Michael Meyerhofer's second full-length collection, Blue Collar Eulogies, has been accepted for publication by Steel Toe Books! When asked for a quote about this good fortune, MM said, "The royalty of the advance should almost cover the postage and entry fees!"
Steel Toe Books
Congrats, Michael!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Local paper recognizes SIUC MFA students
The Southern has a press release today about Josh Woods (third-year, fiction) and Rachel Furey (third-year, fiction) being winners in the national Press 53 Contest:
Southern Illinoisian
Southern Illinoisian
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Congrats to Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00)
Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00, poetry) has had another chapbook accepted for publication. The chapbook, which is still in search of a title, will be published by Pikestaff Publications of Normal, Illinois.
Congrats, KK!
Here's more information about Pikestaff:
Pikestaff Publications
Congrats, KK!
Here's more information about Pikestaff:
Pikestaff Publications
Monday, July 07, 2008
Upcoming Readings by SIUC MFAs and Recent Grads
Kerry James Evans (poetry, third-year) will be reading from his work at the 14th annual "Southern Writers, Southern Writing" Graduate Student Conference to be held at the University of Mississippi July 17-19, 2008.
Poets Amie Whittemore (second-year), Jenna Bazzell (second-year) and Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08, fiction) will read as part of the River Styx at Duff's Hungry Young Poets Series on July 21 in St. Louis.
Hungry Young Poets 2008
Poets Amie Whittemore (second-year), Jenna Bazzell (second-year) and Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08, fiction) will read as part of the River Styx at Duff's Hungry Young Poets Series on July 21 in St. Louis.
Hungry Young Poets 2008
Allison Joseph to read at Woman Made Gallery, Chicago
SIUC MFA faculty member will read in Chicago on July 20 at Woman Made Gallery. Details here:
Drawing from Experience Reading
Drawing from Experience Reading
Thursday, July 03, 2008
MFA Grads in New Issue of Pleiades
New poems by Adrian Matejka (MFA '01) and Chad Parmenter (MFA '05) appear in the new issue of Pleiades (28.2).
Adrian's poems are "Mulatto Ego Remix" and "Synth Composite Basketball: No More Fundamentals," and Chad's poem is "[Tina mia]." Also included in the issue is a review of Quiver of Arrows by Carl Phillips, written by Chad Parmenter.
For more about Pleiades, visit
Pleiades on the Web
Adrian's poems are "Mulatto Ego Remix" and "Synth Composite Basketball: No More Fundamentals," and Chad's poem is "[Tina mia]." Also included in the issue is a review of Quiver of Arrows by Carl Phillips, written by Chad Parmenter.
For more about Pleiades, visit
Pleiades on the Web
Matt Guenette at Verse Daily
Fresh off his Young Writers Workshop appearance, here's Matt Guenette (MFA '99) at Verse Daily:
Verse Daily
Verse Daily
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Mark Your Calendars: Devil's Kitchen Literary Festival 2008
It's July, it's hot, and it's the perfect time to start thinking about SIUC's annual fall literary festival, the Devil's Kitchen Fall Literary Festival. The 2008 dates are October 23, 24, and 25. Watch this blog for information about the writers who will be coming to Carbondale for our three-day celebration of all things literary.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Young Writers Workshop Participant Reading!
JUNE 28th, 2008:
Young Writers Workshop Participant Reading
Cisne Auditorium, Pulliam Hall 34, 1:30 PM
Come hear our award-winning young writers read from their work!
As director, I'd like to offer huge thanks for the great job this year done by my dynamic and talented YWW Staff.
Big props to Josh Woods, Andy McFadyen-Ketchum, Jenna Bazzell, Azizat Danmole, Rachel Furey, Renee Evans, Kerry James Evans, Travis Mossotti, Rachna Sheth, Amie Whittemore, Alex Lumans, Abby Wheetley, and Jason Lee Brown.
Thanks, Pinckney Benedict, for your wisdom and support.
And thanks to our guests: the fabulous Matt Guenette and the inimitable Blair.
Special thanks goes to Pat Eckert and Kim Goforth of the Division of Continuing Education for all their logistical help.
Young Writers Workshop Participant Reading
Cisne Auditorium, Pulliam Hall 34, 1:30 PM
Come hear our award-winning young writers read from their work!
As director, I'd like to offer huge thanks for the great job this year done by my dynamic and talented YWW Staff.
Big props to Josh Woods, Andy McFadyen-Ketchum, Jenna Bazzell, Azizat Danmole, Rachel Furey, Renee Evans, Kerry James Evans, Travis Mossotti, Rachna Sheth, Amie Whittemore, Alex Lumans, Abby Wheetley, and Jason Lee Brown.
Thanks, Pinckney Benedict, for your wisdom and support.
And thanks to our guests: the fabulous Matt Guenette and the inimitable Blair.
Special thanks goes to Pat Eckert and Kim Goforth of the Division of Continuing Education for all their logistical help.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Some Detroit Love for the Young Writers Workshop
Readings today at the Young Writers Workshop:
JUNE 27th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Rachel Furey, Azizat Danmole, Rachna Sheth & Amie Whittemore
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader/Performer: Blair
Faner Hall 1325 (Harry T. Moore Auditorium), 8 PM
Blair is a poet/singer-songwriter/performer/spoken word artist whose work, in the words of Metro Times "focuses on the hope that rises from the ashes of despair." Blair is a National Poetry Slam Champion (2002 Team Detroit) and Detroit Grand Slam Champion (2003). He's been named Best Solo Artist by Real Detroit Weekly Readers' Poll and has been written about in periodicals around the country and overseas including Performing Songwriter Magazine, Hour Detroit Magazine and The Bay Area Times.
Allison says: If Richie Havens, Walt Whitman, and Phillip Levine had a literary and musical love child, that offspring would sound like Blair.
Hear for yourself:
Blalr's My Space Page
JUNE 27th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Rachel Furey, Azizat Danmole, Rachna Sheth & Amie Whittemore
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader/Performer: Blair
Faner Hall 1325 (Harry T. Moore Auditorium), 8 PM
Blair is a poet/singer-songwriter/performer/spoken word artist whose work, in the words of Metro Times "focuses on the hope that rises from the ashes of despair." Blair is a National Poetry Slam Champion (2002 Team Detroit) and Detroit Grand Slam Champion (2003). He's been named Best Solo Artist by Real Detroit Weekly Readers' Poll and has been written about in periodicals around the country and overseas including Performing Songwriter Magazine, Hour Detroit Magazine and The Bay Area Times.
Allison says: If Richie Havens, Walt Whitman, and Phillip Levine had a literary and musical love child, that offspring would sound like Blair.
Hear for yourself:
Blalr's My Space Page
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Young Writers Workshop Reading Series: June 26, 2008
The Young Writers Workshop Reading Series continues with a visit from SIUC MFA alum Matt Guenette!
Matt will read at 8 pm in Faner Hall's Harry T. Moore Auditorium today. Here's a taste of Matt's poetry, the infamous poem "Sestina Aguilera."
Verse Daily
About Matt:
His first book, Sudden Anthem, won the 2007 American Poetry Journal Book Prize, and will be published by Dream Horse Press in Winter/Spring 2008. His chapbook, Hush of Something Endless, is available from Ropewalk Press.
More Matt Links:
Dream Horse Press
Ropewalk Press
Matt will read at 8 pm in Faner Hall's Harry T. Moore Auditorium today. Here's a taste of Matt's poetry, the infamous poem "Sestina Aguilera."
Verse Daily
About Matt:
His first book, Sudden Anthem, won the 2007 American Poetry Journal Book Prize, and will be published by Dream Horse Press in Winter/Spring 2008. His chapbook, Hush of Something Endless, is available from Ropewalk Press.
More Matt Links:
Dream Horse Press
Ropewalk Press
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Young Writers Workshop Reading Series: June 25, 2008
Here are the readings for June 25, 2008:
JUNE 25th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Jenna Bazzell, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans & Travis Mossotti
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
SIUC Faculty Reading: Allison Joseph (with grad student Will Tyler)
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8PM
JUNE 25th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Jenna Bazzell, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans & Travis Mossotti
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
SIUC Faculty Reading: Allison Joseph (with grad student Will Tyler)
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8PM
Young Writers Workshop begins today!
SIUC's Young Writers Workshop begins its tenth annual session today! Twenty-seven high school students from five different states will be on the SIUC campus from today through Saturday writing and talking writing with creative writing faculty and graduate students. Tonight, SIUC fiction faculty member Pinckney Benedict will read from his work at 8 pm in Faner's Harry T. Moore Auditorium. This reading is free and open to the public.
More about the fabulous Mr. Benedict:
Pinckney's Wikipedia entry
More about the fabulous Mr. Benedict:
Pinckney's Wikipedia entry
Friday, June 20, 2008
Congrats to Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00)!
Great news this afternoon from Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00, poetry). Her chapbook, Turtles All the Way Down, was a top ten finalist in the Finishing Line Press New Women's Voices Series. She has been offered a publication contract for the chapbook!
Congrats, KK!
About New Women's Voices and Finishing Line Press:
Finishing Line
Congrats, KK!
About New Women's Voices and Finishing Line Press:
Finishing Line
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Young Writers Workshop Reading Series
Here's the official news release about the Young Writers Workshop's annual Reading Series:
Free and Open to the Public
Free and Open to the Public
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Catching Up With Jim Harris (1990)
Just received this from Jim Harris--Jim was here before I came to SIUC!
"Hello Allison!
I'm an ancient alumnus of the SIU writing program (1990). Perhaps before it was a program. Just writing in support of your blog! Fantastic to see what's happening at my old school. I have fond memories of SIU where Rodney Jones was my mentor and I, of course, never wrote another poem after that. Ha! But I have written a couple novels since then.
