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SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Opportunities, Events, News and Other Information

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Calls for Submissions

Opportunities Knocks

DRIFTWOOD PRESS, a quarterly literary magazine that is out of Florida, considers submission of fiction, poetry, photography, graphic narrative, literary criticism, and interviews. Details HERE.

GREAT WEATHER FOR MEDIA is still accepting submissions for consideration for its next annual anthology of poetry, flash fiction, short stories, dramatic monologues, and creative nonfiction. Deadline: January 15, 2017  Details HERE.

WEST TEXAS REVIEW is seeking submissions for its inaugural issue to include “poems, essays, flash fiction, and photographs that bring value to the page. We want work that is thoughtful, deliberate, and authentic. We want work that is concrete and direct, and can justify its own existence. Think of poets like William Carlos Williams, Anne Sexton, and Nikki Giovanni. Think of essayists like George Orwell. Think of short story writers like Donald Barthelme, Octavio Paz, and Jorge Luis Borges. We want your best work and, if you send us your best work, we will treat it with respect and care.” It apparently intends to accept submissions year-round but there’s no indication of the deadline for this first issue or the date of publication. Details HERE.

THE BeZINE theme for January is Resist. We are piggy-backing on Michael Rothenberg’s and Alan Kaufman’s call to American poets to resist the incoming president. Our effort is not restricted to poetry or to the United States. We’re doing a global call for submissions that counter policies – no matter what country – which undermine equity, foster poverty, encourage elitism, hate and scapegoating … all those things that pit people against people, putting many people at risk of disease, homelessness, starvation and murder. Please read the submission guidelines first. Send your work to bardogroup@gmail.com.

ARTEMISpoetry (UK) Poetry Deadlines: Issue 18, February 28, 2017 and Issue 19, August 31, 2017. “Women poets only, of any age. Unpublished poetry only and not out in submission elsewhere.  Strict limit:max 4 poems; the total number of lines in all should not exceed 200 lines (i.e. you could send a poem of 200 lines and this would restrict your submission to just one poem).  Two copies, A4 paper only [U.S. standard letter paper – 8 1/2 x 11 is the closest we have in the US to A4], typed or neatly handwritten.  Each numbered sheet to bear the poet’s contact details (name, address, telephone, e-mail). Artwork – Black and white photographs or line-art sketches are welcome for submission. Four max.Send to ARTEMISpoetry, ATTN.: Dilys Wood, 3 Springfield Close, East Preston, West Sussex, BN162 SZ.”

Contests

Opportunity Knocks

THE SOCIETY OF MIDLAND AUTHORS annual awards contest categories are adult fiction, adult nonfiction, biography, children’s fiction, children’s nonfiction and poetry. The announcement isn’t up yet so watch the site. It should post soon. Or, subscribe to its email updates. Details HERE.

THE RATTLE CHAPBOOK PRIZE accepting manuscripts of 15-30 pages for review. $20 entry fee includes a subscriptions. Multiple entries by a single poet are allowed as separate entries. Deadline: January 15, 2017 Details HERE.

MOMENT MAGAZINE-KARMA FOUNDATION Short Fiction Contest “encourages writers to submit stories related to Judaism or Jewish culture or history. Established in 2000. Moment will award up to three prizes to outstanding works of unpublished short fiction with Jewish content.” Winners will receive cash prizes and will read from their work in our annual Manhattan literary ceremony and celebration. First place: $1,000 plus possible publication Second place: $500 plus possible publication; Third place: $250 plus possible publication. Entry fee $15 Details HERE. Deadline: January 29, 2017

THE MASTERS REVIEW, a platform for emerging writers is hosting a winter award. The winning story will be awarded $2000 and publication online. Second and third place stories will be awarded publication and $200 and $100 respectively. All winners and honorable mentions will receive agency review by: Amy Williams of The Williams Agency, Victoria Marini from Irene Goodman, and Laura Biagi from Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. We want you to succeed, and we want your writing to be read. It’s been our mission to support emerging writers since day one.” Further detail HERE.

FELLOWSHIP

NIEMAN-BERKMAN KLEIN FELLOWSHIP in Journalism Innovation is for working journalist and the deadline for application is: International 12/31-2016, U.S. 1/31/2017 Details HERE.

