awfully serious

easy

2012-01-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

Mr. West wrote a quick draft of a script, “The Roost,” about a group of friends who have a not-so-friendly encounter with killer vampire bats. “It was just panic to get a script made,” he said. “I’d never written anything more than 20 pages. But I just forced myself to do it. It’s not that hard to write a script, it’s just really easy not to.”Director and screenwriter Ti West in The New York

This is a Test

2012-01-16T08:41:00.004-05:00

So proud to see my good friend and former classmate, Shara Lessley in The Missouri Review recently. Read her poem “Test” online, read more of her poems in the print version of the magazine—and look for her first book later this year. (Thanks to Stephen Gregg for the title of this post…)

I could choose

2012-01-13T09:54:00.012-05:00

...for as long as I sat at my desk, I felt better. When I’m writing, when my fingers are moving over the keys and words are marching across the screen, I don’t worry. Physically, I can’t worry; there’s no space for it in my head. I wish I could remember that more easily, so that I could choose to write first, rather than worry.Food writer Molly Wizenberg, on her second book. Text and photograph

brighten

2011-12-09T16:51:00.005-05:00

Like most children, this one believes in miracles...For more than fifty years, the newspaper in my parents' hometown has run a series of stories of families in need, and ways to help them--and especially, their children--have a better holiday. This year, I've decided to try to give to every family.Maybe you could help too?

soft

2011-11-15T10:13:00.005-05:00

I'd heard not to write about children because it makes women poets look, what? Soft, or something like that. My first collection was already out -- THIS COUNTRY OF MOTHERS. Ah, well.Julianna Baggott on finding her "theme" (and the things told to women writers...).

never been

2011-09-27T18:22:00.005-04:00

... pictured on anybody's nightstand before.Molly of the blog Both Fires published this beautiful photograph. And she's managed to do something the alphabet never could: place my book next of that of Angela Carter, one of the heroes of my girlhood.

Scariest Byline Yet

2011-09-13T11:24:00.003-04:00

I think if something scares you, it's often worth doing. So the very talented poet/singer/songwriter Sarah Green got me out of retirement, and singing.Octave Magazine: Music by Writers, Writing by Musicians (scroll down for the Mp3, and a little paragraph about why I chose the song).

regrets and longing

2011-09-01T16:37:00.001-04:00

It was almost as if each poem was pulsing with energy and I found myself tearing through the book on my first read. However, I'm having a hard time summarizing what made me feel that urge to turn the pages so quickly... Sandy Longhorn at Myself the only Kangaroo among the Beauty.

hold on, hold on

2011-08-15T21:45:00.006-04:00

Whenever I get to that point where I just want to line up my poems and punch them in the face, I turn to Ali Stine. Maybe it’s because she’s a friend of mine, she’s from where I’m from, or the fact that we both enjoy a good Neko Case song and a pint of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale... Anne Barngrover on Read This Awesome Book.

Options for Language

2011-06-22T17:20:00.004-04:00

The feminist literary and art journal So To Speak has published a review of WAIT.Read it here.

In a swarm of bees

2011-06-12T12:29:00.002-04:00

I'm reading this week in Ohio.TUESDAY June, 147:30pmBarney-Davis Board Room, 2nd FloorBarney-Davis HallDenison UniversityGranville, OHFree and open to the public. My baby will probably not be attending, but it's okay if you bring yours.

Book of Kells

2011-06-02T07:51:00.000-04:00

I'm trying my best -- Wait, I'm not trying my best, but I'm trying.--Kelli Russell Agodon

This Boy's Life

2011-05-20T15:50:00.002-04:00

I started down the aisle. She said, "Wait, Thomas." When I reached the door I looked around and saw that she had come from behind the counter and was following me. "Wait," she said, holding me with her eyes as I stood there, and I saw in her eyes what I had heard in her voice earlier: sorrow.--Tobias Wolff

Ron Carlson Writes a Story

2011-05-01T11:01:00.004-04:00

Years ago I was in a class with visiting writer Ed Abbey one winter quarter at the University of Utah, and among the litany of credos he announced that term was this: if you want to read a good story, you're going to have to write it yourself. You can hear his classic bravado there, but it's an honest challenge. And that feeling--I can't wait to read this--should carry you through the days...--

