MFA fiction grad Justin Hamm writes with some cross-genre news:
Hi, Allison,
Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that my poem "meditations on a kiss" will appear in late spring in The Spoon River Poetry Review.
Hope all is well in C-dale.
Thanks,
Justin Hamm
Congrats, Justin!
Link:
Spoon River Poetry Review
Friday, February 06, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
2009 Roxana Rivera Memorial Poetry Contest Announcement
ANNOUNCING THE 2009 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: “Like a Mother, Like a Daughter”
DEADLINE: Friday, March 20, 2009
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 26, 2009.
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: “Like a Mother, Like a Daughter”
DEADLINE: Friday, March 20, 2009
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 26, 2009.
Congrats to Kerry James Evans!
Even more publication news, this time from third-year poet Kerry James Evans:
Allison,
Iron Horse Literary Review accepted "Sisyphus" for publication in their upcoming National Poetry Month Issue.
-KJE
Congrats, Kerry James!
Link:
Iron Horse Literary Review
You all are going to make me the proudest program director at AWP!
Allison,
Iron Horse Literary Review accepted "Sisyphus" for publication in their upcoming National Poetry Month Issue.
-KJE
Congrats, Kerry James!
Link:
Iron Horse Literary Review
You all are going to make me the proudest program director at AWP!
Congrats to Travis Mossotti!
Good news via e-mail from second-year poet Travis Mossotti:
My poem "Variations on a Political Theme" was accepted for publication at the Antioch Review.
Travis has been ill, so this was good news in the midst of his flu-fog!
Congrats and get better, Travis!
Link:
Antioch Review
My poem "Variations on a Political Theme" was accepted for publication at the Antioch Review.
Travis has been ill, so this was good news in the midst of his flu-fog!
Congrats and get better, Travis!
Link:
Antioch Review
SIUC at AWP Chicago 2009
SIUC will be in full effect as a sponsor at this year's annual AWP Conference at the Hilton Chicago, the nation's annual conference for creative writing students and programs. Here are some schedule highlights (SIUC folks in CAPS):
Saturday, February 14:
Joliet, 3rd Floor, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm
More Than a Collection: Imagining and Realizing Thematic Poetry Projects. (JON TRIBBLE, Oliver de la Paz, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Sean Nevin, Alison Townsend, Jake Adam York) A panel discussion featuring five Crab Orchard Series in Poetry authors who have published collections with Southern Illinois University Press that explore extended thematic concerns or ongoing poetic projects on topics including the imaginative interior life of a young boy, silent film, Alzheimer's, the Persephone myth and twenty-first-century America, and the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement.
Lake Huron, 8th Floor, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm
In the World and of the World: The Post-Evangelical Writer. (Scott Kaukonen, PINCKNEY BENEDICT, David McGlynn, Kyle Minor, Angela Pneuman) Writing honestly about the devout of any religion, including Evangelicals, can be a delicate business, especially for those with more than an academic interest. If you appear too critical, the devout will paint you a heretic and circulate your name through the church prayer chain. If you appear too sympathetic, skeptics will view you with suspicion and recommend a good therapist. Yet in a cultural landscape where stereotypes abound on all sides, what possibilities—and challenges—exist for these writers?
Continental B, Lobby Level, 4:30 pm-5:45 pm
Twenty Years in Utopia: The RopeWalk Writers Retreat Aniversary Reading. (Ron Mitchell, RODNEY JONES, ALLISON JOSEPH, Michael Martone, Andrew Hudgins) RopeWalk Writers Retreat, a weeklong summer conference set in New Harmony, Indiana, the site of two 19th-century experiments in utopian living, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a poetry and prose reading by retreat faculty.
In addition:
Allison Joseph, booksigning for her new chapbook "Voice": Saturday, February 14, 10-11:30am at the Mayapple Press book table (table 653).
SIUC's Private Reception for Alums, Faculty, Current Students and Friends (not listed on the official schedule):
Friday, February 13
7:00-8:15 pm
Hilton Chicago, Private Dining Room 3
Look for Crab Orchard Review and SIU Press at the AWP Bookfair, tables 107 and 108.
Saturday, February 14:
Joliet, 3rd Floor, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm
More Than a Collection: Imagining and Realizing Thematic Poetry Projects. (JON TRIBBLE, Oliver de la Paz, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Sean Nevin, Alison Townsend, Jake Adam York) A panel discussion featuring five Crab Orchard Series in Poetry authors who have published collections with Southern Illinois University Press that explore extended thematic concerns or ongoing poetic projects on topics including the imaginative interior life of a young boy, silent film, Alzheimer's, the Persephone myth and twenty-first-century America, and the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement.
Lake Huron, 8th Floor, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm
In the World and of the World: The Post-Evangelical Writer. (Scott Kaukonen, PINCKNEY BENEDICT, David McGlynn, Kyle Minor, Angela Pneuman) Writing honestly about the devout of any religion, including Evangelicals, can be a delicate business, especially for those with more than an academic interest. If you appear too critical, the devout will paint you a heretic and circulate your name through the church prayer chain. If you appear too sympathetic, skeptics will view you with suspicion and recommend a good therapist. Yet in a cultural landscape where stereotypes abound on all sides, what possibilities—and challenges—exist for these writers?
Continental B, Lobby Level, 4:30 pm-5:45 pm
Twenty Years in Utopia: The RopeWalk Writers Retreat Aniversary Reading. (Ron Mitchell, RODNEY JONES, ALLISON JOSEPH, Michael Martone, Andrew Hudgins) RopeWalk Writers Retreat, a weeklong summer conference set in New Harmony, Indiana, the site of two 19th-century experiments in utopian living, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a poetry and prose reading by retreat faculty.
In addition:
Allison Joseph, booksigning for her new chapbook "Voice": Saturday, February 14, 10-11:30am at the Mayapple Press book table (table 653).
SIUC's Private Reception for Alums, Faculty, Current Students and Friends (not listed on the official schedule):
Friday, February 13
7:00-8:15 pm
Hilton Chicago, Private Dining Room 3
Look for Crab Orchard Review and SIU Press at the AWP Bookfair, tables 107 and 108.
Sigma Tau Delta Presentation: Beth Lordan
SIUC fiction professor Beth Lordan will speak on Monday, February 9th for SIUC's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honor Society.
Her topic: the MFA in fiction writing
Bio:
Professor Beth Lordan is the acclaimed author of the books August Heat, And Both Shall Row, and But Come Ye Back. Her short fiction has also appeared in numerous literary journals, including the Atlantic Monthly, O. Henry Prize Stories, and Best American Short Stories. She is currently the Director of Irish and Irish Immigration Studies at SIUC.
Location:
Missouri Room, SIUC Student Center, 6-7pm
All are welcome to attend.
Her topic: the MFA in fiction writing
Bio:
Professor Beth Lordan is the acclaimed author of the books August Heat, And Both Shall Row, and But Come Ye Back. Her short fiction has also appeared in numerous literary journals, including the Atlantic Monthly, O. Henry Prize Stories, and Best American Short Stories. She is currently the Director of Irish and Irish Immigration Studies at SIUC.
Location:
Missouri Room, SIUC Student Center, 6-7pm
All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Congrats to JY (Jared) Sexton (MFA '08)
MFA '08 fiction grad Jared (JY) Sexton sends me good news via Facebook:
Hey Allison,
Just wanted to pass along word that my story 'Old' has been accepted for publication in the next issue of the Emerson Review.
Thanks,
-JY Sexton
Congrats, JY!
Link:
Emerson Review
Hey Allison,
Just wanted to pass along word that my story 'Old' has been accepted for publication in the next issue of the Emerson Review.
Thanks,
-JY Sexton
Congrats, JY!
Link:
Emerson Review
Monday, February 02, 2009
More good news, via Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08)
The great news keeps pouring in! This time, there's nonfiction publication news from Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08, fiction):
"The Truth About the Fact: A Journal of Literary Nonfiction accepted my memoir “My First Time in Japan Visiting the In-Laws” for publication."
Congrats, Jason!
The Truth About the Fact
"The Truth About the Fact: A Journal of Literary Nonfiction accepted my memoir “My First Time in Japan Visiting the In-Laws” for publication."
Congrats, Jason!
The Truth About the Fact
More Acceptances!
The acceptances keep rolling in for current students! This one's from third-year poet Kerry James Evans:
Allison,
Spoon River Poetry Review accepted "Operation Noble Eagle."
KJE
That Kerry's succinct, isn't he?
Congrats, Kerry James!
Link:
Spoon River Poetry Review
Allison,
Spoon River Poetry Review accepted "Operation Noble Eagle."
KJE
That Kerry's succinct, isn't he?
Congrats, Kerry James!
Link:
Spoon River Poetry Review
Catching Up With Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06)
Here's an update from MFA poetry alum Michael Meyerhofer:
My poem, "Subatomic Redemption", was accepted by Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine. Another poem, "I Christen Thee My Higgs Boson", was accepted by Strange Horizons. A third poem, "Portrait of a Midwestern Exile on Wheels" was accepted by Valparaiso Poetry Review. "A Plea for the Cessation of Fruit Metaphors" was nominated for a Pushcart by North American Review. Finally, a piece previously published in Modern Haiku is being reprinted in white lies: The Red Moon Anthology of English-Language Haiku 2008.
Congrats, MM, on all your continued achievements!
