The reading last night was ok. I am really rusty though. I read three poems, and when I got up there, I couldn’t feel anything but utter ennui from the crowd, so I sort of sped through my poems to get them over with because I couldn’t hack the non responsiveness. Turns out people were reacting in different ways, and I just couldn’t hear or feel it. So I was glad for this, and not exactly regretful of the way in which I read (I think technically speaking, I did fine) but I think I just need to get myself out there and read more. It sucks to be out of practice like that.
Also, I was totally exhausted from the long day so I am sure I was not my usual exuberant self. But there was one woman there whose work really stood out for me, so I bought the book: Interpretive Work by Elizabeth Bradfield. I was thanking God for her by the time she read (last, deservingly – having the final word of the night) because I needed to hear something that really resonated. (Please note, the other readers were fine, just not my cup of tea). Bradfield was great though. I gave her a signed copy of my chapbook, and she her full-length.
So I brought the book home and am planning on it being the only thing I read while up in Tomales Bay with Sheri today/tomorrow. And I noticed the imprint was Arktoi Books. So I looked it up and guess what it is, my lovely friends: “an imprint of Red Hen Press, was established in 2006 by Eloise Klein Healy to publish literary works of high quality by lesbian writers.”
YAHOO cannot truly capture the joy I feel for this venture, particularly after hearing its inaugural author read her tremendous work! YES YES YES!
So I am adding it to my SLUSH list, and will give you a more in-depth reflection on the book once I finish it.
Tags: arktoi books, elizabeth bradfield, lesbian press, slush
April 20, 2008 at 6:55 pm |
I understand the non-responsive audience thing. Something must have been in the air last week because I read for this group on Tuesday night who were absolutely sucking my will to live.
April 20, 2008 at 8:24 pm |
Hi PWADJ, Sounds like between pony rides and doin’ yo’ poetry(and discovering Ms. Bradfield’s) you had a good, though long, day. Audiences can be weird…. It may be you just couldn’t get a sense of them while reading.It happens.Keep up your great attitude, and fill us in on this poet you’ve just discovered!
April 21, 2008 at 7:20 pm |
I really like Elizabeth Bradfield’s book — bought it a while back on the strength of a couple poems I’d run across elsewhere. I have a total poet crush on that book! Mainly because she writes about Provincetown and whales and about being a lesbian all in the same book, and usually it only takes one of those to sell me on a book to start with.
She’s worked as a naturalist on whale watches out of Provincetown. One of these days I’m certain I will run into her out there.
April 22, 2008 at 3:04 pm |
[...] nice pairing for that blessing is Elizabeth Bradfield’s book Interpretive Work. Anne left a comment the other day that she had a poetry crush on the book, and I am sorry landmammal, but I am going to [...]
April 29, 2008 at 5:26 am |
Sorry it’s been so long between visits – I haven’t been spending much time online, lately. I admire you for being able to read your work aloud. I would be too nervous to do so. That is brilliant!