your all hallows annogram

More Treats than Tricks

Woo-hoo! My Halloween bag features “Excision” in Cliterature, “The Beauty of Distorted Vocals” in Amsterdam Quarterly, and “Invisible Man” in Poetry Salzburg. Women’s Studies Quarterly, the winnow, Adanna, and the anthology Keep Texas Salty have accepted more. Ed Ahern and I are in Nocturne – Poetry of the Night (CultureCult, 2019); Bateau Lit and Tentacular will shortly publish more Sanguinetti translations.

Translation for Writers in Garrison

Ann Lauinger, Beth Gersh-Nesic and me

If you know a bit of another language, you can enrich your publishing credits through literary translation. Poet Ann Lauinger, art historian Beth Gersh-Nešić, and I will share about opportunities in the booming field of global literature at the Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison, on November 2 at 1:30pm. Thanks to Mary Newell, founder and coordinator of the Hudson Highlands Poetry Series, for inviting and hosting us.

Sundays with George – mais oui

The Hudson River - Photo
by Sarah Bracey White

You can also catch Translation for Writers at the Shames JCC on the Hudson, November 10 at 1:30pm. This poetry series this fall featured Natalie Safir and Tony Howarth reading new work—a pleasure to hear in the JCC’s intimate library. Our gratitude to George Kraus PhD for both practicing and supporting literary translation.

Poetry and Translation at Curley’s Diner

Thanks to poet Ralph Nazareth for inviting me to read at Curley’s Diner in Stamford on November 19 at 7pm. I look forward to sharing both poetry and translation, and secrets for publishing both, with some of Fairfield County’s finest poets. Come be nourished by comfort food and the spoken word!

Picasso’s Unlikely Friendship

Who witnessed the birth of modern art? One observer was poet André Salmon, Picasso’s long-time friend, who critiqued modernism in a way that converted those scandalized by it. In Pablo Picasso and André Salmon: The Painter, the Poet and the Portraits (ZaMir Press, 2019), a compelling narrative, intimate photos, and sketches track the intrigue between friends. Translator Beth Gersh-Nešić makes Jacqueline Gojard’s scholarship accessible in this must-read jewel of a book. If you liked Bonnard/Matisse: Letters Between Friends (Abrams, 1992), you will treasure this too.

Play It Loud at the Met

Photo by Michael Cefola

Michael and I loved seeing Bo Diddley’s “Twang Machine” or box guitar, Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit used with the Beatles, Jeff Beck’s 1954 Fender Esquire featured in the Yardbirds, a seminal 60s British Invasion band; and Van Halen’s “Frankenstein” guitar built from various parts—known as “one of the most recognizable guitars of all time.” You can see me in the background inspecting it.

CRWROPPS Goes Blog

Allison Joseph

Thanks to poet and writer Allison Joseph for bringing us glorious submission opportunities in her famous CRWROPPS Yahoo list-serve. Last week, she wrote that Yahoo is ending this service. In December, Allison will make the listings available three times a week on her new CRWROPPS blog. annogram salutes Allison, and especially extends condolences on the death of her husband, poet Jon Tribble.

New Releases

Patricia Carragon, Meowku (Poets Wear Prada, 2019)

Llyn Clague, Up Close and Nuclear (Twigs Press, 2019)

Jim Daniels and M.L Liebler, editors, RESPECT: The Poetry of Detroit Music (Michigan State University Press, 2019).

Jim Daniels, The Perp Walk (Michigan State University Press, 2019).

Herbert Hadad, Tender and Tough: 60 Years of Storytelling (Independent Press, 2019)

Pamela L. Laskin, Why No Goodbye (Leapfrog Press, 2019)

Robert Murphy, Among the Enigmas (Dos Madres Press, 2019)

Creative Opportunities

Writer's Retreat at
Good Contrivance Farm

Fairfield Library, Poetry: Writing, Reading, Getting Published, November 2, 1-2pm

Fairfield Library, The A-Z of Publishing Short Writing, November 2, 2:15-3pm

Good Contrivance Farm (Maryland), Writer’s Retreat Loft or Hen Cottage for rent, special 25% discount for writers, email ron@historicfarm.org

The Pedestal Magazine open to poetry through November 24

Vitamin ZZZ, submit poems about sleep

Paraclete Press Inaugural Poetry Prize, submit 60-75 page manuscripts by January 30

John C. Hart Memorial Library, Yorktown Poetry Workshop, fourth Wednesdays, 6pm

Hudson Valley Writers Center Open Mic Nights 7:30-9:30 third Fridays

Mahopac Library, Poetry Workshop, second Wednesdays, 6:30pm (second floor); Writers Group, every Thursday, 6:30pm (third floor)

Moosewood Pumpkin Pie

Yeah, here it is again. I’d rather eat it than write about it. Enjoy!