If it's worth mentioning on your blog, I have a new novel out called, A Bottle of Rain, Livingston Press, University of West Alabama (September, 2007). It's my second novel and it's been nominated for a Pen USA award for writers west of the Mississippi. It's available in both hardback and trade paperback.
My first novel, Nowhere Near the Sea of Cortez, was published in 2001. It was a Small Press Review Pick that year.
I am currently hard at work on my third novel, As God Looked On. It's actually almost done. It's being edited by one of William Gay's previous editors (I believe I'm more proud of that than anything so far...)"
Thanks for the blog love, Jim!
"Hello Allison!
I'm an ancient alumnus of the SIU writing program (1990). Perhaps before it was a program. Just writing in support of your blog! Fantastic to see what's happening at my old school. I have fond memories of SIU where Rodney Jones was my mentor and I, of course, never wrote another poem after that. Ha! But I have written a couple novels since then.
If it's worth mentioning on your blog, I have a new novel out called, A Bottle of Rain, Livingston Press, University of West Alabama (September, 2007). It's my second novel and it's been nominated for a Pen USA award for writers west of the Mississippi. It's available in both hardback and trade paperback.
My first novel, Nowhere Near the Sea of Cortez, was published in 2001. It was a Small Press Review Pick that year.
I am currently hard at work on my third novel, As God Looked On. It's actually almost done. It's being edited by one of William Gay's previous editors (I believe I'm more proud of that than anything so far...)"
Thanks for the blog love, Jim!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Poemspotting: Kathryn Kerr
New poems by Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00, poetry) appear in the literary journal Blueline,a literary magazine dedicated to the spirit of the Adirondacks. The poems are " I've Done Enough Burning" and "The Best Poem I've Seen:"
Find out more about Blueline here:
Blueline
Find out more about Blueline here:
Blueline
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Catching Up With James Miller (MFA'07)
The irrepressible James Miller (MFA '07, poetry) has some funky good news to share, delivered as only he can:
I finagled a few more publications in the new Blackbird, replete with a cant-ish introduction, nice words (even though they called the poems "postmodern"; slang for smarmy to me), but still, I'm ecstatic to be in the same issue as Norman Dubie and Claudia Emerson.
And I won a Tennessee Williams Scholarship to Sewanee for the summer (figure I'll dress like Big Daddy/Matlock). I've been going to and fro between the ATL and Delta, teaching classes, planting corn and playing the off gig in my favorite places, juke joints. WBAD, the soul station I always wrote about, is back up and running. Thank Yahweh and Tyrone Davis.
Congrats, James!
Link to the Blackbird poems by James:
James in Blackbird
I finagled a few more publications in the new Blackbird, replete with a cant-ish introduction, nice words (even though they called the poems "postmodern"; slang for smarmy to me), but still, I'm ecstatic to be in the same issue as Norman Dubie and Claudia Emerson.
And I won a Tennessee Williams Scholarship to Sewanee for the summer (figure I'll dress like Big Daddy/Matlock). I've been going to and fro between the ATL and Delta, teaching classes, planting corn and playing the off gig in my favorite places, juke joints. WBAD, the soul station I always wrote about, is back up and running. Thank Yahweh and Tyrone Davis.
Congrats, James!
Link to the Blackbird poems by James:
James in Blackbird
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What Time Is It? Young Writers Time!
The Young Writers Workshop, SIUC's creative writing workshop for teens age 15-18, is back again for another summer! With the workshop comes a series of poetry and prose readings by SIUC faculty, graduate students and guest writers. You are cordially invited to attend any of the readings below, as they are free and open to the public.
10th Anniversary of the Young Writers Workshop Summer 2008 Reading Series
All Readings are Free and Open to the Public
JUNE 24th, 2008:
SIUC Faculty Reading: Pinckney Benedict
Faner 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8 PM
JUNE 25th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Jenna Bazzell, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans & Travis Mossotti
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
SIUC Faculty Reading: Allison Joseph
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8PM
JUNE 26th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Renee Evans, Josh Woods, Abby Wheetley & Andy McFadyen-Ketchum
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader: Matt Guenette
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8 PM
JUNE 27th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Rachel Furey, Azizat Danmole, Rachna Sheth & Amie Whittemore
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader/Performer: Blair
Faner Hall 1325 (Harry T. Moore Auditorium), 8 PM
JUNE 28th, 2008:
Young Writers Workshop Participant Reading
Cisne Auditorium, Pulliam Hall 34, 1:30 PM
About our guest readers:
Matt Guenette is a 1999 graduate of the SIUC MFA program. He is the author of the poetry collections A Hush of Something Endless, a chapbook from Ropewalk Press, and Sudden Anthem, the 2007 winner of the American Poetry Journal Book Prize (Dream Horse Press). He lives, writes and teaches in Madison, Wisconsin.
More about Matt:
Matt's Blog
Blair is a poet/singer-songwriter/performer/spoken word artist whose work, in the words of Metro Times "focuses on the hope that rises from the ashes of despair." Blair is a National Poetry Slam Champion (2002 Team Detroit) and Detroit Grand Slam Champion (2003). He's been named Best Solo Artist by Real Detroit Weekly Readers' Poll and has been written about in periodicals around the country and overseas including Performing Songwriter Magazine, Hour Detroit Magazine and The Bay Area Times.
Blair's My Space Page
10th Anniversary of the Young Writers Workshop Summer 2008 Reading Series
All Readings are Free and Open to the Public
JUNE 24th, 2008:
SIUC Faculty Reading: Pinckney Benedict
Faner 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8 PM
JUNE 25th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Jenna Bazzell, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans & Travis Mossotti
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
SIUC Faculty Reading: Allison Joseph
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8PM
JUNE 26th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Renee Evans, Josh Woods, Abby Wheetley & Andy McFadyen-Ketchum
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader: Matt Guenette
Faner Hall 1326, Harry T. Moore Auditorium, 8 PM
JUNE 27th, 2008:
SIUC Graduate Creative Writers Reading:
Rachel Furey, Azizat Danmole, Rachna Sheth & Amie Whittemore
Faner Hall 1005, 4-5 PM
Guest Reader/Performer: Blair
Faner Hall 1325 (Harry T. Moore Auditorium), 8 PM
JUNE 28th, 2008:
Young Writers Workshop Participant Reading
Cisne Auditorium, Pulliam Hall 34, 1:30 PM
About our guest readers:
Matt Guenette is a 1999 graduate of the SIUC MFA program. He is the author of the poetry collections A Hush of Something Endless, a chapbook from Ropewalk Press, and Sudden Anthem, the 2007 winner of the American Poetry Journal Book Prize (Dream Horse Press). He lives, writes and teaches in Madison, Wisconsin.
More about Matt:
Matt's Blog
Blair is a poet/singer-songwriter/performer/spoken word artist whose work, in the words of Metro Times "focuses on the hope that rises from the ashes of despair." Blair is a National Poetry Slam Champion (2002 Team Detroit) and Detroit Grand Slam Champion (2003). He's been named Best Solo Artist by Real Detroit Weekly Readers' Poll and has been written about in periodicals around the country and overseas including Performing Songwriter Magazine, Hour Detroit Magazine and The Bay Area Times.
Blair's My Space Page
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Poem and Storyspotting: Jurmu and Brown
Work by Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08) and Deb Jurmu (MFA '06) appears in the new issue of Natural Bridge, the literary journal published by the English Department of the University of Missouri St. Louis.
Deb's story "Breath of the Wok" and Jason's poem "Why Mr. President Loves Soap Bubbles" appear in the Spring 2008 issue (Number 19).
for more about Natural Bridge:
Natural Bridge
Deb's story "Breath of the Wok" and Jason's poem "Why Mr. President Loves Soap Bubbles" appear in the Spring 2008 issue (Number 19).
for more about Natural Bridge:
Natural Bridge
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Poemspotting: Whittemore Edition
"First," a new poem by Amie Whittemore (second year, poetry), appears in the End of Winter 2008 issue of Poetry Midwest:
Poetry Midwest
Amie's on page 12.
Poetry Midwest
Amie's on page 12.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Catching Up With Douglas Haynes (MFA '02):
Just got this e-mail from Douglas Haynes (MFA '02, poetry):
"I landed my first tenure-track creative writing position this spring at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and I owe so much to all of you for making such an opportunity possible for me. I'll be teaching advanced creative nonfiction courses, intro. creative writing, some modern Amer. lit., and supervising MA creative writing projects. I'm relishing the prospect of the 3-2 course load I'll have after teaching 4 courses a semester this year at New England College. I'm hoping to get much more writing done."
Congrats on the new job, Douglas!
"I landed my first tenure-track creative writing position this spring at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and I owe so much to all of you for making such an opportunity possible for me. I'll be teaching advanced creative nonfiction courses, intro. creative writing, some modern Amer. lit., and supervising MA creative writing projects. I'm relishing the prospect of the 3-2 course load I'll have after teaching 4 courses a semester this year at New England College. I'm hoping to get much more writing done."
Congrats on the new job, Douglas!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Crab Orchard Review featured in the July issue of the Writer
A profile of Crab Orchard Review appears in the July issue of the Writer.
The profile is only available in the print issue of the magazine, but here's the table of contents for the issue containing this profile:
The Writer
The profile is only available in the print issue of the magazine, but here's the table of contents for the issue containing this profile:
The Writer
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Poemspotting: Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06)
"Samsara," a poem by Michael Meyerhofer, appears in the new "A Moveable Feast" issue of River Styx. This issue of the venerable St. Louis-based journal is a tasty exploration of food as subject, complete with recipes.
