Thank You to the Poetry People I Know - and the Ones I Don't

I know several people give thanks every Thursday on their blogs, but I am not a consistent type. Instead, today, I will give thanks times three or thanks to the third power. Maybe even the 4th power of thanks - we'll see.

First, thank you to Robin Becker, Poetry editor of the Women's Review of Books and poet extraordinaire. The current issue of the Women's Review of Books, published out of Wellesley College is a publication that deserves far more attention. As well as publishing poetry, the review consistently publishes articles on books concerning everything from Marilyn Monroe to the Urban Bush Women to photography. It's a smart, vibrant journal with high production value.

Next, thank you to the Whidbey Island Writers Conference coming up this very weekend. In addition to headliner Garth Stein, you've got the chance to see Lana Hechtman Ayers, Sheila Bender, Janna Esarey and Anjali Banerjee. This is my second time as a presenter at this conference and I'm looking forward to it. One thing that is unique to this conference are the Fireside Chats. Local islanders open their homes - and their hearts to host an intimate group of ten to twenty conference participants and (usually) three writers. There are a variety of different registration options -- know that a Fireside Chat is actually three different presenters!

Finally, I am feeling particularly thankful for my friend Kelli Russell Agodon. She is a poet, editor, teacher, and friend extraordinaire. For National Poetry Month, Kelli has initiated the Big Poetry Giveaway where poets across the blogosphere are giving away not only their books of poetry, but also a book by another author that they loved. You don't have to be a blogger or a poet to participate. Simply click here to see the list of participating poets and enter your name. Kelli is also my partner in crime for the first ever Poets on the Coast Weekend Writing Retreat for Women this coming September. If you haven't read her new book, Letters from the Emily Dickinson Room, you really should.

It's good to have friends, journals, and conferences to be thankful for. I hope you've found something here to further explore -- be it a Weekend Retreat or a new writer.