3 cups pumpkin puree

¾ cup honey

2 tablespoons molasses

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1 ½ teaspoons ginger

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs, slightly beaten

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

2 frozen 9-inch pie shells, prepared per directions

Mix in order given. Pour into pie shells and bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then 40 minutes at 350 degrees, or till set. For a delicious pumpkin pudding, omit pie shell. Bake filling in buttered baking dish and serve with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream.

Poetry / Literary / Art Events

"Bone Scroll" by Maxine Silverman

Studio Montclair (NJ) Gallery, assemblages by Maxine Silverman in exhibit “Everyday Objects”; reception, November 1, 7-9pm

Desmond-Fish Library, November 2, 1:30pm, Translation for Writers; Ann Cefola, Beth Gersh-Nešić, Ann Lauinger

Learning in Retirement, Temple Beth El (Stamford), November 4, 1-3pm, Beth Gersh-Nešić on "American Women Artists”; and November 11, 1-3pm, on "20th Century European Women Artists"

Lunar Walk Poetry Series, November 9, 4:30pm, Andrey Gritsman and Margo Taft Stever

Shames JCC on the Hudson, Sundays with George Poetry Series; translators Ann Cefola, Beth Gersh-Nešić, Ann Lauinger, November 10, 1:30pm

McNally Jackson Seaport, November 11, 7pm, Pamela Hart, Abby E. Murray

Books of Wonder, November 14, 6pm, Pamela L. Laskin launch, Why No Goodbye (Leapfrog Press, 2019)

Tea Bag art by Linda Simone

Katonah Library, November 17, 4pm, Deborah Landau, $10

Greenburgh Town Hall, November 16, 12-2pm, Kids Short Story Connection Reading, free

The Poetry Institute Reading Series Open Mic (New Haven), third Thursdays, 7pm; free, open to public

Kapej Gallery and Cafe (San Antonio), November 22, 6-9pm, opening reception for exhibit of Linda Simone watercolors and Laura Lopez artwork

ʼRound the Net

Greenburgh Arts and Culture Executive Director Sarah Bracey White on interviewing artist Hope Friedland

Art Historian Beth Gersh-Nešić for her fantastic article on digital tours of the great Paris museums and having her new translation reviewed in France by poet Jean-Luc Pouliquen

Norwalk Poet Laureate Bill Hayden for quoting Krista Tippett’s On Being blog: “Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates says he finds it in the choice to simply write ‘as you hear it’ — without hesitation or explanation or apology”

Poet Cindy Hochman for her review of John Fry’s with the dogstar as my witness in The Pedestal Magazine, and this wonderful interview of Cindy by Christal Ann Rice Cooper

Cindy Hochman
on the Walt Whitman tour

Poet J. Chester Johnson for achieving a memorial last month to African Americans slaughtered in the Elaine Race Massacre (1919)

Poet Mary McCray for her review of the American Writers Museum

Yorktown Poet Laureate John McMullen for recommending the amazing online course, ModPo, journals that pay and his poem about a celebrity encounter

Poet Linda Simone for this fun palindrome game

Photo by Michael Cefola

Remember my late bloomer? Still fully launched, two months later, with new blue tips that turn purple, red, and finally pink. Its message is “We can change, we can grow, we are here to stay!” Late bloomers rejoice.

Until next time,

Ann

your end-of-summer annogram

Welcome Back!

Ann, Mary Ellen, Charlie, Terry,
Sarah and Linda in Bennington

Whaddya do for vacation? On the literary front, I gave a reading with my dear friends, the Sapphires, at the beautiful Bennington home of NEA Poet Charlie Rossiter. What a warm reception from Vermont locals! Terry Dugan, Linda Simone, Sarah Bracey White, and I read from our latest books. Thanks to the Rossiters, including Charlie’s spouse, museum strategist Mary Ellen Munley, and son, journalist Jack Rossiter-Munley, for hosting a delightful summer evening.