More about River Styx at
River Styx Web Site
More about River Styx at
River Styx Web Site
Poemspotting: Allison Joseph
New poems by SIUC poetry faculty member can be found at Mezzo Cammin, a journal of formal poetry by women, and at Hotmetalpress.net:
Mezzo Cammin:
Mezzo Cammin
Hotmetapress.net:
Hotmetalpress.net
Mezzo Cammin:
Mezzo Cammin
Hotmetapress.net:
Hotmetalpress.net
Monday, June 02, 2008
Young Writers Workshop National Contest Winners
Thanks to current MFA students Josh (J Dillon) Woods and Kerry James Evans for selecting the winners of the Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers. Both students will be attending this year's Young Writers Workshop, SIUC's annual creative writing workshop for writers age 15-18. Details here:
SIUC News
SIUC News
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Fabulous news about Tim Shea (MFA '08) via Rodney Jones
SIUC faculty member Rodney Jones writes with great news about Tim Shea (MFA '08, poetry):
"Yesterday I got a call from an elated Tim Shea. He had just gotten off the phone with Ciaran Carson. Queen's University has given him a full fellowship (tuition, fees, a 13,000 pound a year stipend plus housing allowance} for their 3 year Ph.D program. It will be all independent study. He'll meet with advisors at the beginning of each term to determine a meeting schedule. His dissertation will be a collection of his own poems prefaced by a significant research essay. He's the first creative writing poetry fellow they've ever admitted."
Congratulations, Tim! We're proud of you!
More about Ciaran Carson and Queen's University, Belfast:
Queen's Univ.
"Yesterday I got a call from an elated Tim Shea. He had just gotten off the phone with Ciaran Carson. Queen's University has given him a full fellowship (tuition, fees, a 13,000 pound a year stipend plus housing allowance} for their 3 year Ph.D program. It will be all independent study. He'll meet with advisors at the beginning of each term to determine a meeting schedule. His dissertation will be a collection of his own poems prefaced by a significant research essay. He's the first creative writing poetry fellow they've ever admitted."
Congratulations, Tim! We're proud of you!
More about Ciaran Carson and Queen's University, Belfast:
Queen's Univ.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
SIUC Writers to Read in St. Louis and Detroit
Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08), Jenna Bazzell (second year, poetry) and Amie Whittemore (second year, poetry) will be part of this year's Hungry Young Poets Series at Duff's in Saint Louis on July 21:
Hungry Young Poets
Also, SIUC faculty poet Allison Joseph will be one of the poets reading for the Detroit Poetry Collective's Summer Reading Series on July 18:
Detroit Poetry
Hungry Young Poets
Also, SIUC faculty poet Allison Joseph will be one of the poets reading for the Detroit Poetry Collective's Summer Reading Series on July 18:
Detroit Poetry
Crab Orchard Review Receives Illinois Arts Council Literary Award!
Crab Orchard Review is proud to announce that the journal has received a 2008 Literary Award from the Illinois Arts Council for Julie Benesh's story "Cami Chicks," which was published in the Volume 12, number 1 issue.
More details about the Illinois Arts Council Literary Awards at:
IAC
More details about the Illinois Arts Council Literary Awards at:
IAC
Friday, May 23, 2008
Poemspotting: Tim Shea (MFA '08)
"Looking at a Photograph from War Time I Will Be the Next Hit By Fire," a new poem by Tim Shea, appears in the latest issue of Rattle.
Rattle
Rattle
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The SIUC-USI Connection: Southern Indiana Review
Several SIUC MFA grads make appearances in the new issue of Southern Indiana Review, a literary journal published by and at the University of Southern Indiana.
Two poems by Matt Guenette (MFA '99), a review by Melanie Jordan (MFA '01, poetry) of Nickole Brown's poetry collection "Sister," and a review of Ben Percy's (MFA '04, fiction) story collection "Refresh, Refresh" are in this new issue's pages.
For more information about Southern Indiana Review, visit
Southern Indiana Review
Two poems by Matt Guenette (MFA '99), a review by Melanie Jordan (MFA '01, poetry) of Nickole Brown's poetry collection "Sister," and a review of Ben Percy's (MFA '04, fiction) story collection "Refresh, Refresh" are in this new issue's pages.
For more information about Southern Indiana Review, visit
Southern Indiana Review
Catching Up With Chad Simpson (MFA'05)
Some new publication credits for Chad Simpson (MFA '05, fiction):
My story "Summer of Skin" appears in the May/June 2008 issue of The Rambler.
The Rambler
My story "Rail City" appears online in the latest issue of 5_Trope.
5_Trope
And I recently served as selecting editor for Wigleaf's Top 50 (Very) Short Stories of 2008. Details, along with a foreward by Wigleaf's editor Scott Garson, and an introduction by me can be found at Wigleaf.
Wigleaf
My story "Summer of Skin" appears in the May/June 2008 issue of The Rambler.
The Rambler
My story "Rail City" appears online in the latest issue of 5_Trope.
5_Trope
And I recently served as selecting editor for Wigleaf's Top 50 (Very) Short Stories of 2008. Details, along with a foreward by Wigleaf's editor Scott Garson, and an introduction by me can be found at Wigleaf.
Wigleaf
Monday, May 19, 2008
News from Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06)
Checking in with Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06, poetry):
"I'm judging the Poetry Society of New Hampshire's National Contest for May (they have four each year, I think). Also, my poem "Albert Einstein Eats a Snow Cone on the 14,000,000,000th Birthday of the Known Universe" is forthcoming in Sojourn."
"I'm judging the Poetry Society of New Hampshire's National Contest for May (they have four each year, I think). Also, my poem "Albert Einstein Eats a Snow Cone on the 14,000,000,000th Birthday of the Known Universe" is forthcoming in Sojourn."
Saturday, May 10, 2008
SIUC Writers Receive Honors in Press 53 Awards!
Congrats to Rachel Furey (second-year fiction), Josh (J Dillon) Woods (second-year fiction), and Alex Lumans (second-year fiction)--all winners in the first annual Press 53 Awards! Rachel won first place in the creative nonfiction category for her piece "Mississippi Mud," Josh won first place in the genre fiction category for "The Exorcise Machine," and Alex was a finalist in the short story category! In addition, Nora Benedict, daughter of SIUC fiction professor Pinckney Benedict, was a finalist in the Young Writers category!
Congrats to all!
For more details, visit the Press 53 website:
Press 53 Contests
Congrats to all!
For more details, visit the Press 53 website:
Press 53 Contests
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Adrian Matejka (MFA '01) selected for Poetry in Motion 2008
SIUC MFA grad Adrian Matejka's poem "Affirmative Action" has been selected as a winner in the Metro Arts in Transit 2008 Poetry in Motion Contest. Adrian is one of fifteen St. Louis-area poets chosen for this honor.
Metro Arts in Transit and the Poetry Society of America 2008 Poetry in Motion® Reading and Reception!
Please join us on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at the Regional Arts Commission (6128 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112) to honor this year's Poetry in Motion winners. The reception starts at 7PM and the reading is from 7:30PM-9PM. Guests will include Poets Mary Jo Bang, Changa Bey, and our winners. This event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Funding for this project is made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
To read the poem, go to
Contest Winners
Scroll through the poster mock-ups using the right tab button. Adrian's poem is number 8 of 15.
Metro Arts in Transit and the Poetry Society of America 2008 Poetry in Motion® Reading and Reception!
Please join us on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at the Regional Arts Commission (6128 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112) to honor this year's Poetry in Motion winners. The reception starts at 7PM and the reading is from 7:30PM-9PM. Guests will include Poets Mary Jo Bang, Changa Bey, and our winners. This event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Funding for this project is made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
To read the poem, go to
Contest Winners
Scroll through the poster mock-ups using the right tab button. Adrian's poem is number 8 of 15.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
New Alumni Publications: Spring 2008
Scott Beem (MFA '04, fiction) has fiction up at Fusion Fragment:
Fusion Fragment
Matt Guenette (MFA '99, poetry) has poetry forthcoming in the new issue of diode (up next week)
Diode Front Page
Paul Guest (MFA '99, poetry) has work in the current issue:
Diode
Fusion Fragment
Matt Guenette (MFA '99, poetry) has poetry forthcoming in the new issue of diode (up next week)
Diode Front Page
Paul Guest (MFA '99, poetry) has work in the current issue:
Diode
Monday, May 05, 2008
More Congrats in Order: Ropewalk and Discovery/Boston Review
from Alex Lumans (second-year, fiction):
I figured I'd let you know I also won a half-scholarship to the RopeWalk Retreat for fiction (in Lee Martin's workshop) as
well as a scholarship to attend the smaller Masterclass with Sigrid Nunez.
from Kerry James Evans (second-year, poetry):
Though the winners have already been announced, I was named one of fifty semi-finalists for the Discovery/Boston Review Contest. They received over 800 manuscripts. The judges were Jorie Graham, James Tate and Reginald Shepherd.
Congrats, you two!
Links:
Discovery/Boston Review
I figured I'd let you know I also won a half-scholarship to the RopeWalk Retreat for fiction (in Lee Martin's workshop) as
well as a scholarship to attend the smaller Masterclass with Sigrid Nunez.
from Kerry James Evans (second-year, poetry):
Though the winners have already been announced, I was named one of fifty semi-finalists for the Discovery/Boston Review Contest. They received over 800 manuscripts. The judges were Jorie Graham, James Tate and Reginald Shepherd.
Congrats, you two!
Links:
Discovery/Boston Review
Reading & Drinking: May Edition
from the fabulous Amie Whittemore:
My fabulous fillies and coltish colts --
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, the last R&D of the semester's theme is 'Darkhorse,' so gallop on over to Melange on Wednesday to join in the fun.
You should know the drill by now, but if not, here's the stats:
* Melange, 607 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL
* Wednesday, May 7
* 7 pm
* Drinks, trivia, live music!, prose, fiction, plays, poetry, and much, much more (hopefully mint juleps?)