My poem, "Subatomic Redemption", was accepted by Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine. Another poem, "I Christen Thee My Higgs Boson", was accepted by Strange Horizons. A third poem, "Portrait of a Midwestern Exile on Wheels" was accepted by Valparaiso Poetry Review. "A Plea for the Cessation of Fruit Metaphors" was nominated for a Pushcart by North American Review. Finally, a piece previously published in Modern Haiku is being reprinted in white lies: The Red Moon Anthology of English-Language Haiku 2008.
Congrats, MM, on all your continued achievements!
R&D: The Return
"R&D," aka "Reading and Drinking," has returned for spring! Check out the details (thanks to Amie Whittemore for sending them):
You know you've been missing some Reading & Drinking action in your life. So join
us:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
7:30 PM
Melange
607 S Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
There'll be words (of poetry, of prose, of admired work) read, activities for the
audience, trivia, games, prizes, and much, much more! Come early, come late, bring
your friends, your enemies, the disasters you have hidden in your cupboards, the
mistakes hidden under your bed. All are welcome.
You know you've been missing some Reading & Drinking action in your life. So join
us:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
7:30 PM
Melange
607 S Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
There'll be words (of poetry, of prose, of admired work) read, activities for the
audience, trivia, games, prizes, and much, much more! Come early, come late, bring
your friends, your enemies, the disasters you have hidden in your cupboards, the
mistakes hidden under your bed. All are welcome.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More Great News from Students and Faculty
First, this news from Rachel Furey, third-year student in fiction:
Dear Allison:
Just wanted to pass along the news that I have a piece coming
out in the Twins and More edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul,
due out this March.
Best Regards,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
Link:
Chicken Soup Website
Second, I am happy to announce the publication of my chapbook, Voice: Poems (Mayapple Press, 2009).
Watch this blog for information on a post AWP book release party.
Dear Allison:
Just wanted to pass along the news that I have a piece coming
out in the Twins and More edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul,
due out this March.
Best Regards,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
Link:
Chicken Soup Website
Second, I am happy to announce the publication of my chapbook, Voice: Poems (Mayapple Press, 2009).
Watch this blog for information on a post AWP book release party.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Congrats to Andy McFadyen-Ketchum!
You all are keeping me busy blogging with all this good news! This time, the good word is from third-year poet Andy McFadyen-Ketchum:
Hey Allison, I just got word from Blueline that they'll be taking two poems, "When the Dark Heads of Sleep" and "Tonight." When it rains it pours I guess...
Thanks, keep warm,
Andy
Congrats, Andy!
Link:
Blueline
Hey Allison, I just got word from Blueline that they'll be taking two poems, "When the Dark Heads of Sleep" and "Tonight." When it rains it pours I guess...
Thanks, keep warm,
Andy
Congrats, Andy!
Link:
Blueline
Congrats to Chris Bryson (MFA '07)
The good news just keeps on coming! This time, it's from MFA grad Chris Bryson:
Hi, Allison!
I've got something to brag about at AWP this year. My story "Thirteen
Months Unemployed" has been selected as a Story of the Week at Narrative
Magazine (www.narrativemagazine.com). It might not be up for a few
months, but people should go there and check back frequently.
Bryson
Congrats, Bryson! We'll be on the lookout for the story!
Link:
Narrative Magazine
Hi, Allison!
I've got something to brag about at AWP this year. My story "Thirteen
Months Unemployed" has been selected as a Story of the Week at Narrative
Magazine (www.narrativemagazine.com). It might not be up for a few
months, but people should go there and check back frequently.
Bryson
Congrats, Bryson! We'll be on the lookout for the story!
Link:
Narrative Magazine
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Congrats to Rachel Furey!
Every day I get more good news! This time, the news comes from third-year fiction writer Rachel Furey:
Dear Allison:
I thought I'd pass along the news that my short story "Drowning
Beetles" was one of the 25 finalists in Glimmer Train's
November Short Story Award for New Writers.
Best Regards,
Rachel
Congrats, Rachel!
Link:
Glimmer Train
Dear Allison:
I thought I'd pass along the news that my short story "Drowning
Beetles" was one of the 25 finalists in Glimmer Train's
November Short Story Award for New Writers.
Best Regards,
Rachel
Congrats, Rachel!
Link:
Glimmer Train
Monday, January 26, 2009
Acceptances and Honors Abound
More good news from current MFAs--this time from third year poet Kerry James Evans and second-year poet Hannah New:
Allison,
Georgetown Review accepted "The Bidding," an auction poem.
KJE
Link:
Georgetown Review
My poem, "Cold Creek" was selected as one of 25 semi-finalists in the Donald Barthelme Prize for Gulf Coast.
Hannah K New
Link:
Gulf Coast
Congrats, Kerry and Hannah!
Allison,
Georgetown Review accepted "The Bidding," an auction poem.
KJE
Link:
Georgetown Review
My poem, "Cold Creek" was selected as one of 25 semi-finalists in the Donald Barthelme Prize for Gulf Coast.
Hannah K New
Link:
Gulf Coast
Congrats, Kerry and Hannah!
Congrats to Travis Mossotti!
News today from Travis Mossotti, second-year in poetry:
Allison,
My poem "Funhouse of Mirth" was accepted for publication at Passages North, a journal out of the University of Northern Michigan.
Thanks,
Travis Mossotti
You can't stop that Travis!
Congrats!
Link:
Passages North
Allison,
My poem "Funhouse of Mirth" was accepted for publication at Passages North, a journal out of the University of Northern Michigan.
Thanks,
Travis Mossotti
You can't stop that Travis!
Congrats!
Link:
Passages North
Poemspotting: Sou'wester Edition
Poems by Stefan Forester (MFA '99) and Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum (current third-year poet) appear in the new issue of Sou'wester, the national literary journal published by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (our sister school in the SIU system). In addition, the journal includes a review of MFA '04 alum Ben Percy's latest short story collection, Refresh, Refresh.
for more about Sou'wester, visit:
Sou'wester
for more about Sou'wester, visit:
Sou'wester
Friday, January 23, 2009
Prairie Fire is Hot for SIUC
Dig this note from Ethan Castelo (MFA '06, fiction):
Allison--
To ride shotgun on James's news--Prairie Fire accepted my story "Nothing Is Impossible" for their Fall 2009 issue.
I hope all is well with everyone in C-dale.
Take care,
Ethan
Looks like there's much love for our fiction writers in the Great White North!
Allison--
To ride shotgun on James's news--Prairie Fire accepted my story "Nothing Is Impossible" for their Fall 2009 issue.
I hope all is well with everyone in C-dale.
Take care,
Ethan
Looks like there's much love for our fiction writers in the Great White North!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Congrats to Andy McFadyen-Ketchum!
Looks like this is the season for acceptances! More congrats in order for current third-year poetry student Andy McFadyen-Ketchum:
Hi Allison,
Sou'wester has informed me that they plan to publish a poem (or a number of poems) of mine in a forthcoming issue, not sure which one(s) yet.
And the River Oak Review took "Proffer Mountain," one of the Mary poems.
Thank you!
-Andy
Links:
Sou'wester
River Oak Review
Hi Allison,
Sou'wester has informed me that they plan to publish a poem (or a number of poems) of mine in a forthcoming issue, not sure which one(s) yet.
And the River Oak Review took "Proffer Mountain," one of the Mary poems.
Thank you!
-Andy
Links:
Sou'wester
River Oak Review
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Congrats to Jake Boyd (MFA '07)
Hi Allison, "New South" is going to take this here yankee's poem, titled 'Divorce', for their spring/summer 09 issue. Welcome news after a 13 month streak of consistent rejection.
Persistence pays!
Congrats, Jake!
Link:
New South
Persistence pays!
Congrats, Jake!
Link:
New South
more Scoles good news
No stopping James Scoles, second-year student in fiction:
And today I got even more good news... 'The Electricity of
Crime,' a 5500-word short story workshopped in Pinckney's class
last semester, has been accepted for publication in Prairie
Fire. It will be featured in a special 'Winnipeg Fiction
Writers' issue coming out in April.
Huge thanks to Pinckney for pointing out serious flaws in POV;
big hugs to sisters Janelle (awesome reader), Melissa (details)
and Azizat (title). Great, great workshop.
Also, in December Pinckney nominated my work in Prairie Fire
for the Pushcart Prize.
Thanks, and all the best,
James
Congrats, James!
Link:
Prairie Fire
And today I got even more good news... 'The Electricity of
Crime,' a 5500-word short story workshopped in Pinckney's class
last semester, has been accepted for publication in Prairie
Fire. It will be featured in a special 'Winnipeg Fiction
Writers' issue coming out in April.
Huge thanks to Pinckney for pointing out serious flaws in POV;
big hugs to sisters Janelle (awesome reader), Melissa (details)
and Azizat (title). Great, great workshop.
Also, in December Pinckney nominated my work in Prairie Fire
for the Pushcart Prize.
Thanks, and all the best,
James
Congrats, James!
Link:
Prairie Fire
Friday, January 16, 2009
James Scoles news
James Scoles, a current second-year student in fiction, has news to share:
Just wanted to let you know some good news... My story "An Early Grey Cup," workshopped in Beth's class last fall, was just nominated for a 2008 National Magazine Award. "El Juego," a short story workshopped in Beth's class and published in Prairie Fire, has been nominated for The Journey Prize in Canada.