Stop Waiting

2011-04-21T18:15:00.005-04:00

(Photo by Dinty W. Moore/Renita Romasco)It's April, almost May. Where have I been? (oh yes--child rearing). My second book WAIT is now officially for sale. You can buy it where you buy your books, big places or small places, or you can ask your library to order it. If you want to write a review, now is the perfect time because I'm too busy to read it! So you can say what you like (you should

contact

2011-02-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

While my website is down (thanks, web hosting service which will remain anonymous), you can contact me via my university email. Thanks for your patience!

Wait for me

2011-01-31T17:29:00.007-05:00

If you are at the AWP (Association of Writing Programs) annual conference in Washington D.C. this week, you can buy WAIT early at the University of Wisconsin Press booth in the bookfair.Look for Booth 603. And wait for me.

Book Cover

2010-12-10T18:19:00.007-05:00

Here it is, the cover for WAIT, my second book of poems, due in early 2011 from the University of Wisconsin Press.Keeping the tradition of having very important people work on the covers of my books (my best friend, Brad Daugherty, designed the cover of my first book, OHIO VIOLENCE), this cover photograph was taken by my sister, Ashley Stine.

final reading of 2010

2010-06-21T11:49:00.008-04:00

Just did my last reading of 2010 for the amazing Reynolds Young Writers' Workshop. Thank you to the other faculty, staff, and our wonderful students! I miss you already.I'm taking a break from doing readings, school visits, or traveling for work until January 2011. If you're interested in having me read, talk to your students or library or bookstore in 2011, please let me know as soon as

hello scranton

2010-05-04T20:30:00.005-04:00

This Wednesday May 5, I'm reading at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA. This event is free and open to the public. Details below:W May 5, 2010 8:00 PMUniversity of ScrantonStudio Theatre McDade Centerhttp://www.scranton.edu

louderArts

2010-04-30T11:25:00.004-04:00

Monday, May 3 I'm reading in NYC for the louderARTS series. Details:MON 5/37:30PMBar 1335 East 13th StreetNew York NYDirections: Corner of 13th and University, 2nd floorSubway: Union Square (4-5-6, N-R-Q-W and L trains)More information here.

new book in 2011

2010-03-10T10:57:00.009-05:00

I'm excited to announce that my second book of poems has won The Brittingham Prize, and will be published by the University of Wisconsin Press next year.Publication will be in February 2011, with the book launch--and books available for sale early--at AWP Washington D.C. in January 2011.

the red thread

2010-03-01T23:43:00.000-05:00

I have big news to announce in the next few weeks about a project to appear in Spring of 2011.In the meantime, Passages North has an older poem of mine available online: "The Red Thread."

I like the word

2010-02-19T15:21:00.003-05:00

I'm reading at the University of Cincinnati...Wednesday, February 24Reading: 4PMElliston Room, Langsam LibraryMore information and directions here. Free and open to the public.

denver reviews

2010-02-15T09:17:00.002-05:00

(from the EMU Creative Writing site):The Denver Quarterly is currently soliciting book reviews for upcoming issues.Reviews are read on a rolling basis, so there’s no particular deadline. Contact Jen Tynes (jen.tynes@gmail.com) for a list of review copies of books that can be sent to you. If you’d like to review a book that’s not on the list, feel free to query. E-mail reviews directly to Jen

new reviews

2010-02-12T09:57:00.005-05:00

The Rumpus has posted a review of OHIO VIOLENCE...as has Troy Jollimore at Galatea Resurrects.

Happy Birthday, Virginia Woolf!

2010-01-25T19:58:00.005-05:00

(and Maggie Glover)(and me!)(being in the top 50 of amazon.com poetry books again is a great gift too; thank you).

Best of 2009

2009-12-17T11:21:00.007-05:00

I'm happy to report my book has made several "Best Books of 2009" lists, including those by:The Guerrilla Girls Fiona RobynGary L. McDowellKaren WeyantLeigh Stein (and here)Charles JensenThank you, and happy New Year!

