Playing Catch-up With The Collective

Hey there!  So much to talk about this time! I hardly know where to begin.  First off - I would like to point you all in the direction of A Poetic Justice. Poetry Man has published the inaugural poems in his ‘Saturday Sonata’ poetry contest.  This week’s winner is Kvatch’s wonderful and emotional poem ‘Untitled’. All of the other entries are posted as well – and they are marvelous. Poetry Man will be holding this contest on a weekly basis – so dust off your iambic pentameter and join the fray. All pertinent information is available over at A Poetic Justice.

Next, I would like to give a hearty pat on the back to Kelly Bell at For Whom The Bell Tolls.  She has been featured at Rajesh Setty’s Life Beyond Code project. Through it, I learned that her book on women in the martial arts is nearing publication (something I did not know!). Pretty cool beans, my dear!  Also – our friend Kelley is seriously thinking about running for office in her home state. Let us offer her encouragement.  America needs intelligent, committed women like her in government. So go for it, my dear!  My fondest hopes and best wishes are winging your way.

I absolutely have to shout out a huge whoo-hoo to Melissa – otherwise known as Shakespeare’s Sister – and Amanda, the driving force behind Pandagon.  Both have just been hired to work on John Edwards 2008 presidential campaign. Though I don’t know Amanda as well as Shakes Sis – I am beyond thrilled for them both. Senator Edwards has made an excellent choice including these women in his run for the roses. I’m really looking forward to reading what they have to say in the ensuing months.

I also want to point out that the latest chapter of Mustang Bobby’s “Small Town Boys” is available over at Bobby Cramer. Mustang Bobby is a published playwrite whose work has been staged nationwide.  I’ve had the privilege of reading his latest play (and commenting on it) – and it’s just marvelous. Do stop by either Bark Bark Woof Woof or The Practical Press to check out all of MB’s work. And let me put a plug in for that marvelous site right now.  The Practical Press is T. Rex’s Guide to Life’s Kenneth Quinnell’s literary baby; a wonderful, varied compendium of poets, writers and satirists.  I post there, as does O.W.L. from Its Morning Somewhere (not only one of the nicest people in the blogasphere – but one of its funniest writers), Shakes Sis, Lab Kat – the list is quite formidable. At the moment – nominations are underway for their 2006 Press awards.  Check it out.  You could spend an entire afternoon lost in a variety of marvelous, magical worlds.

Finally – though he’s not part of our collective per se – I’d like to mention the fabulous writer behind the wildly popular blog Waiter Rant.  His first book is in the editing process (send up the fireworks!) and should be available for purchase by this time next year.  Also – one of his essays, ‘Cold Autumn’ has been selected for inclusion in W.W. Norton’s non-fiction anthology, ‘The Best Creative Non-Fiction of 2007’. Bravo Waiter!  You certainly deserve every accolade.

Well – that about covers it, I think.  If I’ve left anyone out – please drop me a line and I will update.  The Collective, for those of you who don’t know, is a loose grouping of bloggers dedicated to promoting each others work.  A pat on the back never hurts; and when one of us is featured or published – it opens the door for all concerned.  So – congrats to the above mentioned; and may we all have good news to cheer about in the coming year!

Comments

[thepoetryman]

Thank you my friend. The plug is always welcome and I do appreciate it greatly. I will follow the other leads you have pointed to and wish you a happy Saturday.

Peace.

[Kvatch]

And thank you as well for the very kind mention of my entry.