Congrats, James!
Links:
National Magazine Awards Canada
The Journey Prize
Just wanted to let you know some good news... My story "An Early Grey Cup," workshopped in Beth's class last fall, was just nominated for a 2008 National Magazine Award. "El Juego," a short story workshopped in Beth's class and published in Prairie Fire, has been nominated for The Journey Prize in Canada.
Congrats, James!
Links:
National Magazine Awards Canada
The Journey Prize
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Rodney Jones Elected to the Fellowship of Southern Writers
When told this news, I asked, "Well, what took them so long? Do writers come more southern than our Mr. Jones?"
Details here:
Fellowship of Southern Writers
Details here:
Fellowship of Southern Writers
Monday, January 12, 2009
Poemspotting: Alums and Faculty
New poems by current poetry faculty member Allison Joseph, former poetry faculty member Lucia Perillo, and MFA alum (MFA '06) Michael Meyerhofer appear in the new issue of MARGIE.
Poems by SIU MFA alums Curtis Crisler (MFA '04) and Adrian Matekja (MFA '01) appear in the new issue of Ninth Letter, in this issue's special music feature.
Web Links:
Margie
Ninth Letter
Poems by SIU MFA alums Curtis Crisler (MFA '04) and Adrian Matekja (MFA '01) appear in the new issue of Ninth Letter, in this issue's special music feature.
Web Links:
Margie
Ninth Letter
Congrats to Travis Mossotti!
Second-year poetry MFA student Travis Mossotti has been one busy poet:
New York Quarterly picked up three poems: "An Apology," "For Years" and "Henry's Blues."
Cream City Review out of U. of Wisconsin Milwaukee picked up "Happens Slowly."
Southern Humanities Review out of Auburn took "Decampment" (a seven page poem for which I owe a serious debt of gratitude to Allison's workshop and many others).
I am also a finalist for the North American Review's James Hearst Poetry Prize (Robert Pinsky judging) for my poem "The Dead Cause," which will be published regardless in the spring.
Thanks for everyone who's helped (both in and out of workshop),
Travis Mossotti
Many congrats, Travis!
Web Links:
New York Quarterly
Cream City Review
Southern Humanities Review
North American Review
New York Quarterly picked up three poems: "An Apology," "For Years" and "Henry's Blues."
Cream City Review out of U. of Wisconsin Milwaukee picked up "Happens Slowly."
Southern Humanities Review out of Auburn took "Decampment" (a seven page poem for which I owe a serious debt of gratitude to Allison's workshop and many others).
I am also a finalist for the North American Review's James Hearst Poetry Prize (Robert Pinsky judging) for my poem "The Dead Cause," which will be published regardless in the spring.
Thanks for everyone who's helped (both in and out of workshop),
Travis Mossotti
Many congrats, Travis!
Web Links:
New York Quarterly
Cream City Review
Southern Humanities Review
North American Review
Friday, January 09, 2009
Congrats to Judy Jordan!
Hearty congratulations to SIU poetry professor Judy Jordan on being awarded an Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in Poetry for 2009!
Details here:
Illinois Arts Council
Details here:
Illinois Arts Council
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
Catching Up With Sara Burge (MFA'08)
Some news from Sara Burge (MFA '08, poetry):
The New York Quarterly took three of my poems: "Drive," "Spark," and "Miss Queen City." They have a policy that they only publish one poem per poet per issue, so these poems will be appearing in different issues of NYQ. As of now, I'm not sure when they'll be published, but when I find out, I'll let you know.
Also, I know this is way after the fact, but the reason I wasn't at Devil's Kitchen was because I was invited to read at the faculty invitational here at MSU. It was fun--I read in a big room that was PACKED!! I've never read in front of that many people before, but it was kind of a rush.
Congrats, Sara!
Website:
New York Quarterly
The New York Quarterly took three of my poems: "Drive," "Spark," and "Miss Queen City." They have a policy that they only publish one poem per poet per issue, so these poems will be appearing in different issues of NYQ. As of now, I'm not sure when they'll be published, but when I find out, I'll let you know.
Also, I know this is way after the fact, but the reason I wasn't at Devil's Kitchen was because I was invited to read at the faculty invitational here at MSU. It was fun--I read in a big room that was PACKED!! I've never read in front of that many people before, but it was kind of a rush.
Congrats, Sara!
Website:
New York Quarterly
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Congrats for these writers!
Congrats to first-year fiction writer Melissa Scholes Young:
"My poem "My Problem" has been accepted for publication in MO: Writings from the River, the literary journal of Montana State University. It will appear in their Spring 09 issue."
and to third-year poet Kerry James Evans:
"My poem "A Year or More" has been accepted for Agni's website."
Congrats, Melissa and Kerry! Happy holidays to all!
Websites:
MO: Writings from the River
AGNI
"My poem "My Problem" has been accepted for publication in MO: Writings from the River, the literary journal of Montana State University. It will appear in their Spring 09 issue."
and to third-year poet Kerry James Evans:
"My poem "A Year or More" has been accepted for Agni's website."
Congrats, Melissa and Kerry! Happy holidays to all!
Websites:
MO: Writings from the River
AGNI
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Catching up with Clint Cargile and Gillian King (MFA '05)
Good news about Gillian King (MFA '05) via her man, Clint Cargile (MFA '05):
Just wanted to pass along that Gillian's short story, The Dead Kid, is in the Winter 2008 issue of Carve Magazine:
Carve
It will also be published in their 2008 anthology sometime next year.
And it was nominated for a Pushcart Prize!
Take care,
Clint
Congrats, Gillian! Great to hear from you both!
Just wanted to pass along that Gillian's short story, The Dead Kid, is in the Winter 2008 issue of Carve Magazine:
Carve
It will also be published in their 2008 anthology sometime next year.
And it was nominated for a Pushcart Prize!
Take care,
Clint
Congrats, Gillian! Great to hear from you both!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Pinckney in Sonora Review with "The Beginnings of Sorrow"
And now a message from fiction faculty member Pinckney Benedict:
"Hi, Allison. Just wanted to pass along the news that my long (about 13,000 words) apocalyptic story "The Beginnings of Sorrow" - in which a talking dog is a secondary character - appears in the most recent issue (#54) of Sonora Review, from the University of Arizona, Tucson. It contains the haunting phrases, "The strong will do what the strong will do. And the weak will bear what they must."'
Good going, PB--way to end the world!
Sonora Review website:
Sonora Review
"Hi, Allison. Just wanted to pass along the news that my long (about 13,000 words) apocalyptic story "The Beginnings of Sorrow" - in which a talking dog is a secondary character - appears in the most recent issue (#54) of Sonora Review, from the University of Arizona, Tucson. It contains the haunting phrases, "The strong will do what the strong will do. And the weak will bear what they must."'
Good going, PB--way to end the world!
Sonora Review website:
Sonora Review
Guenette Quickie
from Matt Guenette (MFA '99, poetry):
My short poem "Commercial Zoning" is up at decomP.
Here's the web address:
decomP
My short poem "Commercial Zoning" is up at decomP.
Here's the web address:
decomP
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Melanie Martin (MFA '04) featured poet in new issue of PEARL
Melanie Martin, MFA '04, is the featured poet in the new issue of PEARL (#39, Fall/Winter 2009), a national literary journal based in California. Of Melanie's poems, editor Joan Jobe Smith writes: "In some of the most powerful, beautifully-written poems we've ever come across, she lays bare the emotional reality of a life haunted by loss--of lives and relationships destroyed by mental illness, of a beloved grandmother fading into Alzheimers." Nine of Melanie's poems are featured in this issue, along with a beautiful author photo!
Check out PEARL's website at
PEARL website
Check out a poem by Melanie from "Leaving the Ones Leaving:"
Melanie excerpt
Check out PEARL's website at
PEARL website
Check out a poem by Melanie from "Leaving the Ones Leaving:"
Melanie excerpt
Friday, December 05, 2008
more Kerry James news
Just got this from Kerry James Evans (third-year MFA, poetry):
"I just received an email from Jose A. Rodriguez at Harpur Palate: '"Your poem "Soldier's Apology" has been selected as a
Finalist/Honorable Mention for the Milton Kessler Memorial Prize for Poetry. As such, we'd like to publish it in our next issue."'
Go, Kerry! Congrats!
Harpur Palate is published in New York at Binghamton University. More about them here:
Harpur Palate
"I just received an email from Jose A. Rodriguez at Harpur Palate: '"Your poem "Soldier's Apology" has been selected as a
Finalist/Honorable Mention for the Milton Kessler Memorial Prize for Poetry. As such, we'd like to publish it in our next issue."'
Go, Kerry! Congrats!
Harpur Palate is published in New York at Binghamton University. More about them here:
Harpur Palate
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
SIUC Poets in new issue of RATTLE
Poems by Helena Bell (MFA '08) and Amie Whittemore (current second-year poet) grace the pages of the new issue of RATTLE. Hel's poem is "Dalton's Law," and Amie's is "The Calendar." Amie's poem was an honorable mention in RATTLE's annual poetry contest.
For more about RATTLE, visit
RATTLE website
For more about RATTLE, visit
RATTLE website
Friday, November 21, 2008
Congrats to Kerry James Evans!
Third-year poetry MFA student Kerry James Evans has some good news to share:
"Poet Lore took "What Makes the Green Grass Grow" and Spoon River Poetry Review took "Scarab."
