After teaching an astronomical number of classes this Fall, I am taking some time to catch-up on the myriad of tasks that have fallen by the wayside. First, OVSsubmissions. Second, my submissions to journals and magazines are in dire need of attention. Lastly, writing some new work!

I have a lot of news to catch-up on! I have had my second book, Elemental, accepted for publication by Salmon Poetry in 2014. I would never have guessed that I would find such a wonderful publisher for my work, much less that I would have two books accepted and contracted in the same year! When I first sent Any Other Branch (my first book) to Salmon Poetry, I had no idea I was submitting to such a powerhouse in poetry publication. I was just impressed with many of the poets, and liked the work they were putting out. I count myself as one of the fortunate ones to be a part of this group of authors.

The work I have done with The Mill Fudge Factory, and the reading series there has been a wonderful success. We are on hiatus until April, but Liz Ahlwill be kicking off a fantastic series for 2011. So far we have Liz Ahl (April), Dudley Laufman (July), and Jack McCarthy (June) lined-up as featured poets. I am finding it easier to fill the slots as word gets out about the wonderful venue!

My Kitchen Sessions have been on-hold until May. It isn't always easy to get folks to drive into the White Mountains during the summer, much-less the dead of winter! I am considering hosting it as a poetry boot-camp this year...ahh the possiblities!

The McDowell Colony application has been sent, and I am fortunate enough to be able to attend AWP's conference in Washington, D.C. this year. It will be my first AWP conference. I am looking forward to meeting many new poetry friends, catching-up with some old poetry friends, and last but not least, meeting Jessie Lendennie (editor ofSalmon Poetry) face-to-face for the first time!

D Acres Writing Group is going strong. There are always a flux of new folks, and the core group. The current focus is on writing fiction.

I am looking forward to creating the new syllabi for my Spring courses at Plymouth State University, NHTI, and possibly Colby-Sawyer. One of the things I love about being a teacher is the renewal that comes with the beginning of each new semester. The students come in fresh and ready to learn, and I am rejuvenated and ready to help them on their journey.

Off I go to get these things rolling!