A Pause to Celebrate

Slowing down to appreciate a big milestone.

Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash

As some of you know, I received some very exciting news recently. My second book of poems was chosen for this year’s Washington Prize and will be published next spring.

For the last three weeks, I’ve spent every spare moment finalizing the book for production, working closely with my editor at the press. For a couple of weeks, the book didn’t have a final title. After much deliberation, my editor and I chose Pine Soot Tendon Bone. After that, we could finally announce the news.

It has been a thrilling—and exhausting—time.

The whole experience has been quite different than for my first book. For one thing, it went much faster (just 3+ years vs. 10+). Also I had a lot less blind faith in my ability to write a book and find a publisher. I worked with my eyes open, with more focus on the poems themselves, on the manuscript as a whole, and on identifying potential publishers.

It’s a beautiful outcome, but winning a contest wasn’t my goal.

Over the next months, I’ll be sharing what I learned while putting together this book. For now, I’ll just say: Have faith. If you’ve been at it a while, know that you can create a book that you are proud of. Look for synergies, sweet spots, what brings you alive in the process. Keep going. Keep puzzling out connections and stay with the mess for as long as it takes. That’s in your DNA. You wouldn’t be a poet otherwise.

I’ll be taking a pause from this newsletter for a week or two to accommodate the extra work and to savor this milestone. Thanks for pausing to celebrate with me here! I’ll be back soon.

---

Upcoming Events / Poet to Poet Community

The Poets Circle: Drop-in Conversations

AUGUST: What About Audience?

Aug 16, 12-1pm MT

How much do we consider audience while we're writing? How much should we consider it? Should we consider it at all?

SEPTEMBER: Social Media & Promoting Work

Sept 6, 6-7pm MT & Sept 20, 12-1pm MT

How do authors use social media to promote work? Is it necessary? Do poetry publishers look for authors will social media platforms? What are the alternatives to social media if you're not a fan of social platforms?

---

Fall 2023 Poets Retreat in Taos—only 4 spots left

This fall, join practicing poets for creative renewal in Taos, New Mexico. Enjoy three full days of guided writing, art tours, daily workshops, and guest author talks by nationally recognized poets. Space is limited. Learn more and reserve your spot at the link below.