Kerry's succinct, isn't he?
For more about the publications Kerry's poems will be appearing in, visit their websites:
Poet Lore:
Poet Lore
Spoon River Poetry Review
Spoon River Poetry Review
"Poet Lore took "What Makes the Green Grass Grow" and Spoon River Poetry Review took "Scarab."
Kerry's succinct, isn't he?
For more about the publications Kerry's poems will be appearing in, visit their websites:
Poet Lore:
Poet Lore
Spoon River Poetry Review
Spoon River Poetry Review
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Happy news from Rachel Furey!
Third-year fiction writer Rachel Furey has happy news to share:
I'm a bit slow to pass this news along to you, but I wanted to
let you know that like Travis, I will be participating in a
pedagogy forum at AWP with my paper "Reimagining Nonfiction
into Fiction." In addition, my short fiction piece "Mountain
Climbing" took third in the 12th Annual Women Who Write Short
Prose Contest and I'm planning on attending the award
presentation and reading on Dec. 13 in Louisville, KY. I have
some family coming out for it, so I'm pretty stoked about that.
Thanks for the update, Rachel!
REMINDER: Rachel Furey and Josh Woods will be reading their award-winning pieces from the Press 53 Open Competition Awards anthology today at 4PM in the Harry T. Moore Auditorium, Faner Hall, SIUC campus. Free and open to the public!
I'm a bit slow to pass this news along to you, but I wanted to
let you know that like Travis, I will be participating in a
pedagogy forum at AWP with my paper "Reimagining Nonfiction
into Fiction." In addition, my short fiction piece "Mountain
Climbing" took third in the 12th Annual Women Who Write Short
Prose Contest and I'm planning on attending the award
presentation and reading on Dec. 13 in Louisville, KY. I have
some family coming out for it, so I'm pretty stoked about that.
Thanks for the update, Rachel!
REMINDER: Rachel Furey and Josh Woods will be reading their award-winning pieces from the Press 53 Open Competition Awards anthology today at 4PM in the Harry T. Moore Auditorium, Faner Hall, SIUC campus. Free and open to the public!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Campus Writing Contest: Andy P. Smith Award
2009 Andy P. Smith Writing Contest
Calling SIUC Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Any Major
First Prize: $200
1 undergrad and 1 grad
Second Prize: $50
1 undergrad and 1 grad
Topic: How does the geography and environment of Southern Illinois affect your experience as a student?
Length: 1000-1500 words
Submission Format:
Do not write your name or anything that would identify you on the essay. Instead,
submit your essay with a coversheet containing the following information:
Name
Address, Phone #, E-mail (if you are graduating include permanent contact info)
Year in school and major
Essay title
Deliver essays to Emily McQuillian, Awards Coordinator at Faner 2265
Due: January 20, 2009
To get a more detailed explanation or for answers to any questions, contact Emily Mc
Quillan at emcquill@siu.edu. Please put “Smith Award” in the subject line.
Calling SIUC Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Any Major
First Prize: $200
1 undergrad and 1 grad
Second Prize: $50
1 undergrad and 1 grad
Topic: How does the geography and environment of Southern Illinois affect your experience as a student?
Length: 1000-1500 words
Submission Format:
Do not write your name or anything that would identify you on the essay. Instead,
submit your essay with a coversheet containing the following information:
Name
Address, Phone #, E-mail (if you are graduating include permanent contact info)
Year in school and major
Essay title
Deliver essays to Emily McQuillian, Awards Coordinator at Faner 2265
Due: January 20, 2009
To get a more detailed explanation or for answers to any questions, contact Emily Mc
Quillan at emcquill@siu.edu. Please put “Smith Award” in the subject line.
Poemspotting: Guest, Meyerhofer, plus a Bond honorable mention
Poems by Paul Guest (MFA '99) and Michael Meyerhofer (MFA '06) appear in the latest issue of River Styx (number 78). Paul's poems are "Remember How Sad That Was When" and "Loyalty Oath"; Michael's poem is "Peccadillo." In addition, David Bond (MFA '98) is cited as an honorable mention in the 2008 River Styx International Poetry Contest.
For more about River Styx, visit
River Styx
For more about River Styx, visit
River Styx
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pinckney Benedict Fans Take Note!
"Straight from the Department of Shameless Self-Promotion: I’ve just received copies of THE ECCO ANTHOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SHORT FICTION (ed. Joyce Carol Oates and Christopher Beha, Harper Perennial), which contains my story “Mercy.”
Joyce writes in her preface that, in the book, she “hopes to bring together in a reasonably permanent structure the very best and most representative work of [the] era,” in this case the beginning of the 21st c. There are lots of good folks in the volume (48 stories in all) – Sherman Alexie, George Saunders, Jhumpa Lahiri, on and on – sufficiently prominent and skilled to make me both embarrassed and proud to find myself in their company."
Well done, PB! You can be embarrassed; the rest of us will just be proud.
Joyce writes in her preface that, in the book, she “hopes to bring together in a reasonably permanent structure the very best and most representative work of [the] era,” in this case the beginning of the 21st c. There are lots of good folks in the volume (48 stories in all) – Sherman Alexie, George Saunders, Jhumpa Lahiri, on and on – sufficiently prominent and skilled to make me both embarrassed and proud to find myself in their company."
Well done, PB! You can be embarrassed; the rest of us will just be proud.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Catching Up With Justin Hamm (MFA'05)
Here's a note from Justin Hamm (MFA '05, fiction):
I thought this might be a good time to resurface after maintaining a rather hermitesque profile for some time. I had a little bit of success publishing my short stories before I left Carbondale, but then I stopped writing for quite some time--taking in those lessons from the program, I suppose, and trying to understand them.
Lately, though, I've been at it again--this time writing, believe it or not, what I like to think of as poetry--and I've had some very modest success. I had a poem, "To the Venerable Bede" appear in Renaissance Magazine's Issue # 61 this summer, and two of my poems, "1434 bruges blues" and "dream: perhaps of futility?", will be appearing in the January/February issue of Oak Bend Review.
Right now I'm teaching high school English in Missouri and listening to too much Bob Dylan. My wife Melissa and I are expecting our first child this February.
Thanks, Allison, and I hope all is well in Carbondale.
Sincerely,
Justin
Congratulations, Justin, on all your good news! Keep in touch!
I thought this might be a good time to resurface after maintaining a rather hermitesque profile for some time. I had a little bit of success publishing my short stories before I left Carbondale, but then I stopped writing for quite some time--taking in those lessons from the program, I suppose, and trying to understand them.
Lately, though, I've been at it again--this time writing, believe it or not, what I like to think of as poetry--and I've had some very modest success. I had a poem, "To the Venerable Bede" appear in Renaissance Magazine's Issue # 61 this summer, and two of my poems, "1434 bruges blues" and "dream: perhaps of futility?", will be appearing in the January/February issue of Oak Bend Review.
Right now I'm teaching high school English in Missouri and listening to too much Bob Dylan. My wife Melissa and I are expecting our first child this February.
Thanks, Allison, and I hope all is well in Carbondale.
Sincerely,
Justin
Congratulations, Justin, on all your good news! Keep in touch!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Upcoming Reading: Press 53 Award Winners Anthology Reading
from Josh Woods:
OPEN AWARDS ANTHOLOGY reading on Wednesday, November 19, at 4:00pm in the Harry T. Moore Auditorium, Faner Hall. Rachel Furey will be reading "Mississippi Mud," the winner in Non-Fiction, and Josh Woods will be reading "The Exorcise Machine," the winner in Genre. See you there!
for information about the Press 53 Open Awards Competition, visit
2009 Guidelines
OPEN AWARDS ANTHOLOGY reading on Wednesday, November 19, at 4:00pm in the Harry T. Moore Auditorium, Faner Hall. Rachel Furey will be reading "Mississippi Mud," the winner in Non-Fiction, and Josh Woods will be reading "The Exorcise Machine," the winner in Genre. See you there!
for information about the Press 53 Open Awards Competition, visit
2009 Guidelines
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
AWP Conference News and Notes
The 2009 AWP Conference in Chicago is sure to be a good time. The MFA Program in Creative Writing at SIUC will be a conference sponsor, and the program will also hold a reception for alumni during the conference.
Faculty members Jon Tribble, Allison Joseph and Rodney Jones will be featured on panels during the conference. Current poetry MFA student Travis Mossotti will be participating in the Pedagogy Forum with his paper "Circumstances of Composition: A Collaborative Writing Exercise" an entry developed from the Surrealism exercise he designed for the last summer's Young Writers Workshop.
for more information about the upcoming AWP Conference, visit the website at
AWP
Faculty members Jon Tribble, Allison Joseph and Rodney Jones will be featured on panels during the conference. Current poetry MFA student Travis Mossotti will be participating in the Pedagogy Forum with his paper "Circumstances of Composition: A Collaborative Writing Exercise" an entry developed from the Surrealism exercise he designed for the last summer's Young Writers Workshop.
for more information about the upcoming AWP Conference, visit the website at
AWP
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Career Talk Today Moved to New Room in Student Center
Please note change in initially announced location for this talk: no longer in Saline, moved to Illinois Room!