* Toast to Eight Belles, the filly who gave her all at the race on Saturday.
Spread the word.
Darkly, horsefully yours,
~ Amie
My fabulous fillies and coltish colts --
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, the last R&D of the semester's theme is 'Darkhorse,' so gallop on over to Melange on Wednesday to join in the fun.
You should know the drill by now, but if not, here's the stats:
* Melange, 607 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL
* Wednesday, May 7
* 7 pm
* Drinks, trivia, live music!, prose, fiction, plays, poetry, and much, much more (hopefully mint juleps?)
* Toast to Eight Belles, the filly who gave her all at the race on Saturday.
Spread the word.
Darkly, horsefully yours,
~ Amie
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Congrats to Greg Schwipps (MFA '98)!
Just received this good news from Greg Schwipps (MFA '98, fiction):
Hey Allison!
Beth wanted me to send you my good news -- I sold my novel! I am excited, to say the least. Ghost Road Press from Denver took it, and it will be out in the spring of 2009. What This River Keeps is the title.
I got my MFA ten years ago this spring, so I think the timing is shapely.
Hope you are well!
Greg Schwipps
Congrats, Greg!
Links:
Ghost Road Press
Hey Allison!
Beth wanted me to send you my good news -- I sold my novel! I am excited, to say the least. Ghost Road Press from Denver took it, and it will be out in the spring of 2009. What This River Keeps is the title.
I got my MFA ten years ago this spring, so I think the timing is shapely.
Hope you are well!
Greg Schwipps
Congrats, Greg!
Links:
Ghost Road Press
Friday, May 02, 2008
Academy of American Poets Prize Winners 2008
This year, SIUC's Academy of American Poets Prize graduate prize winner is
Aaron Wheetley for his poem "Obsidian Creek."
Honorable Mentions go to
Sara Burge for "Geometry" and Jason Lee Brown for "Chores With My Father."
This year's judge was recent visiting poet Ciaran Berry.
Nota bene: Jason's poem has been selected for publication by Tar River Poetry.
Congratulations to our winners!
Links:
Academy's College Prizes
Tar River Poetry
Aaron Wheetley for his poem "Obsidian Creek."
Honorable Mentions go to
Sara Burge for "Geometry" and Jason Lee Brown for "Chores With My Father."
This year's judge was recent visiting poet Ciaran Berry.
Nota bene: Jason's poem has been selected for publication by Tar River Poetry.
Congratulations to our winners!
Links:
Academy's College Prizes
Tar River Poetry
SIUC Writers Receive Scholarships to the Ropewalk Writers Retreat
Congratulations to Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08, fiction) and Kerry James Evans (second year, poetry) for receiving scholarships to the Ropewalk Writers Retreat in New Harmony, Indiana:
Here's Jason's news:
My story “Kanamara Matsuri” was chosen as a runner-up in the Playboy College Fiction Contest and earned a partial scholarship to the RopeWalk Writers Retreat. I also won partial scholarships in nonfiction and poetry, which is the first time RopeWalk has offered scholarships in all three genres to the same person. I will be in workshops with Dave Smith (poetry), Susan Neville (nonfiction), and Elizabeth Stuckey–French (fiction). RopeWalk will be celebrating its 20th year in Utopia from June 14-21.
Here's Kerry's news:
I got a scholarship for the Stephen Dobyns workshop at Ropewalk.
Links:
Playboy College Fiction Contest
College Fiction Contest
Ropewalk Writers Retreat:
Utopia in Indiana
Here's Jason's news:
My story “Kanamara Matsuri” was chosen as a runner-up in the Playboy College Fiction Contest and earned a partial scholarship to the RopeWalk Writers Retreat. I also won partial scholarships in nonfiction and poetry, which is the first time RopeWalk has offered scholarships in all three genres to the same person. I will be in workshops with Dave Smith (poetry), Susan Neville (nonfiction), and Elizabeth Stuckey–French (fiction). RopeWalk will be celebrating its 20th year in Utopia from June 14-21.
Here's Kerry's news:
I got a scholarship for the Stephen Dobyns workshop at Ropewalk.
Links:
Playboy College Fiction Contest
College Fiction Contest
Ropewalk Writers Retreat:
Utopia in Indiana
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Grassroots Release Party Today (April 30, 2008)
Check out the DE's article on Grassroots, SIUC's undergraduate literary and art journal:
Grassroots release party
Grassroots release party
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
SIUC Writers at Fifth Wednesday Celebration
First-year poet Amie Whittemore and faculty poet Allison Joseph are contributors to the second issue of Fifth Wednesday, a magazine based in the Chicago area:
Fifth Wednesday
Amie and Allison will be attending and reading at one of the two upcoming release parties for the second issue of this journal. They will be at the May 4th reading:
Release Parties
Fifth Wednesday
Amie and Allison will be attending and reading at one of the two upcoming release parties for the second issue of this journal. They will be at the May 4th reading:
Release Parties
Allison Joseph in SLAB
Allison Joseph's poem "What Poetry Is" appears in the new issue of SLAB (Sound and Literary Art Book), a journal published at Slippery Rock University. The poem was the first-place winner in the Elizabeth R. Curry Poetry Contest:
SLAB
SLAB
Poemspotting: Paul Guest (MFA '99)
Paul Guest was the featured poet today at Verse Daily, but it looks like they forgot to pay their internet bill!
So let's visit Paul's blog instead:
Paul's blog
So let's visit Paul's blog instead:
Paul's blog
Congrats to Matt Guenette (MFA '99)
A new "edition" at Matt Guenette (MFA '99, poetry)'s house:
AJ--
On Thursday, April 24, Julie gave birth to our first child, a son, August Philip Guenette. It was a long, at times complicated labor, but Julie and August are doing well.
--Matt
Congrats, Matt!
PS There's a photo of the little guy at Matt's blog
meet August
AJ--
On Thursday, April 24, Julie gave birth to our first child, a son, August Philip Guenette. It was a long, at times complicated labor, but Julie and August are doing well.
--Matt
Congrats, Matt!
PS There's a photo of the little guy at Matt's blog
meet August
Friday, April 25, 2008
Congrats to Rachel Furey!
Rachel Furey, a second-year fiction writer, has sent the following great news:
Dear Allison:
I just wanted to let you know about some exciting news. I have a short nonfiction piece forthcoming in Women's Basketball
magazine.
Cheers,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
Link to Women's Basketball Magazine
Women's Basketball
Dear Allison:
I just wanted to let you know about some exciting news. I have a short nonfiction piece forthcoming in Women's Basketball
magazine.
Cheers,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
Link to Women's Basketball Magazine
Women's Basketball
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Grassroots Reading: April 30, 2008
Grassroots, the undergraduate literary journal of SIUC, will hold its release party/open reading on April 30, 2008 from 7 to 9 pm in the Faner Courtyard (second floor, across from COLA Dean's office). It's an open mike with free gifts! In case of rain, the party will move indoors to the Faner Humanities Lounge.
Details here:
Grassroots press release
Details here:
Grassroots press release
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Poemspotting: Measure edition
Poems by two SIUC MFA alums and a current faculty member appear in the new issue of Measure: A Review of Formal Poetry:
"Crow & Winter" by Jake Boyd (MFA '07, poetry), "Cherry" by Elisabeth Meyer (MFA '07, poetry) and "Against Therapy" by Allison Joseph.
Measure's website
Measure
"Crow & Winter" by Jake Boyd (MFA '07, poetry), "Cherry" by Elisabeth Meyer (MFA '07, poetry) and "Against Therapy" by Allison Joseph.
Measure's website
Measure
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
MFA Graduation GALA--April 25, 2008
The Creative Writing Program of Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Department of English
cordially invites you to attend our MFA Celebration
April 25, 2008
6:30 PM
Student Center Renaissance Room
These nine graduating students will read briefly from their thesis works:
Helena Bell
Jason Lee Brown
Sara Burge
Martin Anthony Call
Mary Keck
Shanie Latham
Andrew Lewellen
JY Sexton
Timothy Shea
Please join us in wishing them congratulations and godspeed. There will be a reception with refreshments before the readings and during the intermission.
Graduate Faculty:
Pinckney Benedict, Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, Allison Joseph, Beth Lordan, Mike Magnuson, Jacinda Townsend.
cordially invites you to attend our MFA Celebration
April 25, 2008
6:30 PM
Student Center Renaissance Room
These nine graduating students will read briefly from their thesis works:
Helena Bell
Jason Lee Brown
Sara Burge
Martin Anthony Call
Mary Keck
Shanie Latham
Andrew Lewellen
JY Sexton
Timothy Shea
Please join us in wishing them congratulations and godspeed. There will be a reception with refreshments before the readings and during the intermission.
Graduate Faculty:
Pinckney Benedict, Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, Allison Joseph, Beth Lordan, Mike Magnuson, Jacinda Townsend.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Poemspotting: Chad Parmenter (MFA '05)
Chad's poem "Batellite, Batellite of Love" appears in the latest issue of Black Warrior Review (Spring/Summer 2008, issue 34.2).
The poem won first place in the Third-Ever Fiction and Poetry Contest sponsored by BWR.
Visit Black Warrior's website at
BWR
The poem won first place in the Third-Ever Fiction and Poetry Contest sponsored by BWR.
Visit Black Warrior's website at
BWR
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Visiting Writers Series: Jake Adam York on 4/24/08
The Visiting Writers Series and Crab Orchard Review present a reading by
JAKE ADAM YORK
Thursday, April 24, 2008
4:00 PM, SIUC Student Center Video Lounge (4th Floor)
This reading celebrates the publication of Jake Adam York's new book, A Murmuration of Starlings, published this year by Southern Illinois University Press in the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry. The reading is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow in the Old Main Lounge (2nd floor, next to the Old Main Room).