Opportunity for Grad Students

2009-10-14T22:33:00.007-04:00

Are you a grad student looking to get into book reviewing? Maybe you want more publications, to get your foot in the door at a journal, or to fill out the vita? Or maybe you just finally want to be heard? I have a new book, and I’d love for someone with a young, energetic, and NEW voice to say something about it. I’d love to know what YOU think. Due to budget restraints

Batter My Heart

2009-09-26T21:30:00.005-04:00

I was happy to discover you can find Paul Zimmer's review of LOT OF MY SISTER online.Read "Batter My Heart."This was first published in The Georgia Review, and Zimmer's comments about my work begin on the third page.

Poetry Foundation Blog

2009-09-15T22:22:00.003-04:00

OHIO VIOLENCE merits a mention on "Harriet," the blog of the Poetry Foundation.Read it here.

Rain Taxi Review

2009-09-08T19:39:00.002-04:00

Occasionally, the world splits open, revealing small animals and rusted trucks...OHIO VIOLENCE is reviewed in Rain Taxi Review of Books. Read it online here.

Triptych

2009-07-21T17:05:00.006-04:00

My poems "Dream Anatomy," "Curfew," and "Blame" appear online on the Triptych Reading Series site.These poems commemorate a reading I did at the 11st Street Bar in New York this spring with Lorna Dee Cervantes and Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon.

Black Warrior Review

2009-07-20T19:25:00.002-04:00

My poem "To Draw a Line" appears in the new issue of Black Warrior Review, Spring/Summer 2009, seen here.Welcome to the resurrected blog!

2007-10-03T14:44:00.000-04:00

I have a very new poem out in the new issue of The Hat, just released. My poem is about what my friends in Virginia used to call vigilante justice.

read this

2007-09-19T16:54:00.001-04:00

I want to congratulate my husband on his poetry publication in The Nation this week.Read it.(I love you)

read this

2007-09-14T14:49:00.000-04:00

I want to congratulate my husband on his poetry publication in The Nation this week. Read it.

2007-08-27T12:18:00.001-04:00

The new issue of Silk Road is out with two of my poems: "Road Kill Grave" and "The Way to Keep Going in San Francisco."The website has not been updated yet; on newsstands, look for the second issue with a black and white cover photograph of California.

reading august 13th

2007-08-06T15:56:00.000-04:00

Monday August 13th, I read poems in a gazebo in Oceanside, NY as part of the Summer Gazebo Series with Marcia Slatkin, Sonia Russell, Tom Phelan, and Jordan Davis. Details:MON 8/13 at 7pmSummer Gazebo Reading SeriesSchool House GreenFoxhurst RoadOceanside NYFree and open to the public. Bring dinner, a lawn chair, blankets, etc. Come early as seating is limited. For detailed directions, follow

2007-07-14T13:19:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to report the first excerpt from my novel has been accepted for magazine publication!Details forthcoming.I'm reading from my work Monday, August 13th in Oceanside, NY.

2007-06-15T18:22:00.000-04:00

Plans are in the works to post on this site one more new lyric essay, the kind for which you have kindly been sent here. And then, this summer, look for a new website about what I’ve been working on (hint: book, book, and book). My next poetry reading will be Wednesday June 20 at 7pm at Denison University. Details: Alison Stine DavisWednesday June 20 @ 7pmBarney

news

2007-06-06T11:11:00.000-04:00

The new issue of The Journal is out with two of my poems.Pebble Lake Review published three of my essays, and one is available to read online.Wednesday June 20 at 7 pm: I read at Denison University in Granville, OHPlans are in the works for a reading on Long Island in July.And congratulations to my former students Jennifer Luebbers and Jayme Hughes who are enjoying their first official poetry

2007-05-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Rachel Yoder, in a review for New Pages, mentions my work in Santa Clara Review:I found the shorter pieces of prose in this issue the most satisfying: Alison Stine’s succinct essay, “Understudies,” guides us through a precarious and precious week of new sobriety.***Thanks to everyone for the Pinsky/me reading! Thank you to Robert Pinsky for reading, to Jim Behrle for organizing/

