- Oscar has posted video and photos of yesterday’s PAWA Arkipelago reading featuring Oliver de la Paz, Mari L’Esperance, Theresa Calpotura, and Joseph O. Legaspi. The reading and performance went very well. As often happens, we find that the artists’ works end up complementing one another in ways we hadn’t foreseen. Another thing: What the photos are telling me is this: we’re having a lot of fun at these events! The attendance is great, and word of mouth is spreading. D.A. Powell attended to see Oliver, and plans to come to our future events. Randall Mann had told him (D.A.) that his July reading was really enjoyable. I think this word of mouth, especially from happy former participants, is the best form of advertising our series can have. Another thing: authors’ books are selling. I am glad to see a supportive book buying audience. I am also glad for the interactions between audience members and authors happening in the space.
- I am already starting to work on publicity material for our 10/17 events. It’s going to be a busy day for PAWA! Luis Francia will be holding writing workshop at 10 am. The reading, which features Neela Banerjee, Luis Francia, Alejandro Murguía, and Jean Vengua, is at 2 pm. Finally, Litquake, featuring Luis Francia, Aimee Suzara, Rona Fernandez, Jenesha “Jinky” de Rivera, Eileen Tabios, Benito M. Vergara, Jr., and hosted by Karen Llagas is at 8:30 pm.
- In the meantime, I am also reading that evening for Litquake, also at 8:30 for SPD’s event, with Cedar Sigo, Kaya Oakes, Kiala Givehand, Alexandra Tremblay-McGaw, Ashley Redfield, Kaila Wilkey in a separate location and will have to read and jet in order to make it to PAWA & Arkipelago’s reading.
- Thank you to a couple of local editors for inviting me to submit work to their respective publications. I have come to realize that I have not been going out of my way to find journals to submit my work, so it’s wonderful to have editors coming after me. It’s also nice when editors ask me for poet recommendations, who else to solicit for work. So poets, take note: I’ve passed some of your names along.
