat of the Matter
Ok, with those two clicks above, you have months of events and dozens of poets to worship. Now, on to the meat of the matter: I want to tell you about two literary talks held in Santa Fe, “Poetry as a Survival Technique” by Thomas Fitzsimmons and “Avenues to Publishing” by Donald Lamm, to give you a taste of the poetry life in a small town, far away from the world hubs of intellectual life. Let’s start with getting published...
“Avenues to Publishing”
Donald Lamm, former chairman and president of the publishing house W.W. Norton, gave his talk as part of the College of Santa Fe Creative Writing department’s new program, “The Business Side of Writing.” He was informal and chatty, and he gave a few concrete tips on breaking the barrier to publication. One of the best tips was: if you have a chance to attend a writer's colony or other prestigious institution, don’t forget to steal the stationery. Then he joked, “preferably not a penal institution.”
Lamm and several in the audience mentioned how helpful Literary Market Place can be in finding editors, agents and matching your work with suitable publications. He noted that at Norton they receive around 6000 unsolicited manuscripts a year, many of them “dissertations which sometimes have the germ of a book in them, but often infected with something more serious.” He also joked that, “When dropping names, try to use people who are alive.” He talked about the dreaded bookstore signing attended only by relatives, “where everyone looks like the author.”
Overall, Lamm's talk was a realistic look at how hard it is to get published and how it is even harder for a book to succeed after it's published. In answer to one graduate student's whining about not being able to break into the prestigious literary magazines, he responded, “use connections... have your teacher write a letter of recommendation.” The talk was charming and well received, but light on anything the audience could bring home to chew on. The unspoken assumption seemed to be that if you had talent the publishers would already know about you.
“Poetry As a Survival Technique”
In contrast, Thomas Fitzsimmons' talk was full of the nuts and bolts of being a poet -- not at the low level of getting into print, or making a living. No, Fitzsimmons went for the jugular: How to use poetry to survive. Here is the essence of his lecture:
“We live in a time and a culture that has benefited largely, and suffered largely, from an estimation of analysis as far more valuable than imagination. Poetry contains analysis, and is not dominated by it, just as science requires imagination but is not dominated by it. The mix is always there. We have two hands; no matter how specialized we may become with one, both are crucial to fully achieving our potential.
“We all know how science and technology, when they do not kill or cripple us, contribute to our survival. But poetry? What is the role of poetry? -- A source of quick gratification? Of nutshell philosophies? Moral teachings? Bumper stickers? The question can be approached from two viewpoints: the reader’s and the poet’s -- or, in current terminology, the consumer and the maker. What, in short, is in it for you? For me?
“To put it simply, poetry is a strategy for revealing the strange in the familiar, the familiar in the strange, the surprises that hide in what seems ordinary, the riddles that surround any accepted definition of the real. Poetry is a practice that allows us to keep in touch with what actually is going on as opposed to being locked into abstract and rigid models of reality. It balances the explanations of analysis with the evocative power of imagination.”
Fitzsimmons tears at what poetry has to give, coming up with a reason as deeply imbedded as any instinct, to survive. Poetry as shield, as microscope, as shining light. Poetry as potent as a kiss, as vital as sex. Wow, poetry is kick ass! To round out the talk, Fitzimmons read from his new book, Iron Harp, released on La Alameda Press, giving examples of how poetry has worked for him. The book, which chronicles Fitzsimmons' time as a merchant seaman in World War II, is terse and image driven, showing evidence of his long study of haiku.
Here is the question: Can you survive without Iron Harp? What will your life be like without learning of Tom’s? Can you make it? Do you feel lucky? Read the book; get to see the world through Fitzsimmons' brain, the why of publishing.
SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA
Litstock
Two weeks ago, more than a dozen local writers took to the outdoor stage at Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco for the 2nd annual Litstock event, sponsored by the SF Examiner. Poets Juliette Torrez, Beth Lisick, and Justin Chin were among those providing the literary entertainment, and City Lights, Manic D, RE/Search, and Poetry Flash had tables on site selling publications at a mighty discount. Keep an eye out for Litstock next year, since the ever-swell Bay Area Book Festival will not be happening this year. . . (don't ask, it's too depressing. . . .