About the author:
Jake Adam York is an associate professor of English at the University of Colorado-Denver. His first book of poems, Murder Ballads, was published in 2005. His poems have appeared in such journals as Blackbird, DIAGRAM, Greensboro Review, Gulf Coast, Shenandoah and Southern Review. York was raised in northeast Alabama.
About A Murmuration of Starlings:
"Through a ceremony of language and song, A Murmuration of Starlings consecrates and memorializes the souls, blood, and bones of those black men and women slaughtered on the altar of hate and violence during the Civil Rights era. With a lucid, shrewd inteligence and a commanding vision of healing and atonement, Jake Adam York makes an offering of images and music that seems the foundation of a new understanding and remembrance." --Major Jackson, author of Leaving Saturn
Visit Jake's web site at
Jake Adam York
JAKE ADAM YORK
Thursday, April 24, 2008
4:00 PM, SIUC Student Center Video Lounge (4th Floor)
This reading celebrates the publication of Jake Adam York's new book, A Murmuration of Starlings, published this year by Southern Illinois University Press in the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry. The reading is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow in the Old Main Lounge (2nd floor, next to the Old Main Room).
About the author:
Jake Adam York is an associate professor of English at the University of Colorado-Denver. His first book of poems, Murder Ballads, was published in 2005. His poems have appeared in such journals as Blackbird, DIAGRAM, Greensboro Review, Gulf Coast, Shenandoah and Southern Review. York was raised in northeast Alabama.
About A Murmuration of Starlings:
"Through a ceremony of language and song, A Murmuration of Starlings consecrates and memorializes the souls, blood, and bones of those black men and women slaughtered on the altar of hate and violence during the Civil Rights era. With a lucid, shrewd inteligence and a commanding vision of healing and atonement, Jake Adam York makes an offering of images and music that seems the foundation of a new understanding and remembrance." --Major Jackson, author of Leaving Saturn
Visit Jake's web site at
Jake Adam York
Michael Meyerhofer's new chapbook now available
Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06, poetry)'s new chapbook, The Clay Shaper's Husband, is now available from Codhill Press. The chapbook won their annual chapbook competition.
Find out more at
Codhill Press
Find out more at
Codhill Press
Last In-House Reading for Spring Semester 2008
from the lovely and witty Amie Whittemore:
Dear roadest of runners and wiliest of coyotes,
Tomorrow (4/21) marks the end of the spring in-house readings.
Let's take this thing out in a blaze of glory.
Let's paint tunnels onto the sides of mountains.
Let's defy/thwart/vandalize gravity.
Come to the Mackinaw Room in the Student Center to enjoy a spoonful of Canada, a smidge of ol' St. Louis, and a hint o' Chicagoland in the stylings of:
4:30 JAMES SCOLES, 1st year fiction
4:45 TRAVIS MOSSOTTI, 1st year poetry
5:00 RACHNA SHETH, 2nd year fiction
Earthily and quakingly yours,
~ Amie
Dear roadest of runners and wiliest of coyotes,
Tomorrow (4/21) marks the end of the spring in-house readings.
Let's take this thing out in a blaze of glory.
Let's paint tunnels onto the sides of mountains.
Let's defy/thwart/vandalize gravity.
Come to the Mackinaw Room in the Student Center to enjoy a spoonful of Canada, a smidge of ol' St. Louis, and a hint o' Chicagoland in the stylings of:
4:30 JAMES SCOLES, 1st year fiction
4:45 TRAVIS MOSSOTTI, 1st year poetry
5:00 RACHNA SHETH, 2nd year fiction
Earthily and quakingly yours,
~ Amie
Friday, April 18, 2008
Poemspotting: Meyerhofer/Perillo
New poems by Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06) and former faculty member Lucia Perillo appear in the latest issue of Ploughshares, guest-edited by Philip Levine.
Lucia's poems are "Job Site, 1967" and "Love Swing." Michael's poem is "Against Etymology."
Ploughshares web site:
Ploughshares
Lucia's poems are "Job Site, 1967" and "Love Swing." Michael's poem is "Against Etymology."
Ploughshares web site:
Ploughshares
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Alumni Update: Kevin McKelvey (MFA '04)
Here's an update from Kevin McKelvey (MFA '04, poetry):
"I recently accepted a Visiting Assistant Professor position at the University of Indianapolis to teach freshman writing, professional writing, creative writing, editing, and publishing. I really enjoy teaching this variety of classes, and I look forward to working at a medium-sized liberal arts university committed to the local community. Also, recent work has appeared in Timber Creek Review, which published a poem I wrote during a Young Writers' Workshop class, and River Oak Review."
Congrats, Kevin!
"I recently accepted a Visiting Assistant Professor position at the University of Indianapolis to teach freshman writing, professional writing, creative writing, editing, and publishing. I really enjoy teaching this variety of classes, and I look forward to working at a medium-sized liberal arts university committed to the local community. Also, recent work has appeared in Timber Creek Review, which published a poem I wrote during a Young Writers' Workshop class, and River Oak Review."
Congrats, Kevin!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Writers on the Road Reading Update
from the lovely Amie Whittemore, the following update regarding the next Writers on the Road reading. This time we play host to :
Readers from Ball State University, Indiana State University, and Murray State University.
April 18
SIUC Student Center, Cambria Room
4-6:30 p.m.
Readers from Ball State University, Indiana State University, and Murray State University.
April 18
SIUC Student Center, Cambria Room
4-6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Writers on the Road: Wash U edition cancellation
The edition of Writers on the Road featuring SIUC MFA students reading on the campus of Washington University scheduled for Thursday, April 17 has been cancelled due to the unexpected passing of Washington University MFA student and poet Eric Van Cleve. All of us at the SIUC MFA program extend our deep condolences to the students, faculty and staff at Washington University.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Writers on the Road: Wash U edition
Writers on the Road's latest upcoming installment has SIUC writers reading at Washington University in St. Louis:
The Washington University reading will be held Thursday, April 17th, at 8pm in the Hurst Lounge, located in Dunker Hall on the main campus. We'll serve refreshments, maybe take a little break about half-way through.
SIUC readers include:
Helena Bell
Sara Burge
Travis Mossotti
Rachna Sheth
Here's a campus map, Dunker is #25 on the list, and really easy to find:
WUSTL
And here's the address for the main campus:
Washington University Campus
1 Brookings Dr
St Louis, MO 63130
Wash U writers will read on the SIUC campus on April 18. Details on that event to come--watch this space!
The Washington University reading will be held Thursday, April 17th, at 8pm in the Hurst Lounge, located in Dunker Hall on the main campus. We'll serve refreshments, maybe take a little break about half-way through.
SIUC readers include:
Helena Bell
Sara Burge
Travis Mossotti
Rachna Sheth
Here's a campus map, Dunker is #25 on the list, and really easy to find:
WUSTL
And here's the address for the main campus:
Washington University Campus
1 Brookings Dr
St Louis, MO 63130
Wash U writers will read on the SIUC campus on April 18. Details on that event to come--watch this space!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
SIUC Writers at the Southern Illinois Writers Guild
Allison Joseph, Laura Benedict and Jacinda Townsend are all scheduled for presentations with the local writers group the Southern Illinois Writers Guild. Details here:
SIWG
SIWG
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Do You Love Cheap Books?
Then be sure to check out:
Southern Illinois's largest Book Sale
at
Carbondale Public Library
405 West Main, parking lot entrance on Monroe Street
in the Brush Building next to the parking lot
No electronic or phone isbn searchers permitted
8 rooms of books!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Half-price sale Sunday, April 13, 1 - 4 p.m.
Friends Preview
(Must be a member of the Friends of CPL.
Memberships begin at $5 - join at the door.)
4 - 6 p.m., Friday, April 11
Book donations are sought and books can be dropped off
during regular Carbondale Public Library hours.
Southern Illinois's largest Book Sale
at
Carbondale Public Library
405 West Main, parking lot entrance on Monroe Street
in the Brush Building next to the parking lot
No electronic or phone isbn searchers permitted
8 rooms of books!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Half-price sale Sunday, April 13, 1 - 4 p.m.
Friends Preview
(Must be a member of the Friends of CPL.
Memberships begin at $5 - join at the door.)
4 - 6 p.m., Friday, April 11
Book donations are sought and books can be dropped off
during regular Carbondale Public Library hours.
New Pinckney Benedict Fiction in IMAGE
The awesome PB writes:
"My story “The World, the Flesh, and the Devil” is in the current issue (#57) of IMAGE: Art, Faith, Mystery, along with an essay on the language of the Gospels by Franz Wright and an interview with Ron Hansen. An online interview with me is posted here:"
IMAGE
"My story “The World, the Flesh, and the Devil” is in the current issue (#57) of IMAGE: Art, Faith, Mystery, along with an essay on the language of the Gospels by Franz Wright and an interview with Ron Hansen. An online interview with me is posted here:"
IMAGE
Remember: Mother's Day is May 11th
Allison Joseph is a winner in Trellis Magazine's Mother's Day Formal Poem Contest.
Trellis
Trellis
Writers on the Road: St. Louis Style!
Jason Lee Brown has sent along the schedule for the latest installment of "Writers on the Road." This time, SIUC MFAs will be spending time with the fine graduate writers of Washington University and of the University of Missouri St. Louis.
Itinerary for the Writers on the Road Reading and Other Festivities
Friday, April 11th
7:00pm: UMSL MFA Reading: Five graduating poets and writers from UMSL's MFA program will read from their theses at the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater of The Touhill Performing Arts Center. This is on the UMSL campus. Cash bar and snacks provided. SIUC and Wash U students are invited to this event. (Doors open at 7:00; reading starts at 7:30.)
10:00pm (approx.): Go to Blueberry Hill in The Loop for post-reading festivities.