EVENTS

Meet the Editors, Reading with Open Mic, A poetry reading that includes time for readers from the floor. 7:30 pm Sun, 5 Feb 2017 Torriano Meeting House [London (North West)]  Part of a series: Torriano £5/£4 according to pocketM Readings, Open Mic, & panel discussion…Host: Peter Phillips, Editors’: Alwyn Marriage (Oversteps Books), Jeremy Page (The Frogmore Press), Anne Stewart (poetry p f)

A Celebration of Cumbrian Poetry, Words by the Water Festival, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick [Keswick] North West, 5:30 pm Tue, 7 Mar 2017,Free Event. Helen Fletcher will be reading from the lightbulb has stigmata, supporting Jacci Bulman reading from her collection A whole day through from waking. There will also be readings from Alison Barr, Josephine Dickinson, Amy Heys, Nicola Jackson, Kathleen Jones, Kim Moore and Mary Robinson in a celebration of Cumbrian poetry.

TIDBIT

Note: There are two videos in this section.  If you are reading this post from an email subscription, you’ll need to link through to the site to view them. Enjoy!

A poetry publisher on the math of rejection.

SPECIAL NOTE: A MUST READ FOR ALL AMERICANS

RECOMMEND READ FOR THIS WEEK (The Third Reconstruction): The man who is making a difference. The book that is changing perspectives and is fast becoming the “common read” at many organizations, the salve for our wounded hearts and souls. If you haven’t heard him talk and you’re not religious, just give him a chance. His strategy makes sense.

The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Divsion and Fear by the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

800px-william_barber_at_moral_mondays_rallyREV. BARBER is a conservative Christian who embraces the full religious, ethnic and racial diversity of our country. Some say he is this era’s Martin Luther King, Jr.  He believes in the dignity and worth of all people and the essential inter-relationship of all human beings. He stands for compassion, unity and social, environmental and economic justice.

In reading his views and about his work, I found myself moved to both hope and joy. This memoir is not simply an emotional or moral reaction. It’s a pragmatic plan for a more just and equitable country. I agree with Rev. Barber that our emerging leadership is encouraging scapegoating, a divide-and-conquer strategy that foments racial strife and economic inequality and the pitting of the 99% against one-another for the exclusive benefit of the 1%.

” … he laid the groundwork for a state-by-state movement that unites black, white, and brown, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, gay and straight, documented and undocumented, religious and secular. Only such a diverse fusion movement, Rev. Barber argues, can heal our nation’s wounds and produce public policy that is morally defensible, constitutionally consistent, and economically sane. The Third Reconstruction is both a blueprint for movement building and an inspiring call to action from the twenty-first century’s most effective grassroots organizer.”

Photo credit ~ courtesy of TWBuckner under CC BY 2.O License

THE POET BY DAY SUNDAY announcements

Submit your event, book launch and other announcements at least fourteen days in advance to thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Publication is subject to editorial discretion.

Effective 12/11/2016 Jamie Dedes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The WordPlay Shop, the review and publication policies of this site … and an important book recommendation for all Americans

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THE WORDPLAY SHOP: books, tools and supplies for poets, writers and readers

Since the 11th of this month posts here often include a link to The Poet by Day store (The WordPlay Shop, an Amazon Affiliate), a natural extension in support of this site and its mission to champion poets and writers and to broaden and continue to offer resources and inspiration.

THE POET BY DAY POLICIES:

Though I have made the site an Amazon Affiliate, I continue my standard policy of not accepting – and I will never receive or accept  – compensation to offer opinions on books, magazines, movies and documentaries, products, services, websites or political interests.The opinions expressed on this blog are entirely my own. I reserve the right to change my mind.

If I review it here or recommend it in the bookstore, it means I appreciate the work and find the content worthwhile.

I don’t do negative reviews, I simply don’t review books, magazines or films I don’t like or find wanting.

I do not return material submitted to me for review.

If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, chapbook, magazine or film, here are some general guidelines:

  • nothing that foments hate or misunderstanding
  • nothing violent or encouraging of violence
  • English only, though Spanish is okay if accompanied by translation
  • your book or other product doesn’t have to be available through Amazon for review here, but it does need to be easy for readers to find through your website or other source.
  • I do my best to feature products or services that I believe are worthy of your time and consideration based on my experience or their reputation or on recommendations by colleagues and readers. Nonetheless, any event, competition, product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about an event, competition, book, magazine, association, practice, film or other type of product or service should be verified by you with the author, manufacturer, provider, or other authority.

Awards and Contests – These are for generating income for the host organization. As in any other line of work, some are more reputable than others. I don’t enter every competition or have experience with all hosts, so please be sure to do your own homework.

Events – I am largely homebound due to disability and the need for supplemental oxygen. I no longer attend conventions and other events for poets and writers. For event information I have to rely on reputation and/or recommendations from readers, colleagues and friends. Again, be sure to do your own homework.