COURTING THE CASH, SAVING THE MUSE:
A CAREER PRESENTATION FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
HOSTED BY ALLISON JOSEPH, DIRECTOR,
MFA PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
LEARN THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF:
---RESUME AND VITAE PREPARATION
---APPLICATION LETTERS FOR JOBS, BOTH ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC
---APPLYING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS & PRIVATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
---CONFERENCES, RETREATS, AND COLONIES FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
TIME: 4:00-5:30 PM
PLACE: SIUC STUDENT CENTER, ILLINOIS ROOM
Sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
COURTING THE CASH, SAVING THE MUSE:
A CAREER PRESENTATION FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
HOSTED BY ALLISON JOSEPH, DIRECTOR,
MFA PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
LEARN THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF:
---RESUME AND VITAE PREPARATION
---APPLICATION LETTERS FOR JOBS, BOTH ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC
---APPLYING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS & PRIVATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
---CONFERENCES, RETREATS, AND COLONIES FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
TIME: 4:00-5:30 PM
PLACE: SIUC STUDENT CENTER, ILLINOIS ROOM
Sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Congratulations to Janelle Blasdel!
Janelle Blasdel, a first-year MFA in fiction, has happy Election Day news to share:
Hi Allison,
I was told to pass along my good news...my short story "Vampire Crop" was accepted for publication in MAIN STREET RAG'S upcoming spring anthology on small town stories! Fun stuff.
Happy election day,
Janelle
Congrats, Janelle! Those Main Street Rag folks like our fiction writers, don't they? Janelle is the third currently-enrolled fiction writer to have work accepted for a Main Street Rag anthology, after Rachel Furey and Josh Woods.
Here's a link to Main Street Rag's current call for fiction:
Main Street fiction anthology info
Hi Allison,
I was told to pass along my good news...my short story "Vampire Crop" was accepted for publication in MAIN STREET RAG'S upcoming spring anthology on small town stories! Fun stuff.
Happy election day,
Janelle
Congrats, Janelle! Those Main Street Rag folks like our fiction writers, don't they? Janelle is the third currently-enrolled fiction writer to have work accepted for a Main Street Rag anthology, after Rachel Furey and Josh Woods.
Here's a link to Main Street Rag's current call for fiction:
Main Street fiction anthology info
Irish Studies Presents a Lecture and Two Literary Readings!
Beth Lordan, SIUC creative writing faculty member and director of our Irish and Irish Diaspora Studies Program, sends news of upcoming literary readings:
--John McAuliffe, poet and Irish exchange alum,author of A BETTER LIFE and NEXT DOOR, co-director of Manchester (England)
University's Centre for New Writing, will read at 4 pm Monday November 10
in the Mississippi Room;
--on Wednesday November 12 at 4 in the Mississippi Room, Galway poets Kevin Higgins (author of THE BOY WITH NO FACE) and Susan Millar DuMars (author of BIG PINK UMBRELLA) will read.
--For those with a taste for talk about what's already written, Anne Fogarty, the first Fanning Medalist in Irish Studies, will give a public lecture at 7 pm in the Mississippi Room on figurations of abuse in contemporary Irish writing. Modest receptions follow all events.
--John McAuliffe, poet and Irish exchange alum,author of A BETTER LIFE and NEXT DOOR, co-director of Manchester (England)
University's Centre for New Writing, will read at 4 pm Monday November 10
in the Mississippi Room;
--on Wednesday November 12 at 4 in the Mississippi Room, Galway poets Kevin Higgins (author of THE BOY WITH NO FACE) and Susan Millar DuMars (author of BIG PINK UMBRELLA) will read.
--For those with a taste for talk about what's already written, Anne Fogarty, the first Fanning Medalist in Irish Studies, will give a public lecture at 7 pm in the Mississippi Room on figurations of abuse in contemporary Irish writing. Modest receptions follow all events.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Reading and Drinking: November '08 edition
from mistress of ceremonies, Amie Whittemore:
Hey independent clauses and prepositional phrases,
R&D is back in red, white, and blue this Wednesday, November 5th! So join us for
some post election merriment/downtroddenness/confusion/hullabooity or whatever
you'll be feeling on this Historical Wednesday.
The info:
Where: Melange, 607 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL
When: November 5th 7pm
What: The Win, Lose, or Draw R&D featuring poetry, fiction, music, bedazzlement,
trivia, and absurdity in healthy doses.
Spread the word!
Adverbially yours,
~ Amie
Hey independent clauses and prepositional phrases,
R&D is back in red, white, and blue this Wednesday, November 5th! So join us for
some post election merriment/downtroddenness/confusion/hullabooity or whatever
you'll be feeling on this Historical Wednesday.
The info:
Where: Melange, 607 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL
When: November 5th 7pm
What: The Win, Lose, or Draw R&D featuring poetry, fiction, music, bedazzlement,
trivia, and absurdity in healthy doses.
Spread the word!
Adverbially yours,
~ Amie
Sunday, November 02, 2008
And speaking of Kevin McKelvey (MFA '04, poetry)
an early-morning note from Kevin himself:
"I've had a few good months, to say the least. I started a new project last winter on water, water usage, watershed health and the Wabash River in Indiana, and three of those poems have been accepted for publication. "Siipiiwi" will appear in Alehouse. The Pinch picked up "After seining the Wabash River near a train trestle on the Indiana-Illinois border." And the Tipton Poetry Journal, which was started in and named after my mother's home county in Indiana, published "Prophetstown" in Issue 10.
CUTTHROAT, a journal of the arts, accepted "Wampus Cat Token" from my "Deam Wilderness" manuscript.
Also, I'll be reading poems from my "Deam Wilderness" manuscript at the 22nd Annual Conference of The Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts in Charlotte, NC on Nov. 14.
And the new job at the University of Indianapolis is keeping me busy, especially with editing and publishing classes and other writing classes."
Thanks for the update, Kevin!
"I've had a few good months, to say the least. I started a new project last winter on water, water usage, watershed health and the Wabash River in Indiana, and three of those poems have been accepted for publication. "Siipiiwi" will appear in Alehouse. The Pinch picked up "After seining the Wabash River near a train trestle on the Indiana-Illinois border." And the Tipton Poetry Journal, which was started in and named after my mother's home county in Indiana, published "Prophetstown" in Issue 10.
CUTTHROAT, a journal of the arts, accepted "Wampus Cat Token" from my "Deam Wilderness" manuscript.
Also, I'll be reading poems from my "Deam Wilderness" manuscript at the 22nd Annual Conference of The Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts in Charlotte, NC on Nov. 14.
And the new job at the University of Indianapolis is keeping me busy, especially with editing and publishing classes and other writing classes."
Thanks for the update, Kevin!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Poems by SIUC Writers in new issue of Alehouse
Poems by Kevin McKelvey (MFA '04) and SIUC faculty member Allison Joseph appear in the new issue of Alehouse, an all-poetry journal from California.
The issue may be pre-ordered here:
Alehouse
One correction: Kevin teaches at the University of Indianapolis, not the University of Indiana.
The issue may be pre-ordered here:
Alehouse
One correction: Kevin teaches at the University of Indianapolis, not the University of Indiana.
And speaking of Paul Guest (MFA '99, poetry):
Paul Guest was featured recently in the "Poet's Choice" column of the Washington Post Book Review:
Paul Guest
Paul Guest
Ben Percy (MFA '04) Awarded Whiting Fellowship!
Huge congratulations to Ben Percy (MFA '04), who has been awarded a Whiting Fellowship for 2008! Ben makes the second SIUC MFA grad (after Paul Guest, MFA '99, poetry) to receive this highly prestigious honor!
Read the award announcement here:
Award Announcement
Bios of Award Winners
Congrats again, Ben! You make us proud!
Read the award announcement here:
Award Announcement
Bios of Award Winners
Congrats again, Ben! You make us proud!
Career Presentation for Creative Writers: November 6, 2008
COURTING THE CASH, SAVING THE MUSE:
A CAREER PRESENTATION FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
HOSTED BY ALLISON JOSEPH, DIRECTOR,
MFA PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
LEARN THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF:
---RESUME AND VITAE PREPARATION
---APPLICATION LETTERS FOR JOBS, BOTH ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC
---APPLYING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS & PRIVATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
---CONFERENCES, RETREATS, AND COLONIES FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
TIME: 4:00-5:30 PM
PLACE: SIUC STUDENT CENTER, SALINE ROOM
Sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
A CAREER PRESENTATION FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
HOSTED BY ALLISON JOSEPH, DIRECTOR,
MFA PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
LEARN THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF:
---RESUME AND VITAE PREPARATION
---APPLICATION LETTERS FOR JOBS, BOTH ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC
---APPLYING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS & PRIVATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
---CONFERENCES, RETREATS, AND COLONIES FOR CREATIVE WRITERS
DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
TIME: 4:00-5:30 PM
PLACE: SIUC STUDENT CENTER, SALINE ROOM
Sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Monday, October 27, 2008
Congratulations to Adrian Matejka (MFA '01)
Congrats to Adrian Matejka (MFA '01, poetry)--new poems by Adrian appear in the new issue of American Poetry Review (November/December 2008). These poems ("Battle Royale" and "Sporting Life") are from Adrian's manuscript-in-progress about the life of boxer Jack Johnson.
