Advertisements In which I say “oh God same” *CW: addiction* Last weekend I listened to Elton John’s recent autobiography on Audible, read in alternating chapters by the man himself and Taron Egerton, who played him in Rocketman. And let me tell you: you do not need to have had a sixteen-year cocaine habit to findContinue reading “5 Times I Related Way Too Hard to Elton John’s ME”
Category Archives: Literature
A #PoetryMonth Plug
Advertisements In which I do a touch of self-promotion Well, it isn’t all promotion of the self! It’s a (pretty) early glimpse of an anthology of poems by contemporary women writers from around the world, published by the very industrious team at Moon Tide Press. I just so happen to be featured with a poemContinue reading “A #PoetryMonth Plug”
It’s Poetry Month…
Advertisements In which I remind you to spend some time at rhyme and verse …as established by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996. Quarter-century, baby! It’s also Easter weekend, hence this tidbit from the vault of a respected multi-hyphenate forebear. So make room for a poem or several in the next twenty-eight days—theyContinue reading “It’s Poetry Month…”
Some Dr. Seuss You Can Still Read
Advertisements In which I bypass Mulberry Street for roads less traveled In honor of World Poetry Day, and in light of recent news, some thoughts on an arguably perfect poet/notoriously imperfect human: A few of Theodor Geisel’s more unscrupulous renderings are officially cancelled as of this year (and rightly so). Contrary to what some wouldContinue reading “Some Dr. Seuss You Can Still Read”
Lit Review: REMAIN IN LOVE
Advertisements In which I do just that *CW: addiction* This is a story of the tightest rhythm section ever. And possibly the most successful married pop act ever. One of them is French Catholic, which I get; the other is from Kentucky and spent his youth in the KY/OH/western-PA area, which I get. Their jointContinue reading “Lit Review: REMAIN IN LOVE”
Poetry Spotlight: Phillis Wheatley
Advertisements In which I return to a childhood heroine Happy February, all. My American readers will know that this month is Black History Month. I’m going to be spotlighting a few important figures, some of whom I’ve admired for years and others of whom I’ve only just learned abut recently. Also, they’re all going toContinue reading “Poetry Spotlight: Phillis Wheatley”
BRAVE NEW WORLD is Not a Dystopia
Advertisements In which I take arms against a sea of troubles and wind up drowning MIRANDA How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t! PROSPERO ‘Tis new to thee. : The Tempest, Act V Scene 1 *WARNING: SPOILERS* Friends, Americans, countrymen! We haveContinue reading “BRAVE NEW WORLD is Not a Dystopia”
Lit Review: THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT
Advertisements In which I play the Cecilian Defense *WARNING: SPOILERS* I suspect I was always one nudge away from playing chess. Growing up I might have had the makings of an enthusiast if I hadn’t devoted almost all my energies to literary pursuits. Or if I hadn’t been so troublesome at board games, a jealousContinue reading “Lit Review: THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT”
So Beautiful It Hurts
Advertisements In which I direct my readers to a departed talent Gwendolyn Brooks, poet and relentless voice, left us twenty years ago today. For those unfamiliar with her name on sight, she was the mastermind behind the oft-misread “We Real Cool,” She was also: The first Black writer (of any discipline) to win a PulitzerContinue reading “So Beautiful It Hurts”
Write What You Know?
Advertisements In which I question the sagacity of some so-called sage advice We writers have long had the adage “write what you know” lobbed at us, supposedly an encouragement to use our lives as fodder for crafting powerful stories. I started hearing it soon after expressing any sort of long-term interest in creative writing. It’sContinue reading “Write What You Know?”