Saturday, April 12th
2:30-4:30pm: Writers on the Road reading at Black Bear Bakery: 2639 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO 63118. (See map below.) Please arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the reading. Readers will be provided with a food voucher for $10 worth of food and beverages to be used at Black Bear Bakery.
Reading order is as follows:
--Amanda Goldblatt
--Chris Dennis
--Erin M. Bertram
--Vincent Guerra
--Jason Lee Brown
--Tim Shea
--Rachel Furey
--Mary Keck
--James Scoles
Itinerary for the Writers on the Road Reading and Other Festivities
Friday, April 11th
7:00pm: UMSL MFA Reading: Five graduating poets and writers from UMSL's MFA program will read from their theses at the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater of The Touhill Performing Arts Center. This is on the UMSL campus. Cash bar and snacks provided. SIUC and Wash U students are invited to this event. (Doors open at 7:00; reading starts at 7:30.)
10:00pm (approx.): Go to Blueberry Hill in The Loop for post-reading festivities.
Saturday, April 12th
2:30-4:30pm: Writers on the Road reading at Black Bear Bakery: 2639 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO 63118. (See map below.) Please arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the reading. Readers will be provided with a food voucher for $10 worth of food and beverages to be used at Black Bear Bakery.
Reading order is as follows:
--Amanda Goldblatt
--Chris Dennis
--Erin M. Bertram
--Vincent Guerra
--Jason Lee Brown
--Tim Shea
--Rachel Furey
--Mary Keck
--James Scoles
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Interview with Ben Percy (MFA '04)
Ben Percy (MFA '04, fiction) has been interviewed by the good folks at Southern Indiana Review:
Check it out at
SIR
Reminder: Ben's reading in Evansville has been rescheduled for April 14.
Ropewalk Reading Series:
Readings at USI
Check it out at
SIR
Reminder: Ben's reading in Evansville has been rescheduled for April 14.
Ropewalk Reading Series:
Readings at USI
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Events with Ciaran Berry: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2-3:15 pm, English Department Conference Room
Students and faculty are welcome to come meet visiting poet Ciaran Berry and take part in an informal conversation about contemporary American and Irish poetry and publishing.
Thursday, April 10, 4:00 pm, SIUC Student Center Auditorium
Ciaran Berry reads from his first collection of poems, The Sphere of Birds, published by SIU Press in North America and by Gallery Press in Ireland. A reception and book signing will follow the reading (reception in the Old Main Lounge).
Students and faculty are welcome to come meet visiting poet Ciaran Berry and take part in an informal conversation about contemporary American and Irish poetry and publishing.
Thursday, April 10, 4:00 pm, SIUC Student Center Auditorium
Ciaran Berry reads from his first collection of poems, The Sphere of Birds, published by SIU Press in North America and by Gallery Press in Ireland. A reception and book signing will follow the reading (reception in the Old Main Lounge).
Poemspotting: Rodney Jones
Rodney Jones fans take note: Two new poems by Mr. Jones appear in NOR: New Ohio Review (Spring 2008, Number 3).
The poems are "104" and "Feelings, by Ashley Higgins."
More about NOR here:
New Ohio Review
The poems are "104" and "Feelings, by Ashley Higgins."
More about NOR here:
New Ohio Review
Sunday, April 06, 2008
In-House Reading Monday, April 7
A note from the lovely Amie Whittemore to remind all of the upcoming In-House Reading this Monday:
Dear snapdragons and tulip-faces,
The reminder that brings a tear of joy to your inbox has arrived. Feel free to frolic.
Don't miss this week's line-up featuring a Sox fan, an Alabaman (is that a word? and if it is, isn't it strange looking?), and a farmer's daughter (which is which? who is who? we'll never tell).
The info:
In-house Reading - Mackinaw Room, SIUC Student Center
4:30 John Flaherty (2nd year fiction)
4:45 Amie Whittemore (1st year poetry)
5:00 Kerry James Evans (2nd year poetry)
Hope to see your lovely faces there,
~ Amie
Dear snapdragons and tulip-faces,
The reminder that brings a tear of joy to your inbox has arrived. Feel free to frolic.
Don't miss this week's line-up featuring a Sox fan, an Alabaman (is that a word? and if it is, isn't it strange looking?), and a farmer's daughter (which is which? who is who? we'll never tell).
The info:
In-house Reading - Mackinaw Room, SIUC Student Center
4:30 John Flaherty (2nd year fiction)
4:45 Amie Whittemore (1st year poetry)
5:00 Kerry James Evans (2nd year poetry)
Hope to see your lovely faces there,
~ Amie
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Ben Percy (MFA '04) Reading at USI postponed
Ben Percy's reading at the University of Southern Indiana has been postponed from its original April 8 date to April 14, 2008.
The time and place (5 p.m. in Kleymeyer Hall in USI's Liberal Arts Center) remain the same.
The time and place (5 p.m. in Kleymeyer Hall in USI's Liberal Arts Center) remain the same.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Rodney Jones to read at Mississippi State
Our own Rodney Jones will read from his work at Mississippi State University on April 16, 2008.
More details here:
Miss State English
More details here:
Miss State English
Judy Jordan to read at Murray State University
SIUC's own Judy Jordan will read from her poetry at Murray State University on Thursday, April 10th.
The reading is at the Clara M. Eagle Gallery at 7:30 pm.
Details here:
Murray MFA
The reading is at the Clara M. Eagle Gallery at 7:30 pm.
Details here:
Murray MFA
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Upcoming Reading, April 10: Ciaran Berry
The Visiting Writers Series and Crab Orchard Review present a reading by
CIARAN BERRY
Thursday, April 10, 2008
4:00 PM, SIUC Student Center Auditorium
This reading celebrates the publication of Ciaran Berry's new book, The Sphere of Birds, published this year by Southern Illinois University Press in the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry. The reading is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow in the Old Main Lounge.
Ciaran Berry's first collection of poems, The Sphere of Birds, was released this spring in North America by Southern Illinois University Press and in Ireland by Gallery Press. His poem "Electrocuting an Elephant" was selected to appear in the Best American Poetry 2008 by Charles Wright. He is from the northwest of Ireland and he teaches in the Expository Writing Program at New York University.
More about The Sphere of Birds:
SIU Press
CIARAN BERRY
Thursday, April 10, 2008
4:00 PM, SIUC Student Center Auditorium
This reading celebrates the publication of Ciaran Berry's new book, The Sphere of Birds, published this year by Southern Illinois University Press in the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry. The reading is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow in the Old Main Lounge.
Ciaran Berry's first collection of poems, The Sphere of Birds, was released this spring in North America by Southern Illinois University Press and in Ireland by Gallery Press. His poem "Electrocuting an Elephant" was selected to appear in the Best American Poetry 2008 by Charles Wright. He is from the northwest of Ireland and he teaches in the Expository Writing Program at New York University.
More about The Sphere of Birds:
SIU Press
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
MFA Students Represent at this year's AEGIS Conference
AEGIS, the SIUC English department's graduate organization, has planned its yearly conference for Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5.
MFA students will be in full effect during this year's conference. Creative writers will be doing readings and presenting papers. Here are some highlights from the schedule:
Thursday, April 3, Missouri Room, SIUC Student Center, 4:30 pm
Readings by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum, Helena Bell, and Tim Shea
Friday, April 4, Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 9:30 am
Readings by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans
Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 1:45-2:45, Reading by Pinckney Benedict
Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 3 pm, Readings by Sara Burge, Mary Keck, Will Tyler
Saturday, April 5, Sangamon Roon, SIUC Student Center, 9:30 am
Readings by Rachel Furey, John Flaherty, Shanie Latham
Mackinaw Room, 1:45 pm: Reading by Rodney Jones
Sangamon Room, 3:00 pm: Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum reads his paper "A Low Dishonest Decade: The Self-Imposed Revisions of W.H. Auden"
Sangamon Room, 4:30 pm:Readings by Rachna Sheth, JY Sexton, Kerry James Evans
Social Event at Melange (aka "R&D") at 8 pm
MFA students will be in full effect during this year's conference. Creative writers will be doing readings and presenting papers. Here are some highlights from the schedule:
Thursday, April 3, Missouri Room, SIUC Student Center, 4:30 pm
Readings by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum, Helena Bell, and Tim Shea
Friday, April 4, Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 9:30 am
Readings by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum, Kerry James Evans, Alex Lumans
Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 1:45-2:45, Reading by Pinckney Benedict
Mississippi Room, SIUC Student Center, 3 pm, Readings by Sara Burge, Mary Keck, Will Tyler
Saturday, April 5, Sangamon Roon, SIUC Student Center, 9:30 am
Readings by Rachel Furey, John Flaherty, Shanie Latham
Mackinaw Room, 1:45 pm: Reading by Rodney Jones
Sangamon Room, 3:00 pm: Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum reads his paper "A Low Dishonest Decade: The Self-Imposed Revisions of W.H. Auden"
Sangamon Room, 4:30 pm:Readings by Rachna Sheth, JY Sexton, Kerry James Evans
Social Event at Melange (aka "R&D") at 8 pm
Congrats to Helena "Hel" Bell (MFA '08)
on her acceptance to law school! Hel will be attending law school this coming fall at Washington University in St. Louis.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Reading and Drinking Returns, Saturday 4/5
Another session of "R&D" aka "Reading and Drinking" will take place this coming Saturday at Melange.
Poetry--Fiction--Drama--Drink Specials--Trivia--Prizes
7pm at Melange, on the Strip, 607 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL
Poetry--Fiction--Drama--Drink Specials--Trivia--Prizes
7pm at Melange, on the Strip, 607 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL
Sunday, March 30, 2008
In-House Reading Monday, March 31
from Amie Whittemore, a reminder:
"in-house reading tomorrow to support your brilliant peers (who knows, you might need to borrow a kidney / cup of sugar /pizza cutter from them one day). Also, tell your classes, bribe your students, bat your eyelashes at cute strangers in the hallway - do what you must to improve attendance at these shindigs."