2007-05-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone for the Pinsky/me reading! Thank you to Robert Pinsky for reading, to Jim Behrle for organizing/hosting, and to the wonderful crowd (thank you Stephen and the Posse Bonus)!My next event will be the week of June 17th when I read at Denison University in Ohio. Stay tuned for more details.

you should come

2007-05-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Reb Livingston)This always happens when I read.Robert Pinsky and Alison Stine DavisSunday May 6 @ 7pm Zinc Talk/ Poetry Reading SeriesZinc Bar90 West Houston Street (corner of La Guardia Place)Greenwich VillageNew York NY 10012(212) 477-8337 Robert Pinsky was named the United States Poet Laureate in 1997. He is the author of six books of poetry, including Jersey Rain (

2007-05-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who came out Monday night for the reading, especially old friends Charlie Clark and Doreen Baingana, and new friends (I really enjoyed meeting you)! Thank you to Reb Livingston and Carly Sachs. And thank you to Buck Downs and Sandra Beasley.This Sunday 5/6, I read in NYC with Robert Pinsky. Details: Robert Pinsky and Alison Stine DavisSunday May 6 @

reading in washington d.c.

2007-04-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

I'm reading poems this Monday 4/30 in my old hometown, Washington D.C.Details:Mon 4/30 @ 8pmBurlesque Poetry HourBar Rouge: Dark Room (in the Hotel Rouge)1315 16th Street NW DCFREE 1315 16th Street NW DC1315 16th Street NW DCI will be reading with Mairéad Byrne and, in our first reading together, my husband Jordan Davis.

2007-04-23T10:49:00.000-04:00

A very brief surface to mention an event tonight hosted by my husband. I’m especially excited about this event because my old friend Thomas Sayers Ellis is reading. Tom and I met when I was twenty-two and we were about to give a gigantic reading together. The auditorium was full. There was a fancy dinner. I had just thrown up in the bathroom. Then I met Tom; he was genuine and just

summer writing workshop

2007-04-11T10:46:00.000-04:00

Summer Writing Workshop: June 17-24, 2007 The Jonathan R. Reynolds Young Writers' Workshop at DENISON UNIVERSITY The Writers' Workshop, now in its thirteenth year, provides an opportunity for college preparatory and college-bound students to share their talents as beginning writers of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry in a writing-intensive

2007-04-05T13:10:00.001-04:00

husband reading

2007-03-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

Poetry Readingby Buck DownsMusicby Nicole Renaud and Franklin Brunothe Million Poems ShowHosted by Jordan DavisTonight MON 3/26 6:30pmBowery Poetry Club308 Bowery NYC(F Train to 2nd Ave/or 6 Train to Bleecker)FREE

new website coming soon...

2007-03-21T23:44:00.001-04:00

day four: not tripping a supermodel when I had the chance

2007-03-16T14:41:00.000-04:00

Some days, it is harder to be good.

day three: giving to a street musician

2007-03-15T21:33:00.000-04:00

day two: crossing the street

2007-03-14T09:10:00.000-04:00

I start to wonder, already, if this can be done. Am I meddling, am I interfering? I am not aggressive or assertive. I am not good at this. I once rode a train with a good friend. The car was crowded and we stood. My friend tapped the shoulder of a young seated man, and, when he looked up, urgently pointed out an elderly man who was standing. Without words, the young man stood and offered

day one: standing up

2007-03-13T10:28:00.000-04:00

I read you. I read you twice, three times, four. I read you aloud. I fell asleep with you. You kept me company on the train. I spilled coffee and tea and soup and chocolate cake on you (sorry about that). And then it came time to talk about you. I served as a panelist judge for a fiction contest. I sat at the table and I fought hard. I listened, I nodded, I responded, but I didn’t back

one year

2007-03-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

I don’t know who you are. I don’t know the answer. I don’t know what to do. But I have to do something.Here’s what I have.I have a quarter. I have a map. I have time. I have strength, and I believe that is my job as a human being who is happy, safe, and fulfilled to do what I can for the ones who are not. There’s not a lot I can do, but I can do one thing. Every day I will do one thing,

changing...