News Flash! Kim Addonizio
. . . is a finalist for this year's National Book Award for Poetry for Tell Me (BOA Editions). Kim's been on the scene for years teaching, and doing readings everywhere from SF State to Keane's 3300 Club. Congrats to Kim and her publisher. Winners will be announced November 15 -- she's up against poetry giants Lucille Clifton and Galway Kinnell among others, soooooo. . . keep your fingers crossed.
Poetry Center Book Award
Speaking of prizes, The Poetry Center & American Poetry Archives at San Francisco State University just announced the winner of this year's Poetry Center Book Award: Cole Swensen's newest book of poems, Try (University of Iowa Press). It was selected by this year's judge, poet Elizabeth Robinson of Berkeley. The Poetry Center Book Award has been given every year since 1980 to an outstanding new book of poetry published in the previous year.
Also presented by the Poetry Center & American Poetry Archives in association with Intersection for the Arts is cultural visionary bell hooks. Tuesday, October 17 at 8 pm, bell hooks and Amalia Mesa-Bains discuss how community, love, and compassion are made manifest in visual art; and Wednesday, October 18 at 8 pm, bell hooks reads selections from All About Love: New Visions and new essays about love, community and work. At Intersection for the Arts, 446 Valencia, suggested donation $5 - $15.
On the Move
- Venerable bookstore Small Press Traffic is now located at CCAC (California College of Arts and Crafts), 1111 8th Street (at 16th & Wisconsin). Now celebrating 26 years of continuous support of independently published work, Small Press Traffic also welcomes a new director, Elizabeth Treadwell Jackson.
- Meanwhile, Blue Books is entertaining the micro-press crowd at 766 Valencia Street, with readings and many many unusual publications. Stop in for a visit!
- Bay Area slammer Eirik Ott (aka Big Poppa E) is back from his Wussy Boy world domination tour, after many miles and great publicity from the major media. He did his final show in Chico on October 15th, at Moxie's, & the next day moved to Seattle. . . . we wish him all the best up North!
- Rumor has it that Beau Sia has moved to the Bay Area but there are so many Beau Sia rumors (most of which he started himself) that it's hard to nail down if there's any truth to any of them. . . Urbana/NYC slammer Noel Jones visits the Bay Area slams with performances the last week in October. . . LA scenester poet/author Pleasant Gehman visits the Bay Area with readings at City Lights bookstore and the Paradise Lounge the last weekend in October, too.
Send rumors, gossip, and actual information to me at sfpoetrynews@yahoo.com.
SPECIAL REPORT: LIVE FROM LONDON
I Love London
Hello everyone, Larry Jaffe here writing to you from the UK. I have been here about a week and I think I saw the sunshine once or twice. But I love London, I really do. And poetry is more than alive and well here. Several Americans are here for the next couple of weeks for three poetry festivals in London, Sheffield and Bristol. There are also many local readings that I will be getting to and feeding info back to Museletter.
John Paul O'Neil's Farrago Slam
Every month this enterprising poet, John Paul O’Neil, puts on a grand reading and slam at a tabernacle and old church in the Kensington-Chelsea area that has been recreated into a performing arts facility. And what a room to read in… full theatrical lighting and sound, a huge ceiling with exposed beams. The audience varies in age, gender and ethnicity, making for a wide variety of poetry. John Paul takes great pride, and correctly so, in fostering an exceptionally creative environment, paying his poets and very importantly pushing their wares. This has been one of the few places where I actually sold quantities of books and CD’s. This is truly one of my favorite venues in London..
Ground Zero of the Paddington International Poetry Festival
Sunday was the fourth and final day of the Paddington International Poetry Festival. This was the first such event put together by London poets Richard Heley and Agnes Meadows. American poets participating in this groundbreaking event included Brett Axel, Jeanne Spicuzza, Kate O'Loughlin, Luke WarmWater, Taalam Acey, Christine Springer, Thom the World Poet, Tehut-nine, Ainsley Burrows, Alyssa Burrows and myself.