For more about American Poetry Review, visit
APR
For more about American Poetry Review, visit
APR
Grassroots Open Mike Reading and Halloween Party
Grassroots, SIUC's undergraduate journal of the literary and visual arts, will host a Open Mike Reading and Halloween Party on October 29, 2008 in Faner's Humanities Lounge at 7 pm. Wear a costume, read your work--all are invited!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
In-House Reading: Wednesday, October 22
Reminder: In-House Reading tomorrow!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM
KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
SIUC Student Center
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Brooks Rexroat (1st year fiction)
Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM
KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
SIUC Student Center
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Brooks Rexroat (1st year fiction)
Free and open to the public.
Curtis Crisler (MFA '04) to read in Bloomington, IN
Curtis Crisler, MFA '04, will read from his poems in Bloomington, Indiana, along with splendid poets Ross Gay and Eugene Gloria:
Reading: Curtis Crisler, Ross Gay, and Eugene Gloria
Keyhole Goes to Bloomington
Event Info Host: Keyhole Magazine
Type: Music/Arts - Performance
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Boxcar Books, 408 E. 6th St., Bloomington, IN
Keyhole Magazine and Boxcar Books present an evening of Indiana Poets: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at BOXCAR BOOKS: 7pm
Eugene Gloria, author of Drivers at the Short-Time Motel (National Poetry Series) and Hoodlum Birds, Ross Gay, author of Against Which (New Voices), and Curtis Crisler, author of Spill, the winner of Keyhole Magazine's 2008 poetry chapbook contest.
Reading: Curtis Crisler, Ross Gay, and Eugene Gloria
Keyhole Goes to Bloomington
Event Info Host: Keyhole Magazine
Type: Music/Arts - Performance
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Boxcar Books, 408 E. 6th St., Bloomington, IN
Keyhole Magazine and Boxcar Books present an evening of Indiana Poets: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at BOXCAR BOOKS: 7pm
Eugene Gloria, author of Drivers at the Short-Time Motel (National Poetry Series) and Hoodlum Birds, Ross Gay, author of Against Which (New Voices), and Curtis Crisler, author of Spill, the winner of Keyhole Magazine's 2008 poetry chapbook contest.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Devil's Kitchen Literary Festival Event Schedule
2008 Devil’s Kitchen Literary Festival
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, October 23 – 25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Readings by Jim Tomlinson & Janice N. Harrington
Student Center Auditorium
9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Festival Reception (sponsored by the SIUC Dept. of English)
Student Center J.W. Corker Lounge
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
— panel discussions, Student Center Auditorium —
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Poetry Panel featuring Janice N. Harrington, Richard Jones, Sean Nevin, & Jennifer Perrine
11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
Fiction Panel featuring Amy Knox Brown, Josh Goldfaden, Anne Panning, & Jim Tomlinson
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Readings by Sean Nevin & Anne Panning
Student Center Auditorium
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Reception and Booksigning featuring all festival readers
Student Center Old Main Lounge
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Readings by Jennifer Perrine & Josh Goldfaden
Student Center Auditorium
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Readings from the new Crab Orchard Review, “The In-Between Age: Writers on Adolescence”
Student Center Auditorium
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Readings by Amy Knox Brown & Richard Jones
Student Center Auditorium
The festival is sponsored by GRASSROOTS, the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of English’s undergraduate literary magazine. The Devil’s Kitchen Fall Literary Festival is made possible through funding from the SIUC Fine Arts Activity Fee, the SIUC Creative Writing Program’s Visiting Writers Series, and CRAB ORCHARD REVIEW.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, October 23 – 25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Readings by Jim Tomlinson & Janice N. Harrington
Student Center Auditorium
9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Festival Reception (sponsored by the SIUC Dept. of English)
Student Center J.W. Corker Lounge
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
— panel discussions, Student Center Auditorium —
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Poetry Panel featuring Janice N. Harrington, Richard Jones, Sean Nevin, & Jennifer Perrine
11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
Fiction Panel featuring Amy Knox Brown, Josh Goldfaden, Anne Panning, & Jim Tomlinson
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Readings by Sean Nevin & Anne Panning
Student Center Auditorium
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Reception and Booksigning featuring all festival readers
Student Center Old Main Lounge
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Readings by Jennifer Perrine & Josh Goldfaden
Student Center Auditorium
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Readings from the new Crab Orchard Review, “The In-Between Age: Writers on Adolescence”
Student Center Auditorium
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Readings by Amy Knox Brown & Richard Jones
Student Center Auditorium
The festival is sponsored by GRASSROOTS, the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of English’s undergraduate literary magazine. The Devil’s Kitchen Fall Literary Festival is made possible through funding from the SIUC Fine Arts Activity Fee, the SIUC Creative Writing Program’s Visiting Writers Series, and CRAB ORCHARD REVIEW.
Congrats to Travis Mossotti!
Nice note this morning from Travis Mossotti (second-year, poetry):
Allison,
Just found out on Friday that Rattle will be publishing my
poem "Crossing the Gap". I Guess Tim Green has a sweet spot
for SIUC poets.
Thanks,
Travis
Congrats, Travis!
Here's Rattle's website:
Rattle
Allison,
Just found out on Friday that Rattle will be publishing my
poem "Crossing the Gap". I Guess Tim Green has a sweet spot
for SIUC poets.
Thanks,
Travis
Congrats, Travis!
Here's Rattle's website:
Rattle
Carbondale's alternative weekly previews upcoming Devil's Kitchen Literary Festival
The Devil's Kitchen Literary Festival, SIUC's annual celebration of the writer and the written word, starts this Thursday!
Here's an article previewing the festival (scroll down to see festival profile):
Carbondale's Nightlife
Here's an article previewing the festival (scroll down to see festival profile):
Carbondale's Nightlife
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Congrats to Jim Gill (MFA '99)
from Jim Gill (MFA '99, fiction, former creative writing lecturer):
"How are things in Southern Illinois? All is well here. Just wanted to send a quick note to say that I've just had a story, "Redemption", accepted at Colorado Review. It'll come out in the Spring 2009 issue. It was welcome news. The editor there, Stephanie G'Schwind, is great to work with, so it's always nice to have a story there."
Congrats, Jim!
For more about Colorado Review, visit
Colorado Review
"How are things in Southern Illinois? All is well here. Just wanted to send a quick note to say that I've just had a story, "Redemption", accepted at Colorado Review. It'll come out in the Spring 2009 issue. It was welcome news. The editor there, Stephanie G'Schwind, is great to work with, so it's always nice to have a story there."
Congrats, Jim!
For more about Colorado Review, visit
Colorado Review
Monday, October 13, 2008
Paul Guest (MFA '99) Featured in Poets & Writers
The November/December 2008 issue of Poets & Writers Magazine features an extensive article about Paul Guest (MFA '99).
The article, titled "The Guest List," features excerpts from Paul's upcoming third collection of poems from Ecco Press and also details his upcoming memoir, also with Ecco.
Congratulations, Paul!
Poets & Writers
The article, titled "The Guest List," features excerpts from Paul's upcoming third collection of poems from Ecco Press and also details his upcoming memoir, also with Ecco.
Congratulations, Paul!
Poets & Writers
Sunday, October 12, 2008
In-House Reading Series Update: October 2008
from the fabulous Amie Whittemore:
My esteemed lilypads and leapfrogs,
Here is your reminder regarding the in-house reading series. I've included both this week's and next's info as the reader list has gone through some shifts due to a whole galaxy of circumstances.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM ILLINOIS ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Azizat Danmole (2nd year fiction)
Amie Whittemore (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Brooks Rexroat (1st year fiction)
As always, tell your friends and enemies, your co-conspirators and those against whom you conspire. Or at least do whatever it is you've been doing, because attendance has been *outstanding*.
My esteemed lilypads and leapfrogs,
Here is your reminder regarding the in-house reading series. I've included both this week's and next's info as the reader list has gone through some shifts due to a whole galaxy of circumstances.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM ILLINOIS ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Azizat Danmole (2nd year fiction)
Amie Whittemore (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Brooks Rexroat (1st year fiction)
As always, tell your friends and enemies, your co-conspirators and those against whom you conspire. Or at least do whatever it is you've been doing, because attendance has been *outstanding*.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08) update:
The hardworking Jason Lee Brown (MFA '08, fiction) has some updates:
My story “Histrionics” was selected for publication in Quiddity for its themed Abraham Lincoln “Better Angels” Issue. My story spans from 1837-42, the years in which Lincoln lived and shared the same bed with lifetime friend Joshua Fry Speed.
On the poetry front, I have poems (“My Older Brother, June Bug” and “Name I Will Never Forget”) in the current issue of Post Road. Post Road has included an excerpt of one of the poems on its website. My poem “First Acceptance” is in the current issue of Confrontation.
Also, Universal Table/Wising Up Press will republish my poem “Curt Jones’s Father” in its anthology Cold Shoulders, Evil Eyes, Steadying Gazes and Warm Embraces. The poem first appeared in Elysian Fields Quarterly, The Baseball Review.
Post Road
Post Road
Quiddity
Quiddity
Confrontation
Confrontation
Universal Table
Universal Table
My story “Histrionics” was selected for publication in Quiddity for its themed Abraham Lincoln “Better Angels” Issue. My story spans from 1837-42, the years in which Lincoln lived and shared the same bed with lifetime friend Joshua Fry Speed.
On the poetry front, I have poems (“My Older Brother, June Bug” and “Name I Will Never Forget”) in the current issue of Post Road. Post Road has included an excerpt of one of the poems on its website. My poem “First Acceptance” is in the current issue of Confrontation.
