November poetry bonanza.

Yesterday I had a blast at the Weave release party and reading. Many congrats to Laura and Margaret and everyone who made the issue so amazing. The Colt has photos here.

This week's excitement is Winter Wheat at Bowling Green State University. It is an awesome, low-key conference with a variety of great readings and panels. Here's the schedule. My heart is absolutely broken that Karen J. Weyant is presenting at the same time as my panel with Amy Bracken Sparks, so I am going to post shameless advertisements for both of our sessions.

More Than Just Setting: Ways of Using Sense of Place in Poetry: Karen J. Weyant
This session will explore different ways poets use sense of place in their works. By providing published examples and prompts, participants will be encouraged to explore the different ways place is used in their own works.

It's (Not) All About the Binder Clips: Practical Advice for Submitting Poetry Manuscripts: Mary Biddinger and Amy Bracken Sparks Two experienced poetry book contest readers offer advice on choosing markets, arranging and presenting manuscripts, and understanding the editorial process. The presenters will also answer questions about poetry book contests and open reading periods.

If fiction is your thing, check out Eric Wasserman's session.

Incorporating Research Into Your Fictional Narrative: Eric Wasserman What are the pros and cons of incorporating research into one's fictional narrative? Join Eric as he discusses how writers can best use research to illuminate their imagined worlds, especially when it comes to situating characters in historical settings.

I will be reading with the lovely Anna Leahy at 4 pm on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

PS: Frank DePoole and Eric Morris are also doing a session.

Writing Your Way off the Map: Poetry that Crosses the Line: Frank "The Colt" DePoole and Eric M. Morris We will contemplate the boundaries between the real and the imaginary while exploring contemporary works that surprise and provoke. Writing exercises will give participants the opportunity to walk the line between real and surreal, and to negotiate the territory in between.