Well, almost. I wrote this post in Costa Rica, but, derailed by a volcano, am only now posting it. Apparently my publisher was derailed too, as I only last night got the word that my next poetry chapbook, Transplants is now 'live' in advance sales. So off we go! I'll keep the post, and and the poetry is yours for the ordering!
It's a rainy day in the tropical rain forest in mountainous Santa Ana, where I am here with a collection of international artists, writers, dancers and musicians, figuring out how to combine art, faith and mission. The colors, sights and sounds have us all overstimulated, not to mention the Costa Rican coffee! The rain forest itself is visually stunning, with the birds, bugs, and hosts of unseen critters adding their own aural walls of sound.
Upon arrival, I received the happy news that my 3rd poetry chapbook, Transplants, would go 'live' in advance sales today! Well, why not? Life is never neat and tidy...so as I land in Costa Rica to begin this conference, I wonder how to integrate my poetry with the Latin culture that loves it ("For us, it's a sport!" as I've been told.)
The theme of Transplants is transition. Who hasn't been in one? Transplants records poems written in the aftermath of my transition from France to Georgia, 10 years ago. What one are you currently in?
One of the happiest parts of that transition was seeing my first set of poems make it to publication, through Finishing Line Press. FLP has published my previous two chapbooks, through their creative business model: a 6-week advance sales period determines the marketing potential of each chapbook; FLP then determines the press run, and 'pays' me in free copies, in a number proportionate to the sales. I make income from sales of these free copies, usually through word of mouth, or the readings, book clubs and workshops I organize. In this way, as many small literary presses go under, FLP remains in the business of helping emerging poets. Gracias FLP!
We've done well together over the past several years, and I'm looking forward to another sprint through the publishing challenge! Sales are live now until Nov. 18.
Be the first to click here and order!
Copies will ship as we transition into the New Year. Maybe poetry will help us all.