Also, Universal Table/Wising Up Press will republish my poem “Curt Jones’s Father” in its anthology Cold Shoulders, Evil Eyes, Steadying Gazes and Warm Embraces. The poem first appeared in Elysian Fields Quarterly, The Baseball Review.
Post Road
Post Road
Quiddity
Quiddity
Confrontation
Confrontation
Universal Table
Universal Table
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
More Rodney-centric news, via Andy McFadyen-Ketchum
Third-year poetry MFA Andy McFadyen-Ketchum has this news:
I just learned that The Missouri Review will be publishing my interview with Rodney, "Poetry of the Instance, Poetry of the Instant: A Conversation with Rodney Jones," in, I believe, the Spring.
Congrats, Andy!
I just learned that The Missouri Review will be publishing my interview with Rodney, "Poetry of the Instance, Poetry of the Instant: A Conversation with Rodney Jones," in, I believe, the Spring.
Congrats, Andy!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Upcoming Readings by Rodney Jones
SIUC faculty poet Rodney Jones will be appearing at two literary venues this fall:
Rodney will visit Mississippi University for Women for the upcoming Eudora Welty Writers' Symposium:
Welty Symposium
Rodney will also read at the University of Alabama on November 6, 2008:
UA Reading Series
Rodney will visit Mississippi University for Women for the upcoming Eudora Welty Writers' Symposium:
Welty Symposium
Rodney will also read at the University of Alabama on November 6, 2008:
UA Reading Series
In-House Reading Tomorrow!
Reminder:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MISSISSIPPI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MISSISSIPPI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
News from Matt Guenette (MFA '99)
News from Matthew Guenette (MFA '99, poetry):
Check me out at this blog:
First Book Interviews
I'll also be reading at the Wisconsin Book Festival, Wednesday, October 15th.
Thanks for the updates, Matt!
Check me out at this blog:
First Book Interviews
I'll also be reading at the Wisconsin Book Festival, Wednesday, October 15th.
Thanks for the updates, Matt!
New Rooms for In-House Reading Series
from Amie Whittemore:
Due to the overwhelming turn-out for the first In-House Reading last week, we've requested larger rooms to accommodate our adoring fans. So here's the corrected schedule.
Thanks, Amie
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MISSISSIPPI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM ILLINOIS ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Derand Wright (1st year poetry)
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Laura Gross (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Due to the overwhelming turn-out for the first In-House Reading last week, we've requested larger rooms to accommodate our adoring fans. So here's the corrected schedule.
Thanks, Amie
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MISSISSIPPI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM ILLINOIS ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Derand Wright (1st year poetry)
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Laura Gross (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA & MISSOURI ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction)
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Work by SIUC Writers in new issue of Roger
The new issue of Roger, an art and literary magazine published at Roger Williams University, features the work of two writers with SIUC connections. Third-year fiction writer Renee Evans has a story called "Traverse" in this issue, and Paul Guest (MFA '99) has two poems--"Waiting for the Mail" and "Parts of the Body by Name."
For more information on Roger, visit
Roger
To see one of Paul's two poems in this issue, visit
poem will open as PDF
For more information on Roger, visit
Roger
To see one of Paul's two poems in this issue, visit
poem will open as PDF
Jon Tribble and Allison Joseph to read at the University of West Georgia
SIUC faculty poets Jon Tribble and Allison Joseph will read from their work at the University of West Georgia on Thursday, October 2. Details here
West Georgia reading
This reading will also be somewhat of an SIUC MFA reunion--teaching currently at UWG are Paul Guest (MFA '99) and Melanie Jordan (MFA '01).
West Georgia reading
This reading will also be somewhat of an SIUC MFA reunion--teaching currently at UWG are Paul Guest (MFA '99) and Melanie Jordan (MFA '01).
Monday, September 29, 2008
October R&D: Literary Merriment and More at Melange
from Amie Whittemore:
My Dear Fresh Princes and DJ Jazzy Jeffs,
It is time to link your R to your D.
That's right. Reading and Drinking returns for another month of word-laden fun.
The details:
When: Wednesday, October 1st, 2008, 7 p.m.
Where: Melange, 607 S Illinois Avenue, Carbondale
What: The "Skeletons in Your Closet" R&D
So come on out and enjoy three rounds of poetry, prose, plays, trivia, trivial prizes, music and all the sweetness you can pack between two graham crackers.
My Dear Fresh Princes and DJ Jazzy Jeffs,
It is time to link your R to your D.
That's right. Reading and Drinking returns for another month of word-laden fun.
The details:
When: Wednesday, October 1st, 2008, 7 p.m.
Where: Melange, 607 S Illinois Avenue, Carbondale
What: The "Skeletons in Your Closet" R&D
So come on out and enjoy three rounds of poetry, prose, plays, trivia, trivial prizes, music and all the sweetness you can pack between two graham crackers.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Congrats to Curtis L. Crisler (MFA '04)
Great news from Curtis L. Crisler (MFA '04, poetry):
"Hi Allison,
How are you doing in C'Dale? I found out I won the Keyhole Magazine
Chapbook Contest. Eugene Gloria picked my manuscript Spill."
Curtis, you're too modest! Congratulations!
Read the words of praise for Curtis's chapbook from final judge Eugene Gloria here:
Keyhole Magazine
"Hi Allison,
How are you doing in C'Dale? I found out I won the Keyhole Magazine
Chapbook Contest. Eugene Gloria picked my manuscript Spill."
Curtis, you're too modest! Congratulations!
Read the words of praise for Curtis's chapbook from final judge Eugene Gloria here:
Keyhole Magazine
Sunday, September 21, 2008
In-House Reading Series: Fall 2008 Schedule
IN HOUSE READINGS: Fall 2008 Schedule
sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
all readings free and open to the public
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA ROOM STUDENT CENTER
AK Thompson (1st year fiction)
Mark Brewin (1st year poetry)
Charlie Lemmink (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MACKINAW ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM MACINAW ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Derand Wright (1st year poetry)
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Laura Gross (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
sponsored by the Graduate Writers Forum
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
all readings free and open to the public
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA ROOM STUDENT CENTER
AK Thompson (1st year fiction)
Mark Brewin (1st year poetry)
Charlie Lemmink (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 4-5:30 PM MACKINAW ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Brenna W. Lemieux (1st year poetry)
James Scoles (2nd year fiction)
Hannah New (2nd year poetry)
Melissa Scholes Young (1st year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008 4-5:30 PM MACINAW ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Derand Wright (1st year poetry)
Janelle Blasdel (1st year fiction)
Laura Gross (2nd year poetry)
Justin Benton (2nd year fiction)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 4-5:30 PM KASKASKIA ROOM STUDENT CENTER
Travis Mossotti (2nd year poetry)
Lane Kareska (1st year fiction
Jenna Bazzell (2nd year poetry)
Friday, September 19, 2008
First in-House Reading of the Semester: Wednesday, Sept 24, 2008
First-year MFA students A.K. Thompson (fiction), Mark Jay Brewin (poetry) and Charlie Lemmink (fiction) will read from their work on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in the SIUC Student Center Kaskaskia Room from 4-5:30 pm.
The reading is free and open to the public.
The reading is free and open to the public.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Jacinda Townsend to speak for Sigma Tau Delta
Jacinda Townsend, graduate faculty in creative writing at SIUC, will speak on the topic of "Writing What You Don't Know: Historical and Foreign-Born Fiction" on Monday, Sept 22, 2008 from 6 to 7 pm at the SIUC Student Center Saline Room.
This presentation is sponsored by the SIUC branch of Sigma Tau Delta.
This presentation is sponsored by the SIUC branch of Sigma Tau Delta.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Congrats to Amie Whittemore!
Amie Whittemore (poetry, second-year) is back with more good news:
"I found out this weekend that two more of my poems have been accepted for publication. Atlanta Review is taking my poem "Visiting" and Bayou is taking "Daughters are such a blessing." I should probably have spent this weekend in Vegas."
Congrats, Amie, on these upcoming publications!
Atlanta Review website:
Atlanta Review
Bayou website:
Bayou
"I found out this weekend that two more of my poems have been accepted for publication. Atlanta Review is taking my poem "Visiting" and Bayou is taking "Daughters are such a blessing." I should probably have spent this weekend in Vegas."
Congrats, Amie, on these upcoming publications!
Atlanta Review website:
Atlanta Review
Bayou website:
Bayou
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Congrats to Joan Dy (MFA '05)!
Joan Dy's chapbook "The Taste of Saltwater" has been accepted for publication by Finishing Line Press. This chapbook was also a finalist in the Slapering Hol and Copperdome chapbook competitions!
Congrats, Joan!
Finishing Line is also publishing a chapbook by Kathyrn Kerr, another SIUC MFA graduate.
Finishing Line Press
Congrats, Joan!
Finishing Line is also publishing a chapbook by Kathyrn Kerr, another SIUC MFA graduate.
Finishing Line Press
Friday, September 12, 2008
Congrats to Amie Whittemore!
Great news from Amie Whittemore (poetry, second-year):
"I am delighted to inform you that I just found out my poem "The Calendar" won Honorable Mention in the RATTLE poetry contest, which means $100 in my pocket and publication in the Winter 2008 issue. Feel free to share and dance a jig. :)"
Congrats, Amie!