2007-03-09T01:03:00.001-05:00

found

2007-03-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

awp

2007-03-06T08:49:00.000-05:00

We would have missed a long walk that turned into a hike, an exercise in mud. The boy without his wheels flew and then fell, then flew again. Down by the bridge, over by the river. We ended up at the farmer’s market, buying milk and a bag of fresh scallops. We stood on the bridge and yelled down at the train. Drank grape apple cider on a bench, watching tennis. Waking early, sleeping late.

watching from the wall

2007-03-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

In Nashville Scene, there’s a new review of the anthology Literary Cash, for which I contributed an essay, and my piece is mentioned in the review. An excerpt:The book’s more fanciful works, on the other hand, are far more interesting. Of these, the most effective illuminate the way women experience Cash... In her essay, "Ring of Fire," for example, poet Alison Stine sees Cash as a mentor of

sack lunch

2007-02-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

The wonderful Sarah Green alerted me, and then there it was in the mail: the new issue of Passages North. I’m one of the featured writers in the Winter/Spring 2007 issue, and they were kind enough to print four of my poems. My poems range in age from ten years old to less than ten months. I’ll leave it to you to guess. Passages North is pastel. The editors are kind, and you can find it

on the red couch

2007-02-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

If you are in NYC next Monday, come out and hear my husband host The Million Poems Show at the Bowery Poetry Club. He’ll be interviewing poet Arlo Quint, who will also do a reading, and Franklin Bruno of The Mountain Goats will perform.It’s comfy, casual, and unlike any poetry reading you’ve seen. The Million Poems ShowHosted by Jordan DavisMonday 2/26 at 6:30pmBowery Poetry Club308 Bowery, NYC(

not my thing

2007-02-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, my husband and I went to hear one of my favorite folk singers. She told, as she does, a long story, this time about dancing: she and friends had been at a club where they had seen a young, demure-looking girl being ground against by a man. The folksinger had studied the girl with concern. The girl finally said, while being bumped: It’s not my thing! I will not be

and comfort

2007-02-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

A letter came, pencil smeared with tears. I hear you. I am listening. I will tell you what I know, which is not much. I will tell you what I think and do and believe, what helps me--which changes every day, which sometimes is not enough (the man prone at the end of the escalator, the EMT’s standing around). Here is what I do know: the best way to be comforted is to comfort someone else. I

advice

2007-02-15T12:46:00.000-05:00

I need advice. Real, hard advice: a contract is coming in the mail, and I need to know if I should sign it. I am looking out for my story, but also for my future and my family. I have been writing for over twenty-five years. I need to be true and good to that little girl who made up stories in an Indiana field. I need to be good and true to that little girl who is the heroine of my story.

idea for valentine's day

2007-02-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

east of the sun, west of the moon

2007-02-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

It was my favorite: the girl walked around the world in iron shoes. It was a way through. It was what she did to get back to him, return to him, the one she had looked at in the light. Once, the professor who inspired that movie stopped me in the hallway. He had in his hand a copy of the school literary journal which I had edited, badly. I was sure he was going to complain. Is this

jimmy olson, johnny memphis

2007-02-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

I’m happy to report three of my essays will be appearing in the next issue of Pebble Lake Review. I have been amazed, overwhelmed in a wonderful way, by the response my essays have received, a form I never even considered until two years ago, a form which I now adore.I have the idea of a blog to thank for introducing me to creative nonfiction, a blog on which--I was continually reminded--I

gifts

2007-01-30T12:59:00.000-05:00

A rose in my path. Dinner of artichoke hearts and lamb. "Cheese of the month club" from my husband*. Waking up to snow. Waking up to FIVE Regina Spektor CDs laid out across cherry marzipan stolin and two new books. Marzipan potatoes. Unmentionables. Two more books. Teaching an amazing class. Wonderful, warm, loving students. Notes from former students (hi Jen, hi Justin, hi Jess, hi Dawn)

29

2007-01-25T10:03:00.000-05:00

Today, I am twenty-nine. Truthfully. Twenty...nine. Not thirty—-but not twenty, either. Honest. Happy Birthday to me. I tell the truth about my age. If not, which years would I erase? Year three when I learned how to read? Year twelve when I submitted my first short story to The Atlantic Monthly? (it was rejected: year thirteen). Year fourteen, I went on pointe in ballet class.