Globe-Trotting

Amsterdam

Amsterdam Quarterly and Poetry Salzburg will publish my poems this fall and, last spring, Yan He (Yellow River) in China included four translated by noted translator Chen Du. This happily follows anthology entries in London and Madrid. Closer to home, Adanna will publish “Prayer to Her Girlfriends,” John McMullen has selected three poems for his Hudson River Valley anthology, and Gnashing Teeth Publishing accepted “Tonic” for its cooking volume Heat the Grease, We’re Frying Up Some Poetry.

Sanguinetti, Like-Nothing-Else

Hélène Sanguinetti

After reading from Hélène Sanguinetti’s The Hero (Chax Press, 2018) chez Rossiter, I was amazed by the response. “While I could not follow it with my head,” said poet Jerry Byrd, “I felt it in my body. It was like being stabbed.” People are “getting” Sanguinetti, and you can too—with Alparegho, Like-Nothing-Else (The Operating System). Preorder this book that award-winning poet Ann Lauinger calls “a seductive, breathless romp.” Find more poems translated in Columbia Journal, and soon in Bateau Lit and Tentacular.

Hudson Highlands Poetry Series

Photo by Sarah Bracey White

Speaking about translation, mark your calendars for a panel discussion on leveraging a second language to advance your literary path. Come to a special Hudson Highlands Poetry event on Saturday, November 2, 1:30pm, at the Desmond-Fish Library. Poet Ann Lauinger, art historian Beth Gersh-Nešić, and I will spill the beans on translation—and it’s all good news. Be sure to attend readings in this wonderful series (see Literary Events below) featuring excellent poets in this scenic river town.

Sundays with George—and Natalie and Toni

Natalie Safir

One of my favorite reading venues, Sundays with George at the JCC in Tarrytown, will feature poet Natalie Safir and playwright and poet Toni Howarth, September 22^nd at 1:30pm. Dr. George Kraus has curated a wonderful group of local poets for lively and fun readings. On November 10^th, Ann Lauinger, Beth Gersh-Nešić, and I will reprise our translation panel for writers if you miss the Garrison event.

What Love of Tea Inspires

Watercolor by Linda Simone

Watercolorist and poet Linda Simone adores her cup of Earl Grey. The talented artist, however, found her passion in painting on tea bags that have been opened and dried. You can see her fascinating and skilled paintings in an exhibit opening at the San Antonio Barista Academy on September 14 at 11am. Come enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and hear young poet Aarav Gedala read Linda’s poems about—what else?—tea.

Calling Young Writers

Know a young writer between 9 and 17 years old? Greenburgh’s Kids Short Story Connection (KSSC) seeks same for workshops led by writer-teachers. Founded by author Sarah Bracey White, KSSC begins its 23^rd session Saturday, September 14. For details, click here or call 914-682-1574. You can also see Sarah’s latest artist-interview on Greenburgh Celebrates the Visual Arts.

Poets and Artists Pair Off in Norwalk

Norwalk, Connecticut

Libraries across Fairfield County are coming together to explore the relationship between art and text in unique exhibits. At the Norwalk Public Library, poets are invited to submit up to three poems, and artists, up to three pieces of art—any medium. If selected, the artist will create a new work based upon a given poem. Send submissions by October 1 to Cynde Bloom Lahey, clahey@norwalkpl.org.

I’m the Reason the Kids Are Dead

Poetry helps us move through the inexplicable, and that’s why Terry Dugan’s book, I’m the Reason the Kids Are Dead (Moonstone Press, 2019) is especially timely. Terry looks at gun violence from the perspective of its victims, returning soldiers, family members, and Parkland survivors. She also bears witness to the early AIDS epidemic, when she was an early field researcher. A must-read in our national conversation on gun violence.

