Local poet celebrates publication of third collection
Grace Curtis recently celebrated the publication of her third collection of poetry, “Everything Gets Old.”
Her first collection was a chapbook, “The Surly Bonds of Earth,” and the next book, a full-length collection was “The Shape of a Box,” published by Dos Madres Press, which has also published her newest collection.
Curtis says the collection will also be available via Amazon in the next few weeks, and she’ll soon be announcing a book launch — stay tuned via her website at gracecurtispoetry.com.
I asked her about the theme for her newest collection.
“Poet A.E. Housman wrote, ‘I am convinced that most readers, when they think they are admiring poetry, are deceived by inability to analyze their sensations, and that they are really admiring, not the poetry of the passage before them, but something else in it, which they like better than poetry,’” says Curtis. “Perhaps that ‘something else’ is the exposing or callingout of, or even the disruption of the rituals of our lives. In this new book, that ritual to which I am addressing these poems is the passage of time and aging, not just of our bodies, but of relationships, life-work, living, and even dying. I want readers to admire not the poems but something else in them that they admire more than poetry, perhaps something unidentifiable.”
Since I’m not a poet myself (though I love to ready poetry), I was curious about Curtis’ process for writing a poem.
“Poems come to me in hundreds of ways. Sometimes I write them as pure practice based on prompts. Sometimes, I am compelled by a thought. I try to stay open and keep pencil and paper nearby. I am especially inspired by other poets,” Curtis explained. “There are so many wonderful local poets that have helped me along the way. I am so grateful to live in such a literary-rich community.”
Upcoming Literary Events
■ Sunday, May 19, 2-3:30 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene — Antioch Writers’ Workshop presents a free writing miniseminar, on “Finding 3-D Characters,” led by Rebecca Morean, an award-winning fiction and nonfiction writer and instructor of English Composition and Creative Writ- ing at Sinclair Community College. The mini-seminar will include writing exercises, so bring writing materials or laptop.
■ Wednesdays, May 22, May 29 and June 5, 6:308:30 p.m. (Oakwood Starbucks Community Room, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — Word’s Worth Writing Center presents “Revision Inspiration,” led by author and creative writing instructor Katrina Kittle. The classes will offer guidance and inspiration on the revising and editing process. However, you do not have to have a complete manuscript to benefit from the craft techniques covered in this series. Learn more and register at www.wordsworthdayton.com
■ Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Dayton Metro Library (Kettering-Moraine Branch, 3496 Far Hills Ave.) — Author Carol Cartaino will present fascinating facts and tales from her nonfiction book, “It Happened in Ohio,” in her program “Fascinating Facts About a State with an Extraordinary History.
■ Monday, June 3, 6:308:30 p.m. (Oakwood Starbucks Community Room, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — Word’s Worth Writing Center presents “Spring Writing Workout.” This informal session offers plenty of writing prompts and mini-craft lessons to help you charge (or retune) your writing engine. For all levels of writers. Learn more and register at www.wordsworthdayton.com
■ Monday, June 10, 6:30 p.m., Dayton Metro Library (Miami Township Branch, 2718 Lyons Road, Miamisburg) — Author Carol Cartaino will present fascinating facts and tales from her nonfiction book, “It Happened in Ohio,” in her program “Fascinating Facts About a State with an Extraordinary History.
■ Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene — New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen will introduce her newest young adult novel, “The Rest of the Story.”
Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.