Early Summer Happenings

Let's write and celebrate milestones together this June.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a dog paddle across some fast-moving currents of work. But soon I’ll be luxuriating in the company of friendly faces, teaching on some of my favorite topics, at LitFest 2024.

I’ve lived landlocked for a long time, but my very first memory is of standing in the surf near Santa Barbara. Later I grew up in Central California where nearly every house had a pool. Summer was practically fatal otherwise—temperatures soared to 120 F and above.

Ahh … the bliss of floating in tepid, chlorine-spiked pool-water then beaching myself face-down on the pavement, getting too hot, and diving back in. I did so many back flips and jackknifes off of our diving board, I still sometimes dream I’m diving.

What are you diving into this summer?

Classes for Poets at LitFest 2024

If you’re in the Denver area, or traveling to attend Lighthouse Writers Workshop’s LitFest conference, come hang out! (There are some virtual events, as well.)

Common Blindspots in Poetry Manuscript Development: June 7, 9-11am MT. This poetry manuscript seminar explores ten common blindspots that keep our books from reaching their true potential. Learn strategies and best practices that help poets overcome these challenges. Get the details and register.​

Poetic Voice: Finding Your Zone of Unique Genius: June 7, 1:30-3:30pm MT. This poetry manuscript seminar explores ten common blindspots that keep our books from reaching their true potential. Learn strategies and best practices that help poets overcome these challenges. CLASS FULL. Join the waitlist.

Lunchtime Business Panel: Contests, Residencies, and More—Ways to Get Out There. June 9, 12:00-1:00pm MT (live and by Zoom). Book contests with publication as a prize are a major way that all kinds of books make it into print, especially story collections, poetry, unconventional memoirs, and hybrid books. Artist residencies can increase your writer profile and lead to new opportunities. From reading series to juried workshops, there are more ways than ever to get your writing in front of those who can help make a career. Hear from authors with diverse experience in the literary world on how achieving a writing career isn’t a straight line but a journey with lots of day trips, rest stops, and double-booking. Register. ​

(If you want earlier access to these classes—plus publishing opportunities and invites to free events—join the Poet to Poet updates list. It’s separate from Substack.)

And ...!

I’ll be reading from my new book, Pine Soot Tendon Bone, at the LitFest Faculty Showcase Reading: June 14, 4:30-5:30pm MT. Register.

Finally, it’s not too late to join me for …

How to Publish Poetry — Lunch & Learn (Virtual)

Are you working on a full-length poetry manuscript or chapbook, or building a portfolio of journal publications? Learn how to work smarter and overcome common obstacles to getting published during these monthly sessions in 2024. Jump in any time. Our next session is June 5th. Get a free guest pass.