New Releases

Jane Augustine,High Desert (Dos Madres Press, 2019)

Bijan Elahi, tr. Rebecca Ruth Gould, High Tide Of The Eyes (The Operating System, 2019)

Eric Greinke, Invisible Wings (Presa Press, 2019)

John McMullen, The Trump File (bobbeebooks, 2019)

Lisa Samuels, The Long White Cloud of Unknowing (Chax Press, 2019)

Creative Opportunities

Chill at the Poetry Barn’s Catskills Lit Writing Festival and Retreat September 2-5

Apply for the Unterberg Poetry Center Advanced Workshops by September 13

Apply in October for a writer or artist residency next spring or summer at Mass MoCA

Explore the 2019 Catholic Imagination Conference September 19-21

Explore the American Literary Translators Association Conference November 7-10

Norwalk Poetry Workshop, first and third Mondays, at NPL; email poet_laureate@norwalkpl.org

Hudson Valley Writers Center Open Mic Nights 7:30-9:30 third Fridays

Zucchini Patties

An easy vegetarian dish that even meat-lovers enjoy. Pair with end-of-season corn-on-the cob or sliced tomatoes, and you will have a delicious meal.

2 cups coarsely grated zucchini

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

¼ cup minced onion

¼ - ½ cup all-purpose flour as needed

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon dried oregano

vegetable oil

lemon juice and butter

Place zucchini in a strainer and press out as much moisture as possible. Mix zucchini with eggs and onion in large bowl. Combine flour, cheese, baking powder, and seasonings, and add to zucchini mixture. Shape into 4 patties. Heat oil over medium heat and fry patties until lightly browned on both sides. Drain cooked patties and drizzle with lemon juice and butter. Serve immediately.

Poetry / Literary / Art Events

Mary Newell

The Upstream Gallery, Hastings, Drawn from Life Exhibit, through September 1

The Poetry Institute Reading Series Open Mic, New Haven, third Wednesdays, 7pm; free, open to public

Desmond-Fish Library, September 21, 1:30pm, poets Mary Newell, Margo Taft Stever, Jeffrey Yang

The Twig Bookshop at the Pearl, San Antonio, Enchantment of the Ordinary (Mutabilis Press, 2019) reading featuring poets Jim LaVilla-Havelin and Linda Simone, September 27, 5pm

ʼRound the Net

Dora Maar (1907-1997)

Author Sarah Bracey White on being invited back a third time to perform in Read650 on October 27

Poet Suzanne Cleary on having her poem “Summary of 15 Years” featured on Tracy K. Smith’s podcast

The Cultural Services of the French Embassy for a new podcast titled The Thing About France

Art Historian Beth Gersh-Nešić for this fabulous review of the Dora Maar retrospective, and the block-buster Posing Modernity Exhibit, both in Paris

Poet Joy Harjo on becoming US Poet Laureate and talking about her new role

Translator Rachel Hildebrandt Reynolds for this piece on the newly translated 1954 Hemingway short story about a chef and his cat

Toni Morrison (1931-2019)

Poet John Hoppenthaler for writing “What I Learned as Toni Morrison’s Assistant”

Poet J. Chester Johnson for tirelessly championing a physical memorial to African Americans slaughtered in the Elaine Race Massacre (1919)

Poet Mary McCray on being featured in Albuquerque Magazine

Yorktown Poet Laureate John McMullen on having poems in Erothanatos

W. S. Merwin (1927-2019)

Author Maureen Pilkington on winning the American Fiction Award for This Side of Water (Regal House, 2019)

Poets & Writers for this article on preservation efforts of W. S. Merwin’s Hawaiian garden

Translator Rachel Hildebrandt Reynolds for this piece on the newly translated 1954 Hemingway short story about a chef and his cat

Poet Charlie Rossiter for the Poetry Spoken Here podcast series

Need not apply, 2018, Seale Studios
by Lucia LaVilla-Havelin

Journalist Jack Rossiter-Munley and Connor Stratton for the podcast Close Talking, where they closely examine one poem

Poet and artist Linda Simone for this review of The State of Hand Stitch exhibit, and her insightful interview into the creative process with fiber artist Lucia LaVilla-Havelin in Nat. Brute

Filmmaker Angela Virsinger for sharing this clip of Christopher Walken dancing

Author Esmé Weijun Wang on taking compliments

Are you a late bloomer? It took 20 years for this plant to bloom again. I had it repotted two years ago. Asking the young gardener at the nursery if it could flower again, he said, “Oh yeah.” Oh yeah is right. Look at this delicately layered bloom. With rich soil, lots of water, steady sun. And time. Beauty is worth the wait. Welcome to the world, blossom.

Until next time,

Ann