When Poets Talk
Settle in with a cup of something cozy and enjoy this audio post, including a poetry reading, a discussion among poets, and thoughts on all my favorite topics: Dreams, writing, and ancient stories.
On October 29, 2024, I sat down with Ellen Miller-Mack, Jon Plodzik, and Riley Bowen at the WMUA radio station at UMass for the Poet Talk series to discuss poetry, dreams, and why I love revisiting ancient stories.
During our conversation, I read and talked about Lucille Clifton’s poem, “The Times,” which launched a discussion of troubling times past and present.
That led to musings on other times, from Ancient Mesopotamia, up to today—and beyond, as we considered the timeless realm of dreams and the imagination.
Settle in with a cup of something cozy, or take this audio post with you on a walk or drive, and enjoy!
Here are links to resources I mention in the broadcast:
The Times, by Lucille Clifton, which I share here as one of my favorite poems by one of my favorite poets. (Timestamp 1:48)
The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined where I share poems and poetic musings about Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham and my efforts to wake up stories from Genesis and find their relevance to our life and times today. (Timestamp 5:30)
Dreaming on the Page, my book about tapping into your dreamy imagination to supercharge your writing. (Timestamp 27:32)
30 Poems in November, where you can learn more about my poem-a-thon to raise money for free English classes for immigrants including refugees and asylum seekers in western Massachusetts. (Timestamp 55:49)
For 30 days in November I will attempt to (at least) write a rough poetic translation of a verse from Sarah’s story each day. With your support this effort will benefit the women, men, and families in my community who are here to pursue the American dream, and who are working hard to learn English and become productive and dedicated US citizens. When you donate to my 30 Days in November Challenge, in addition to knowing that you are contributing to an amazing cause, you’ll receive complimentary access to paid subscriber benefits to The Life of H: Sarah Reimagined through the end of 2024. That’s where I’ll share my poetic translations, poems, and fundraising progress with you as I go.
New opportunities
Finding 101 Wonderful Things:
A Year-end review ritual to build your happiness muscle
Starting Nov. 29 for 5 weeks for paid subscribers!
No registration needed! This mini-course is free for paid subscribers, and will automatically be sent out to you. If you are not currently a paid subscriber, upgrade to paid to receive the mini-course in your inbox beginning Nov. 29.
Read more about the course here:
Come home to your writing this winter in this virtual writing retreat
Register by Nov. 15 for Early Bird discounts!
In this low-cost Write-at-Home retreat, you’ll write at home at your desk or by the hearth—or close to home: at a local café or library—it’s up to you.
You don’t have to book a room, board a flight, or pack a bag! Just settle into your favorite comfy chair and enjoy a weekend of focused writing, prompts, encouragement, and community.
Work on a big project or just get in the flow with daily writing prompts and virtual check-ins with a community of other writers.
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 24-26. Beginning Friday at 4 p.m. US Eastern Time through Sunday at 4:30 p.m. US Eastern Time.
Early Bird Special when you register by Nov. 15