Here's the line-up:
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008
(MISSISSIPPI ROOM, SIUC Student Center)
4:30 ABBY WHEETLEY, fiction
4:45 RACHEL FUREY, fiction
5:00 HANNAH NEW, poetry
5:15 WILL TYLER, poetry
"in-house reading tomorrow to support your brilliant peers (who knows, you might need to borrow a kidney / cup of sugar /pizza cutter from them one day). Also, tell your classes, bribe your students, bat your eyelashes at cute strangers in the hallway - do what you must to improve attendance at these shindigs."
Here's the line-up:
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008
(MISSISSIPPI ROOM, SIUC Student Center)
4:30 ABBY WHEETLEY, fiction
4:45 RACHEL FUREY, fiction
5:00 HANNAH NEW, poetry
5:15 WILL TYLER, poetry
Friday, March 28, 2008
Elena Pearson (MFA '07) in Compass Rose
Elena Pearson (MFA '07) has a poem in both the print and online versions of the literary magazine Compass Rose:
Compass Rose
Compass Rose
Ingrid Moody (MFA '07) finalist for Summers Prize
Ingrid Moody (MFA '07, poetry) has been named a finalist for the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
Info on the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize:
Ohio U Press
Info on the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize:
Ohio U Press
New Book News from Ben Percy
Ben Percy (MFA '04) has great news. His novel, The Wilding, will be published in 2009 by Graywolf Press!
Reminder: Ben will be reading at the University of Southern Indiana on April 8.
Reminder: Ben will be reading at the University of Southern Indiana on April 8.
Poemspotting: Curtis Crisler (MFA '04)
New poems by Curtis Crisler appear in the new issue of Elixir (Number Six, a special double issue). The poems are "Mary Jane and Chelsea" and "Suffering in Ignorance."
Elixir's website:
Elixir
Elixir's website:
Elixir
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More on Rodney Jones's reading at the Library of Congress
More on Rodney Jones's upcoming reading in our nation's capital:
University Communications
University Communications
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spring 2008 Thesis Defense Dates: SIUC MFA Program
Spring 2008 Upcoming MFA Thesis Defenses
SIUC Department of English Creative Writing Program
Spectators are welcome, but seating is limited.
03/26 Jason Lee Brown (Fiction) Sun Visor Spider
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Pinckney Benedict, Jacinda Townsend, & Jon Tribble
03/31 Timothy Shea (Poetry) Wake
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Dean's Conference Room (Faner 2408) (note changed locale)
Committee: Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, & Allison Joseph
03/31 Mary Keck (Fiction) The Girl in the Oven & Other Stories
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Humanities Lounge (Faner 2302)
Committee: Pinckney Benedict, Beth Lordan, & Jacinda Townsend
04/01 Martin Anthony Call (Poetry) Holograham & Other Poems
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Judy Jordan, Rodney Jones, & Allison Joseph
04/01 Helena Bell (Poetry) All Exits
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Faner 2365
Committee: Judy Jordan, Rodney Jones, & Allison Joseph
04/02 Sara Burge (Poetry) Evening Shade
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, & Allison Joseph
04/04 J Y Sexton (Fiction) Dog N Pony
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Beth Lordan, Pinckney Benedict, & Jacinda Townsend
SIUC Department of English Creative Writing Program
Spectators are welcome, but seating is limited.
03/26 Jason Lee Brown (Fiction) Sun Visor Spider
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Pinckney Benedict, Jacinda Townsend, & Jon Tribble
03/31 Timothy Shea (Poetry) Wake
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Dean's Conference Room (Faner 2408) (note changed locale)
Committee: Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, & Allison Joseph
03/31 Mary Keck (Fiction) The Girl in the Oven & Other Stories
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Humanities Lounge (Faner 2302)
Committee: Pinckney Benedict, Beth Lordan, & Jacinda Townsend
04/01 Martin Anthony Call (Poetry) Holograham & Other Poems
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Judy Jordan, Rodney Jones, & Allison Joseph
04/01 Helena Bell (Poetry) All Exits
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Faner 2365
Committee: Judy Jordan, Rodney Jones, & Allison Joseph
04/02 Sara Burge (Poetry) Evening Shade
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Rodney Jones, Judy Jordan, & Allison Joseph
04/04 J Y Sexton (Fiction) Dog N Pony
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. – Department Conference Room (Faner 2370)
Committee: Beth Lordan, Pinckney Benedict, & Jacinda Townsend
Monday, March 24, 2008
Catching Up With Chad Simpson (MFA '05)
What's up with Chad Simpson (MFA '05, fiction) these days? Here's his latest news:
"My essay "Home of the Poor and Unknown" appears in the latest issue of Barrelhouse, in their special section devoted to Dive Bar Stories.
Barrelhouse
&
My story "Especially Roosevelt" appears in the April 2008 issue of The Sun."
The Sun
"My essay "Home of the Poor and Unknown" appears in the latest issue of Barrelhouse, in their special section devoted to Dive Bar Stories.
Barrelhouse
&
My story "Especially Roosevelt" appears in the April 2008 issue of The Sun."
The Sun
Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest Winners
Announcing the Winners of the 2008 Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest
Sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and the Women’s Studies Program
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Judge Sandy Longhorn, poet and English instructor at Pulaski Technical College, Little Rock, Arkansas, has chosen to honor the following poets and their poems:
Undergraduate Winners:
First place: Krishna Pattisapu, for "Strippers."
Second place: Hope Connell, for "The Shelf Life of Fruit."
Third place: Kate Gramlich, for "Drop."
Honorable Mention: Doug Dowling, for "In Her Mother's Bootsteps."
Graduate Winners:
First place: Travis Mossotti, for "I watched her going into a gas station,"
Second place: Amie Whittemore, for "The Secret History."
Third place: Rachel Furey, for "It Takes a Woman."
Honorable Mention: Jason Lee Brown, for "Advice for the New You."
Please join us on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 4 pm in the SIUC Student Center Auditorium for an awards ceremony featuring a reading from our judge, Sandy Longhorn, the author of Blood Almanac (Anhinga Press) and a recent recipient of an Individual Artist Fellowship in Poetry from the Arkansas Arts Council.
The winners will also read their award-winning poems. There will be a booksigning and reception in the Old Main Lounge after the ceremony.
The Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest honors the memory of Roxana Rivera, who was a poet and graduate student in English at the time of her death in 2003. Additional support for this contest comes from the Judge William Holmes Cook Endowment.
Visit Sandy Longhorn's blog:
Sandy Longhorn
Sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and the Women’s Studies Program
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Judge Sandy Longhorn, poet and English instructor at Pulaski Technical College, Little Rock, Arkansas, has chosen to honor the following poets and their poems:
Undergraduate Winners:
First place: Krishna Pattisapu, for "Strippers."
Second place: Hope Connell, for "The Shelf Life of Fruit."
Third place: Kate Gramlich, for "Drop."
Honorable Mention: Doug Dowling, for "In Her Mother's Bootsteps."
Graduate Winners:
First place: Travis Mossotti, for "I watched her going into a gas station,"
Second place: Amie Whittemore, for "The Secret History."
Third place: Rachel Furey, for "It Takes a Woman."
Honorable Mention: Jason Lee Brown, for "Advice for the New You."
Please join us on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 4 pm in the SIUC Student Center Auditorium for an awards ceremony featuring a reading from our judge, Sandy Longhorn, the author of Blood Almanac (Anhinga Press) and a recent recipient of an Individual Artist Fellowship in Poetry from the Arkansas Arts Council.
The winners will also read their award-winning poems. There will be a booksigning and reception in the Old Main Lounge after the ceremony.
The Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest honors the memory of Roxana Rivera, who was a poet and graduate student in English at the time of her death in 2003. Additional support for this contest comes from the Judge William Holmes Cook Endowment.
Visit Sandy Longhorn's blog:
Sandy Longhorn
Sunday, March 23, 2008
New Book: Matt Guenette (MFA '99)
Matt Guenette's first collection of poetry, Sudden Anthem, is now available via Amazon.
Matt will be doing readings in support of the book's publication--check out his blog for upcoming dates:
Matt's blog
Matt will be doing readings in support of the book's publication--check out his blog for upcoming dates:
Matt's blog
New Job: Ben Percy (MFA '04)
Ben Percy (MFA '04, fiction) will be joining the faculty at Iowa State University in the fall of 2008. Ben will be teaching in their new MFA in Creative Writing and Environment program. Congratulations, Ben!
Details about the Iowa State University MFA program here:
ISU MFA
In addition, Ben will be in Evansville, Indiana on April 8, 2008 for a reading:
University of Southern Indiana
Details about the Iowa State University MFA program here:
ISU MFA
In addition, Ben will be in Evansville, Indiana on April 8, 2008 for a reading:
University of Southern Indiana
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Graduate Writers Forum Presents the MFA In-House Reading Series
In-house readings to begin this Monday, March 24, 2008, 4:30 p.m, in the Mackinaw Room, SIUC Student Center.
First up in the series are the talented:
Renee Evans, 2nd year in fiction
Jenna Bazzell, 1st year in poetry
Andy McFadyen-Ketchum, 2nd year in poetry
First up in the series are the talented:
Renee Evans, 2nd year in fiction
Jenna Bazzell, 1st year in poetry
Andy McFadyen-Ketchum, 2nd year in poetry
Friday, March 21, 2008
Readings for Darfur: Upcoming Benefit
Join the faculty of Southern Illinois University Carbondale in raising awareness and funds for the victims of the ongoing war in Darfur. In the past five years, millions of innocent men, women, and children have been either killed, injured or displaced by the conflict. Do your part to help by attending and giving whatever help you can. Suggested donation is $5 and proceeds will go to Save the Children to support work they are doing in Darfur.
