Publishing Poetry in Northeast Ohio: Roundtable, Readings, and Book Fair

Robin and I were honored to represent Night Ballet Press at this poetry event at South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library.  

It consisted of a Roundtable discussion with representatives from Bottom Dog Press, Cleveland State University Press, Crisis Chronicles, Night Ballet Press, Poet’s Haven, and University of Akron Press.  Each representative shared their thoughts and insights about publishing poetry and answered questions from the audience. The roundtable was moderated by Bonné de Blas, an MFA Candidate in the Northeastern Ohio Master of Fine Arts program at Kent State University. 

The event was held in the library's William N. Skirball Writers' Center, which is a beautiful, light-filled space dedicated to writers and writing.  They host lots of workshops and offer many resources throughout the year.  What a wonderful addition to any library.  I'm jealous!

After the roundtable, each press had an author there to read from their work.  And this is where Robin and I came in.  Thanks for asking us, Dianne.  It was a great experience.  I was a little nervous reading for a room full of other poets and publishers, but I re-learned an old lesson for me, one that I have to learn over and over again and that is to let the Qi speak for itself.  It was a fun day.  I made some new friends and we even sold a few books!  

The esteemed panel of publishers

Night Ballet Press's table.  What an honor to have our book on this beautiful table!

"Sinking the Qi"

Thanks to Larry Smith for this photo and the bright flourish you added.  This is me doing what I do, humbly offering qi and haiku for the healing of the world.