1. Ask an expert about a book of poems. Open Books: A Poem Emporium in Seattle is one of two poetry-only stores in the country, and these bookseller poets know their stuff. Let’s keep them busy this month. Call (206-633-0811) and ask for a recommendation from John or Christine based on a poet or poem you love, and order the book from their store. Get in the mood reading John’s great essay about what he does all day.
2. If you live near Portland, attend Literary Arts’ discussion, reading and reception with six Oregon poets on April 7 at 7 pm at The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel (1022 SW Stark). The event, called Lineage: Oregon Poets Reflect on American Poetry Since 1950, will feature David Biespiel, Donna Henderson, Henry Hughes, Jennifer Richter, Zachary Schomburg and Crystal Williams.
3. If you live near Seattle, check out Always Beginning: A National Poetry Month Reading featuring poets Jean Valentine, Chris Abani, Chase Twichell, and Lucia Perillo, who will read from their recent Copper Canyon Press books. The event happens this Tuesday April 5 at 7 pm at Town Hall Seattle. Event sponsors include Elliott Bay Book Company, the Academy of American Poets, and KUOW 94.9.
4. Get 30 poems in 30 days! If you tweet, check out the Academy of American Poets’ Twitter feed, which, for the next 30 days, will give you a new poem from a new poet each day.
5. Spend some time with the work of NW favorites Dorianne Laux or William Stafford or Clem Starck or Floyd Skloot (Oregon biased here today, we know). And check out what’s new from some of the distinguished poetry presses in the Northwest: Copper Canyon, Silverfish Review, Airlie, Calyx, Basho, Wave Books, Rose Alley and Lost Horse. Who are we missing? Let us know.
This is a great website Carolyn, your store is fabulous and Shelton is lucky to have you here. You filled the nitch…………….