An incredible rapport was established between the poets in these festivities… Richard’s work was extraordinary. He literally built the venue, pouring concrete, plastering and painting. But he built more than a room to read poetry in… he proved that poetry can be a tremendous bridge builder, creating understanding between communities, cultures, genders and races with just some sweat..
Poetry Unplugged at the Poetry Café in Covent GardenBack to headlines
John Citizen, emcee of this weekly venue, has created a London tradition right in the heart of the city. Every Tuesday night at 7:30 at the world-famous Poetry Café, John conducts his weekly roll call of poetry, drawing from far and wide. It is one of the best open mics around..
READER-SUBMITTED POETRY NEWS BRIEFS
From Randy Gross:
Slam! the Door on Hunger
Attention Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York and all points in between! Team slam is coming to Harrisburg, PA! The Heavyword Society, who brought slam poetry to the capitol city in July, is back with an all-new charity event: Slam! the Door on Hunger, a no-words-barred competition for 2-person teams, scheduled for Saturday, December 16th, at 5 pm at the St. Moritz nightclub, 714 North Third Street. Grand Prize is $200 cash for the winning duo, and runners-up will receive gift certificates. Registration is just $25 per team, and only the first 16 teams to submit their checks and registration forms will be accepted. Proceeds benefit the Central PA Food Bank. For rules and registration forms, call 717.234.0672; email monkeyboy3_us@yahoo.com; or visit www.slam.fanspace.com. Hurry! We had a full slate of 30 performers and a standing-room-only crowd at the July 11th Heavyword Championship. Plan on being part of Harrisburg's first team slam experience!
From JoAnn Anglin:
Special Poetry Presentation on Friday, October 27, 7:30 - 10:30 pm -- Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol presents El Dia de los Muertos, ("The Day of the Dead"). Master of Ceremonies: Francisco Alarcon. Featured Poets: José Montoya, Olivia Castellanos, Tony Cervantes. And: Movimiento Molcajete (Ya Ya Porras & Nicole Limón). An open-microphone period will follow. Location: La Raza Galería Posada, 7th & O Streets, Sacramento, CA 95814. Donation: $5 general; $3 Students & La Raza members -- to benefit La Raza Galeria. During El Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican/Chicano holiday, we honor and celebrate those whose memories, but not their bodies, live on. In a festive, respectful way, friends and family may prepare an altar featuring flowers, photos and objects related to the spirit of the deceased. This day has traditional stories, food and music associated with it, and ceremonies at the graveyard. Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol (Writers of the New Sun) is a literary community, established in 1993 to honor the literary and artistic cultures and traditions of the Chicano, Native American and Spanish-language community. Members write in Spanish, English, or both. All activities are open to the public. Info: Graciela Ramirez 916.682.9011.
From Dave Johnson:
Magdalena
Magdalena is poetry and music brought to you by Deborah Cain, Nettie Healy (poetry) and Dave Johnson (music). The poetry is about life, love relationships, religion and all the other usual suspects. The music is rock, trip-hop, new age, jazz and just about anything else that works. They hail from the lost coast of northern California where the redwoods meet the sea.
From R.M. Engelhart:
Valentine's
Nightvox
A Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe (A Benefit for the Albany Damien Center): on Halloween, October 31st @ Valentine's, 17 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY. The poems and tales of Edgar Allan Poe to be followed by a special Halloween Poetry Open Mic.7 pm start time, scary costumes encouraged! Hosted by poet R.M. Engelhardt w/Bruce Richardson on saxophone.$5 donation. For more information contact rmengelhardt@yahoo.com.
The School of Night: Albany, NY's most unique poetry reading held every last Tuesday evening of each month @ Valentine's, 17 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY. A gathering for poets and the art of poetry.Signup at 7:30pm/Starttime @ 8 pm. Hosted by poet R.M. Engelhardt w/Bruce Richardson on saxophone.