Rattle's Website:
Rattle
"I am delighted to inform you that I just found out my poem "The Calendar" won Honorable Mention in the RATTLE poetry contest, which means $100 in my pocket and publication in the Winter 2008 issue. Feel free to share and dance a jig. :)"
Congrats, Amie!
Rattle's Website:
Rattle
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Poemspotting: Steve Trebellas (aka Steve Leek) MFA '05
"Sweet Dimes," a poem by Steve Trebellas (aka Steve Leek) MFA '05 (poetry), appears in the current issue of GLASS: A Journal of Poetry.
GLASS
Glass is now accepting submissions for their next issue:
Submission Guidelines
GLASS
Glass is now accepting submissions for their next issue:
Submission Guidelines
Congrats to Josh Woods!
from today's e-mail:
"My short story "Small Dead Monkey" will be published in MAIN STREET RAG's anthology about eccentric women. This is the second anthology to feature the Rachel Furey/Josh Woods team-up (or maybe it's just that I'm publishingly stalking Rachel)."
If you're going to emulate anyone, it should be Rachel! Congrats to you both!
Here's information on the anthology both Rachel and Josh will be in:
Main Street Rag Fiction Anthology
"My short story "Small Dead Monkey" will be published in MAIN STREET RAG's anthology about eccentric women. This is the second anthology to feature the Rachel Furey/Josh Woods team-up (or maybe it's just that I'm publishingly stalking Rachel)."
If you're going to emulate anyone, it should be Rachel! Congrats to you both!
Here's information on the anthology both Rachel and Josh will be in:
Main Street Rag Fiction Anthology
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Essayspotting: Melissa Scholes Young
Melissa Scholes Young, a first-year student in fiction, has an essay in the latest issue of Mothering Magazine:
Baby Naming 101
Baby Naming 101
Poemspotting: Kerry James Evans
"Monopoly," a poem by Kerry James Evans (poetry, third-year) appears in the latest issue of Eclipse, a literary journal published in California.
Eclipse has no website, but you can find more about this journal at
New Pages
Eclipse has no website, but you can find more about this journal at
New Pages
Monday, September 08, 2008
Good news from Laura Gross!
from an e-mail from Laura Gross, second year MFA student in poetry:
"Just wanted to let you know that my poem "3AM" that appeared in the e-zine Chantarelle's Notebook earlier this year has been selected to be published in their "best of" annual print journal as well. This is one of my older poems that I wrote before starting the MFA program, but I am still excited."
Congrats, Laura!
Here's the issue in which Laura's poem appears:
Chantarelle's Notebook
"Just wanted to let you know that my poem "3AM" that appeared in the e-zine Chantarelle's Notebook earlier this year has been selected to be published in their "best of" annual print journal as well. This is one of my older poems that I wrote before starting the MFA program, but I am still excited."
Congrats, Laura!
Here's the issue in which Laura's poem appears:
Chantarelle's Notebook
Sunday, September 07, 2008
New Adrian Matejka poems up at ANTI-
Adrian Matejka (MFA '01) is the featured poet for the literary journal ANTI-
Check out the moves here:
ANTI-
Check out the moves here:
ANTI-
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Return of Reading and Drinking on 9/10
The long-awaited return!
Reading & Drinking resumes on Wed 9/10/08 at 7pm
Melange, 607 S. Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
Come hear
Poetry
Fiction
Drama
Enjoy
Drink Specials
Trivia
Prizes
Reading & Drinking resumes on Wed 9/10/08 at 7pm
Melange, 607 S. Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
Come hear
Poetry
Fiction
Drama
Enjoy
Drink Specials
Trivia
Prizes
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Illinois Arts Council awards Crab Orchard Review Operating Support Grant
Crab Orchard Review is proud and pleased to announce a grant of $5,610 from the Illinois Arts Council for operational support for Fiscal Year 2009.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Chad Simpson Update
Chad Simpson (MFA '05, fiction) has a "napkin story" up at Esquire's book blog:
Check it out here:
Chad on a napkin
Check it out here:
Chad on a napkin
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Congrats to Sara Burge (MFA '08)!
Just received this cheery e-mail from Sara Burge (MFA '08, poetry):
Hi Allison!
I got an email from Virginia Quarterly Review saying they want to publish "God of Chocolate, God of War." Of course, I emailed back that they could. It should be out in the Summer 2009 issue, and they're going to pay me some money for it!! I'm really excited about this, and thought I'd share with you!
Sara Burge
Thanks for sharing, Sara! And congrats on an excellent publication acceptance!
Hi Allison!
I got an email from Virginia Quarterly Review saying they want to publish "God of Chocolate, God of War." Of course, I emailed back that they could. It should be out in the Summer 2009 issue, and they're going to pay me some money for it!! I'm really excited about this, and thought I'd share with you!
Sara Burge
Thanks for sharing, Sara! And congrats on an excellent publication acceptance!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Departmental Reception: Friday, August 29
English Department Reception in honor of new faculty, staff and graduate assistants on Friday, August 29, 2008
5 to 7 pm
J.W. Corker Lounge, Student Center
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
5 to 7 pm
J.W. Corker Lounge, Student Center
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Fabulous news about Adrian Matejka (MFA '01)
Adrian Matejka's second book, Mixology, has been chosen for publication in the National Poetry Series! The book will be coming out from Penguin, and was chosen for the prize by acclaimed poet Kevin Young. Congratulations, AD!
Adrian (MFA '01) is also the author of The Devil's Garden (Alice James Books).
The official announcement for 2008 is not yet on the website, but here is the link:
National Poetry Series
Adrian (MFA '01) is also the author of The Devil's Garden (Alice James Books).
The official announcement for 2008 is not yet on the website, but here is the link:
National Poetry Series
Chad Parmenter Interviews poet Reginald Shepherd
Chad Parmenter (MFA '05, poetry) has an interview with poet Reginald Shepherd in the September/October 2008 issue of the American Poetry Review.
Essayspotting: Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00)
"Hawk's Cave," an essay by Kathryn Kerr (MFA '00, poetry) appears in the new issue of Big Muddy: A Journal of the Mississippi River Valley (Volume 8, Number 1). Big Muddy is published by Southeast Missouri State University.
More about Big Muddy here:
Big Muddy
More about Big Muddy here:
Big Muddy
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Congrats to Rachel Furey!
Good news from Rachel Furey (fiction, third year):
Dear Allison:
I just wanted to let you know that my short story "The Pet Mortician" was accepted into Main Street Rag's short fiction anthology focusing on eccentric women characters.
Best Regards,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
The anthology Rachel will be in is still accepting submissions until September 15. Check it out at
Main Street Rag Fiction
Dear Allison:
I just wanted to let you know that my short story "The Pet Mortician" was accepted into Main Street Rag's short fiction anthology focusing on eccentric women characters.
Best Regards,
Rachel Furey
Congrats, Rachel!
The anthology Rachel will be in is still accepting submissions until September 15. Check it out at
Main Street Rag Fiction
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
2008 Devil's Kitchen Festival Writers
The line-up for this year's Devil's Kitchen Literary Festival is now set. This year's festival, to be held October 23, 24 and 25, is sponsored by Grassroots, the undergraduate literary magazine of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Writers who will be appearing at this year's festival are (drumroll please!):prose writers Jim Tomlinson, Anne Panning, Amy Knox Brown and Josh Goldfaden and poets Janice N. Harrington, Richard Jones, Sean Nevin and Jennifer Perrine.
The festival is free and open to the public. It's always a great time for writers and readers.
Writers who will be appearing at this year's festival are (drumroll please!):prose writers Jim Tomlinson, Anne Panning, Amy Knox Brown and Josh Goldfaden and poets Janice N. Harrington, Richard Jones, Sean Nevin and Jennifer Perrine.
The festival is free and open to the public. It's always a great time for writers and readers.
SIUC MFA Program in Creative Writing now on Facebook
A Facebook Group for the SIUC MFA Program was launched today! Now there are two ways to keep up with the goings-on in Carbondale--this blog and our Facebook Group.
The group can be found at
Friends of the SIUC MFA Program
The group can be found at
Friends of the SIUC MFA Program
Friday, August 08, 2008
Brown Bag Luncheon for New and Returning MFA Students
There will be a brown bag luncheon for all new and returning MFA students on Thursday, August 14 from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. in Faner Hall 1222. So come, bring your lunch, and spend some time with the MFA faculty.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Welcome to Carbondale, New MFA Students!
MFA Carbondale is happy and proud to welcome these new students to the program, the university, and the community:
Mark Jay Brewin, poetry
Brenna Lemieux, poetry
Sarah McCartt, poetry
Derand Wright, poetry
Katie Zapoluch, poetry
Janelle Blasdel, fiction
Lane Kareska, fiction
Charles Lemmink, fiction
Richard Pechous, fiction
Brooks Rexrout, fiction
Erin Thompson, fiction
Melissa Young, fiction
Welcome to the Dale!
Mark Jay Brewin, poetry
Brenna Lemieux, poetry
Sarah McCartt, poetry
Derand Wright, poetry
Katie Zapoluch, poetry
Janelle Blasdel, fiction
Lane Kareska, fiction
Charles Lemmink, fiction
Richard Pechous, fiction
Brooks Rexrout, fiction
Erin Thompson, fiction
Melissa Young, fiction
Welcome to the Dale!
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