2007-01-24T09:57:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday.Yesterday I received word that my grandfather died. He was ninety. He met my father when my father was five. He married my grandmother, adopted my father, and took them out of the bare bones town where they lived. I went there once. It was a square and a dirt road. The largest building was a post office. This is why I like The Last Picture Show. It is home.My

careful

2007-01-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

I haven’t posted much lately, though news is happening, all around me. Some writers talk about being in the stage of gathering. I am not gathering, exactly, though perhaps I am always gathering. Mostly, I am reaching not in but out--with letters, queries, stories, essays, manuscripts, manuscripts, manuscripts. Hello.Did I tell you of the time I ran into Peter Bogdanovich? Literally. He wore

happy birthday, maria

2007-01-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

In a long line of the kind and brave, you are the kindest, the bravest. My former neighbor, poet, novelist, about to be a mother--any day now (today!?). I miss you so much. Oh Maria, be magic!Aubadeby Maria HummelFrom the FishouseI have grown used to your second departures,after the car is already thrumming in the driveway,but the checkbook, the wallet perches on the backof the couch, and you

anniversary of yes

2007-01-20T08:44:00.000-05:00

it's snowing!

2007-01-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

at stake

2007-01-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

My old friend Jeff VanderMeer is judging for Best American Fantasy, and he has some important things to say about the nature of short fiction writing and publishing.When there is nothing personal or at stake for the writer in the story, there often is nothing personal or at stake for the reader. But this is not just the responsibility of the writer. It's the responsibility of the editor. The fact

lorelei

2007-01-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to the person who introduced me to my husband. Friend and former roommate who dreamed of my marriage, did I tell you I dreamed of your second child? There are many pictures, stories, and memories of you, but my favorite is from five years ago in the summer. We walked in a field in the country late at night, as Rodney Jones writes, toward the vague direction of music.You found it

2007-01-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to one of my oldest friends. I have struggled this morning with what to write about you, to you. How to describe how amazing you are, and what you mean. In the end, I think you say it best yourself. You wrote, months ago: The Lightening was plentiful, cracking, splitting the difference between clouds and space, an arched finger, white-blue and broken.Life is not what you expect

2007-01-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

The new issue of Sou’Wester (Fall 2006) from Southern Illinois University is out with my poem "Palms." Contributor copies arrived last week. The cover is blue as a ballroom.I am also pleased to report, on a cold Sunday afternoon, while we listened to seventies radio hits and did spring-like cleaning and ate olives and chocolates with pears and strawberries and pepper and the super fixed the

thoughts

2007-01-04T17:01:00.000-05:00

i want to pour out my heart to you and reveal some of the things that take up space in my psyche currently. yet the internet at some point causes one to save pieces of themselves, to tuck them away for safekeeping. there are many moments when you would rather not offer up bits of your soul for public debate. it becomes tiresome after a time, and i don't feel the need to defend my thoughts as much

the firebird

2007-01-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the friend I have always thought of as another sister, who accepted her marriage proposal the day after my marriage.I am so happy for you. Let sunrise come.The FirebirdBallet Russes: Tamara Karsavina, June 1910 By Shara Lessleyfirst published in The Nation May 22, 2006Breast thrust frontward, her point-work's one-three-two one-two proves (pride, fear, pleading, might)

resolve

2007-01-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

A few days ago on the train, a man was completely lost in a book. He was twenty or twenty-five. He wore a Yankees cap and a track suit. He was eating potato chips from a greasy bag, utterly absorbed, eyes wide as planets. He was reading a romance novel. The novelist stared dreamily at me from her jacket photo, hair fluffy as a cake.That’s not the kind of book I write or want. I am something

happy new year

2006-12-31T08:56:00.001-05:00

p.s.