Some information is just that – information – and not necessarily recommendation.

Jamie Dedes

SPECIAL NOTE: A MUST READ FOR ALL AMERICANS

The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Divsion and Fear by the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

800px-william_barber_at_moral_mondays_rallyREV. BARBER is a conservative Christian who embraces the full religious, ethnic and racial diversity of our country. Some say he is this era’s Martin Luther King, Jr.  He believes in the dignity and worth of all people and the essential inter-relationship of all human beings. He stands for compassion, unity and social, environmental and economic justice.

In reading his views and about his work, I found myself moved to both hope and joy. This memoir is not simply an emotional or moral reaction. It’s a pragmatic plan for a more just and equitable country. I agree with Rev. Barber that our emerging leadership is encouraging scapegoating, a divide-and-conquer strategy that foments racial strife and economic inequality and the pitting of the 99% against one-another for the exclusive benefit of the 1%.

” … he laid the groundwork for a state-by-state movement that unites black, white, and brown, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, gay and straight, documented and undocumented, religious and secular. Only such a diverse fusion movement, Rev. Barber argues, can heal our nation’s wounds and produce public policy that is morally defensible, constitutionally consistent, and economically sane. The Third Reconstruction is both a blueprint for movement building and an inspiring call to action from the twenty-first century’s most effective grassroots organizer.”

Photo credit ~ courtesy of TWBuckner under CC BY 2.O License

you will rise again, a poem

img_3620the sun is fading,
the starlight tarnished,
but the brilliant moon
whispers in the night ~
you will rise again

“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” Isaiah 58:12

For all the people I know and don’t know who work tirelessly for social justice, peace and sustainability.

Thanks for the inspiration Linda F., good friend, book buddy and now-and-then lunch buddy. 

© 2016, poem and illustration, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved

♥ ♥ ♥

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THE ART BEAT: Kudos to Dutch Nature Artist Paula Kuitenbrouwer on her newest book

8103372-9c1f4a2a29abdb8bf0d1c7398b7d8cabPAULA KUITENBOUWER is a Dutch nature artist. Her particular special gift is to help us appreciate the beauty of the natural world. I’m pleased that she’s compiled a portfolio of her art into a book that includes twenty-four of her drawings along with thirteen short explanations. This master of the tools of her trade shares with us the kind of beauty that can only be found through sustained observation and a meditative approach to art. Paula’s work has inspired a number of my poems but the poem featured below was really fun to write.

Several years ago Paula wrote an explaination to go with a colored sketch that featured a beetle.  Since Paula is a good writer as well as a fine artist, the first line was both an homage to her unutterable respect for life and absolute poetry filled with the promise of story.

“I found a Carabidae beetle in a bucket with water and regretted its death by drowning… “

The line put me in mind of Isak Dinesen‘s unforgettable opening for Out of Africa,

“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills . . . “

Something about those evocative sentences lets you know there’s a good story to come. And there was.

“It lay there for at least an hour and I hoped so much it would give a sign of life. Then I did the most crazy thing imaginable; I turned it on its back, squeezed it gently, and gave it heart massage (don’t ask). Three drops of water came out. I have no clue why I did such a weird thing. Would somebody tell me he or she had given cardiac massage to a beetle, I would have laughed out loud.” [Paula Kuitenbrouwer]

Check out Paula’s fine art at Mindful Drawing.

I REGRETTED ITS DEATH BY  DROWNING

after Paula Kuitenbrouwer

the garden floating in violet and ruby hues,
by the side of the house, a beetle floats too,
so jewel-like, amethyst and brilliant against
the dull gray water, it does not move

it lies there still as the dead of noon across
a bone-colored desert, and her hand so white,
wing-like flutters against its rigor, laying it
on the table, by a pad to sketch with pencils

that minuscule life, no will to release it
into whatever beetle heaven there might be,
laying tender finger to knead a tube-like heart
holding her breath, willing air into spiracles

wishful thinking? a flicker from the antennae?
slight movement of a leg? perhaps, perhaps
some healing pressure, one gentle push,
three drops of water, success in late hours

to savel a beetle, to sketch in varied colors
with time to hug the child and sip hot tea …
a creature rescued from death by drowning
and cherish the mindful drawing for a memory

– Jamie Dedes

© 2012, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved; Photo credit ~ David Wagner, Public Domain Pictures.net

♥ ♥ ♥

THE WORDPLAY SHOP: books, tools and supplies for poets, writers and readers

LITERATURE AND FICTION oo Editor’s Picks oo Award Winners oo NY Times Best Sellers