Tuesday, March 25th, Ballroom C, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Pinckney Benedict, Fiction
Michael Brown, History
Jacinda Townsend, Fiction
Wednesday, March 26th, Cambria Room, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Getahun Benti, History
Allison Joseph, Poetry
Jon Tribble, Poetry
Thursday, March 27th, Ohio Room, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Mark Amos, English
Judy Jordan, Poetry
Beth Lordan, Fiction
To be followed by a candlelight vigil
Tuesday, March 25th, Ballroom C, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Pinckney Benedict, Fiction
Michael Brown, History
Jacinda Townsend, Fiction
Wednesday, March 26th, Cambria Room, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Getahun Benti, History
Allison Joseph, Poetry
Jon Tribble, Poetry
Thursday, March 27th, Ohio Room, SIUC Student Center, 7-8 p.m.:
Mark Amos, English
Judy Jordan, Poetry
Beth Lordan, Fiction
To be followed by a candlelight vigil
Upcoming Contest: Academy of American Poets Prize
The Academy of American Poets Prize
Each year, the creative writing program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, in conjunction with the Academy of American Poets, presents a poetry prize. The prize of $100 is given for the best poem and is open to all graduate students at SIUC.
Contestants should submit up to three poems to Rodney Jones, Coordinator, Academy of American Poets Prize, Department of English, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, by April 10, 2008.
Manuscripts should be prepared as follows:
Along with your poetry submissions, submit a title page listing your titles, your name, and your address. Include titles on each poem submitted, but not your name.
Announcements of winners and runner-ups will be made before the end of the semester.
Each year, the creative writing program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, in conjunction with the Academy of American Poets, presents a poetry prize. The prize of $100 is given for the best poem and is open to all graduate students at SIUC.
Contestants should submit up to three poems to Rodney Jones, Coordinator, Academy of American Poets Prize, Department of English, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, by April 10, 2008.
Manuscripts should be prepared as follows:
Along with your poetry submissions, submit a title page listing your titles, your name, and your address. Include titles on each poem submitted, but not your name.
Announcements of winners and runner-ups will be made before the end of the semester.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Poetry and War
Here's an article from today's Southern Illinoisian about yesterday's poetry reading focused on the anniversary of the start of the Iraq war:
War
War
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Allison Joseph reads at Claflin University
SIUC faculty poet reads today at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, which is the current academic home of MA grad Gaynell Gavin (MA, poetry, 1996).
Allison will read today at 5pm in Claflin's Orange and Maroon Room on the Claflin University campus.
More about Claflin University:
Claflin University
Allison will read today at 5pm in Claflin's Orange and Maroon Room on the Claflin University campus.
More about Claflin University:
Claflin University
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Pinckney Benedict's Blog Advice
Pinckney Benedict's recent blog entry, "Letter to a Student About to Enter the Queens University Low-Residency MFA Program," has been chosen as this week's featured blog over at RedRoom.com, the (relatively) new Web space for writers.
It's linked on RedRoom's front page RedRoom under Best of RedRoom.
Their description: "Pinckney Benedict writes about what an MFA program can do for you and what it can't."
Pinckney says: "It was written specifically to a Queens student, but I think it applies equally to what we do (and do well) at SIUC."
Here's the direct link:
Benedict wisdom
It's linked on RedRoom's front page RedRoom under Best of RedRoom.
Their description: "Pinckney Benedict writes about what an MFA program can do for you and what it can't."
Pinckney says: "It was written specifically to a Queens student, but I think it applies equally to what we do (and do well) at SIUC."
Here's the direct link:
Benedict wisdom
Roxana Rivera Contest Deadline Approaching
ANNOUNCING THE 2008 ROXANA RIVERA MEMORIAL POETRY CONTEST
Join SIUC’s Creative Writing and Women’s Studies Programs as we honor the memory of a wonderful poet and celebrate Women’s History Month.
The Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest honors the memory of Roxana Rivera (1977-2003), who was a first-year creative writing graduate student from Lynwood, California. Roxana, a graduate of California State University Long Beach, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and English. While at SIUC, Roxana was a PROMPT Scholar and a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of English.
To remember this special woman and poet, a campus-wide poetry contest will be held, with divisions for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Gift certificates will be awarded as prizes in both divisions:
$80 for first place $40 for second place $25 for third place
This contest is open to all students currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Students of all majors are encouraged to participate in this contest.
This Year’s Theme: “It Takes A Woman”
DEADLINE: Friday, March 21, 2008
Submission Guidelines:
Submit an entry packet with:
1) A cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and poem titles. Indicate on your cover sheet whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.
2) Poem(s) on individual sheets (one poem only per page). No identifying information on the poems themselves, please. There is no entry fee, but there is a limit of three poems per entrant.
The contest theme is provided to spark your creativity, and entries that reflect upon the theme in the lives of women are particularly welcome.
Entry packets should be submitted to Prof. Allison Joseph, English Dept., Faner Hall 2380, Mail Code 4503. Entries may be sent via campus mail or dropped off at the English Department office (Faner Hall 2380) during regular campus office hours. Winners will be honored at a special awards ceremony to be held on March 27, 2008.
Join SIUC’s Creative Writing and Women’s Studies Programs as we honor the memory of a wonderful poet and celebrate Women’s History Month.
The Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest honors the memory of Roxana Rivera (1977-2003), who was a first-year creative writing graduate student from Lynwood, California. Roxana, a graduate of California State University Long Beach, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and English. While at SIUC, Roxana was a PROMPT Scholar and a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of English.
To remember this special woman and poet, a campus-wide poetry contest will be held, with divisions for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Gift certificates will be awarded as prizes in both divisions:
$80 for first place $40 for second place $25 for third place
This contest is open to all students currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Students of all majors are encouraged to participate in this contest.
This Year’s Theme: “It Takes A Woman”
DEADLINE: Friday, March 21, 2008
Submission Guidelines:
Submit an entry packet with:
1) A cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and poem titles. Indicate on your cover sheet whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.
2) Poem(s) on individual sheets (one poem only per page). No identifying information on the poems themselves, please. There is no entry fee, but there is a limit of three poems per entrant.
The contest theme is provided to spark your creativity, and entries that reflect upon the theme in the lives of women are particularly welcome.
Entry packets should be submitted to Prof. Allison Joseph, English Dept., Faner Hall 2380, Mail Code 4503. Entries may be sent via campus mail or dropped off at the English Department office (Faner Hall 2380) during regular campus office hours. Winners will be honored at a special awards ceremony to be held on March 27, 2008.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Congrats to Jason Brown!
Third-year fiction writer Jason Lee Brown has some happy upcoming publication news:
"Confrontation, The Literary Journal of Long Island University, has accepted my poem “First Acceptance” for publication."
Congrats, Jason!
Find out more about Confrontation here:
Confrontation
"Confrontation, The Literary Journal of Long Island University, has accepted my poem “First Acceptance” for publication."
Congrats, Jason!
Find out more about Confrontation here:
Confrontation
Friday, March 07, 2008
Upcoming Reading in Visiting Writers Series: Asali Solomon
As part of the English Department's Visiting Writer Series, Asali Solomon will be at SIUC on Monday, March 17, 2008.
03/17 - Visiting Writers Series Reading by fiction writer
Asali Solomon, 4:00 - 4:50 p.m. – SIUC Student Center Auditorium,
reception and book signing in Old Main Lounge (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)
Asali Solomon was born and raised in West Philadelphia. Her first book, a collection of stories entitled Get Down, is set mostly in Philadelphia. Solomon's work has been featured in Vibe, Essence, and the anthology Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and Other Parts. She received the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers' Award for the stories in Get Down and was selected as one of the National Book Foundation's "5 Under 35" in 2007. She has a PhD in English from University of California, Berkeley and an MFA from the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Solomon is currently a visiting assistant professor of English at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Find out more about Asali Solomon here:
AALBC
03/17 - Visiting Writers Series Reading by fiction writer
Asali Solomon, 4:00 - 4:50 p.m. – SIUC Student Center Auditorium,
reception and book signing in Old Main Lounge (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)
Asali Solomon was born and raised in West Philadelphia. Her first book, a collection of stories entitled Get Down, is set mostly in Philadelphia. Solomon's work has been featured in Vibe, Essence, and the anthology Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and Other Parts. She received the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers' Award for the stories in Get Down and was selected as one of the National Book Foundation's "5 Under 35" in 2007. She has a PhD in English from University of California, Berkeley and an MFA from the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Solomon is currently a visiting assistant professor of English at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Find out more about Asali Solomon here:
AALBC
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Allison Joseph to be Visiting Writer at Vermont Studio Center
SIUC faculty poet Allison Joseph will be a Visiting Writer at the Vermont Studio Center from March 6-March 13, 2008.
Find out more about the Vermont Studio Center at
VSC
Find out more about the Vermont Studio Center at
VSC
Rodney Jones to read in our nation's capital
SIUC's own Rodney Jones will read from his work at the Library of Congress on March 27, 2008.
Details here:
Library of Congress
Details here:
Library of Congress
Monday, March 03, 2008
A Letter to the Editor
Second-year poetry MFA student Andy McFadyen-Ketchum has an insightful letter in today's school paper that everyone who teaches on a college campus should read:
Daily Egyptian
Daily Egyptian
Poemspotting: David Bond (MFA '98) Edition
"The Tower at Giant City Park," a poem by David Bond (MFA '98, poetry), appears in the new issue of Big Muddy: A Journal of the Mississippi River Valley. Big Muddy is published by Southeast Missouri State University.
Find out more about Big Muddy at
Big Muddy
Find out more about Big Muddy at
Big Muddy
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