2011 New Delta Review nonfiction contest

I'm pleased to report that my two entries to the New Delta Review 2011 creative nonfiction contest were chosen as co-winners (blind judging by Eula Biss). Topics ranged from worms and dirt to Frida Kahlo and dead women.

The elusive creature

Tuesday, May 3, I spotted one of the most elusive creatures in these parts of late: a tractor. The incredibly chilly and wet weather has prevented farmers from getting into the fields.

On Monday, while out for a run, I finally noticed it: the silence. Usually spring runs and bike rides--as early as March and most definitely always April--mean sharing the countryside with the planting machines and the friendly farmers within who always are eager to give a wave. While running down the gravel road on Monday, I felt lonely and the missing tractors were the reason.

But clouds and rain gave way yesterday to clear skies and warmer temps. The tractors were in the fields during the day, and even when I came home after sunset there they were, headlights on, trying to make up for lost time.

(Out of nostalgia I chose the Allis Chalmers pic, though unfortunately a sighting of one of these is the rarest of all).

Guess who's writing a memoir (May 4 edition)

Ah, young Levi...

According to Publisher's Marketplace:

20-year-old Levi Johnston's DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS: My Life in Sarah Palin's Crosshairs, claiming to "tell the truth about my close relationship with the Palins, my sense of Sarah and my perplexing fall from grace -- how I feel and what I've learned," or what the publisher calls a "tale of a misunderstood boy figuring out how to be a man and a father after being thrust into the spotlight and subsequent media circus at a very young and vulnerable age," to Touchstone, for publication in fall 2011.

Steve Almond on memoir/fake memoir

I love Steve Almond's definition of memoir: It is a radically subjective account of events that objectively took place.

Anything else, he says (and quality nonfiction writers would agree), is fiction.

Entire post here.

Thanks to the fine folks at Brevity for passing this along.

Might I mention how much I love Steve Almond? He came to the Good Thunder Reading Series in Mankato a couple of years ago. I was teaching at a small private, conservative college at the time and offered my composition students extra credit for attending Almond's reading. Let's just say it was entirely engaging but quite "blue." My saintly conservative students were good sports! They learned a little more about the world that night!

Minnesota's literary rock stars

I had the pleasure of attending the Minnesota Book Awards on April 16. The emcee mentioned St. Paul ranks 7th and Minneapolis 3rd in the list of the country's most literate cities, making Minnesota the only state with two cities in the top 10. I have no doubts! Not sure what makes Minnesota so wonderfully literate--lots of theories out there about nothing to do during long, cold winters but sit inside and read and write. Works for me!

I love the Mankato contingent at the Book Awards--big this year as always! Not only writers/editors who currently live in the Mankato area, but lots of good representation of former Mankatoans (lots of MFA grads) now living and writing and teaching in other parts of the state.

Speaking of Minnesota State Mankato's MFA program, it got a major shout-out on the April 18 Huffington Post of the top-25 most underrated MFA programs. I am a proud MSU MFA program hanger-on, as I like to call myself. I've taken one class in the program but I mostly insert myself into the MFA society and pretend that I'm a candidate. I figure the atmosphere will rub off at some point.

Anyway, lots of award-winners I now must read, including VESTMENTS by John Reiminger and Lightsey Darst's poetry collection. Swati Avasthi's SPLIT did not win but I heard enough fantastic raves--including from Pete Hautmann, the actual winner--that I have to check it out, too.

I'm once again proud to be a writer and book lover in Minnesota.

Literary citizenship

I try to live by these principles, but never thought to define it.

The world needs more of "what can I do for the community?" rather than "what's in it for me?" This applies to everyone, writers included.

Thanks, Cathy Day!

Home & Garden Show tips

I braved the crazy crowds to attend the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show on March 5. I talked with a variety of vendors on a wide array of products. I had some great conversations, others not so great. I thought I would share a few tips from a customer's point of view.

I'm guessing that vendors spend A LOT of money to have a space at the Home & Garden Show. I would think for that kind of money, they would want to get some business. So act like you want my business:

* Have some brochures handy. I realize that printing can be expensive, but even a simple flyer would give me some information. I don't want to stand there and hear your spiel; I want to take information with me so I have some to refer to later.
* Give me some specifics. I could work at a solar energy booth and say, "Solar energy is better for the environment and more efficient." Duh! But how does it work? What do I need to do to my house to make it work? How much will it cost? What will be my savings? At least put someone in your booth who knows something.
* But don't give me too much information. Spare me the scientific, technical mumbo jumbo. I have no idea what you're talking about. Plain English, please.

Just my opinion :)