2006-12-27T14:49:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law! I am proud to know you, and delighted to know you more.And Charlotte, welcome to the world! Your mother, Rita Mae, is one of the kindest and wisest women I have ever met--not to mention one of the most talented and versatile writers. I owe her a letter. It's coming. And you have come to an amazing family. Welcome.Thank you for all the kind words and wishes

oh yes

2006-12-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

The marriage license bureau looked strange, and it didn’t take me long to realize why. All the couples, for all their nationalities and languages and family groupings and faces, were heterosexual.There was a sign under the sign for marriage licenses. It was much longer and awkward. It read: domestic partner registration. What is that? we thought. We thought it sounded like a crime. There

2006-12-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

Photo by my husband

love

2006-12-21T21:07:00.000-05:00

For as long as you have been in New York, you have had a vision: a girl in a ball gown running down the main promenade of Grand Central Station. A scene from a movie, you thought. A scene from a book you haven’t yet written. It is burned in your mind. It is very specific, and every time you enter the station, you see it.And then one day, you are running. The big clock is about to strike noon

2006-12-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

days

2006-12-19T00:10:00.000-05:00

It’s been a busy time, and will only be more so. I have poems coming out and essays, an anthology soon; interviews and teaching; a novel nearly done; a conference; an agent push; hotel and plane arrangements; the usual seasonal shopping. There’s something else, an unusual box. My friends are far away. My friends are in California and Ohio and in their first homes and in their ninth month and

it's been

2006-12-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

My poem "Big Fun" will be anthologized in the new Bedside Guide to the No Tell Motel: 2nd Floor from No Tell Books. I’m happy to share a table of contents with such friends and poets as Charles Jensen and Rebecca Loudon.Look for it early next spring.

the only thing better

2006-12-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

...than a great reading/interview is discovering afterward that the great reader/interviewee came from your hometown--your small, rural, isolated hometown. And in fact, graduated from your high school. We are the only ones we know of who escaped to write. One of the cloudiest spots in America, highest point in the state, above which all storms form; voted for several years running by US News

the woman in the woods

2006-12-12T17:27:00.000-05:00

The most thrilling quote on a website for the Teak Fellowship, a wonderful program whose fellows remind me so much of my own students: I will do anything I can to make sure I get the best education and knowledge I need to meet my goals. I am willing to work hard to get to the place I’m going and an hour of public transportation is not going to stop me. --DianaToday during my hour, I was

third try

2006-12-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

My essay "Elsewhere," one of five that will be published in the next few weeks, was just nominated by Words on Walls for a Pushcart Prize. It’s my first prose nomination, and I’m thrilled.You can hear an earlier version read on an NPR broadcast from last summer.

happy thoughts

2006-12-09T17:12:00.000-05:00

I want to wish happy thoughts to my friends Jeff and Ann VanderMeer who just became grandparents!In my small universe, this makes couple number ten expanding their family this year. Congratulations!

poem tooth

2006-12-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

Writing a poem the other evening, the first in several months, felt like a loose tooth falling out. Strange at first after writing so much fiction: bloody, a little pain, but then numbness, then nothing but ease, a quick tumble, a give, a gift.Here’s one of my old ones up at the Poetry Center of Chicago website.

poem

2006-12-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

Suddenly, it’s cold. It’s waking, but I don’t run. I bought a hat with feathers that came from no bird. I am working—-though my novel is not at all done—-I am working, as happened after the first, on a poem. An aftermath poem. An after fiction and other stuff poem. A poem about malice. I don’t know about malice. But my poem does or thinks it does. I let the poem do the talking. It talks

Veronica Mars is smarter than you

2006-12-03T23:05:00.000-05:00

today is the day

2006-11-30T08:06:00.000-05:00

Watch me make it.40,13541,81742,45643,18744,10345,09047,00048,09050,223I wrote 10,000 words today! I wrote 10,000 words today! Please excuse me while I go fall down.

winter language

2006-11-29T14:03:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, it’s off to the ice skating rink with my fake brother and the Mad Hatter. The last time I skated, I fell spectacularly, which set off an odd chain of events, starting with a tiny blue bruise and culminating in nearly missing an airplane. My friend wore a flippy skirt and red cape and white fur muff and was tormented on the subway even though she kept repeating, fake, fake, fake.I