Meeting Minutes February 13, 2020

With thanks to Becky for these comprehensive notes as I was unable to attend.

Meeting Notes and comments – 2/13/2020


What is Poetry?

While not all by any means agreed, we discussed a lot of examples indicating that “poetry” is a large and inclusive tent.

Ev recommended blackout poetry by Austin Kleon. Find more info --> Newspaper Blackout.  Becky referenced Kenneth Goldsmith who writes controversial “conceptual poetry.” New Yorker article on the subject --> "Something Borrowed"


Writing suggestion: What if we sponsored a Blackout Poetry Contest?

The group also discussed: Translation, cursive handwriting, the English language, and the size of the universe. Becky referenced Planet Word, a new DC museum dedicated to language, scheduled to open in May 2020. More info HERE


Richard read his poem “Bliss,” his entry for the Emotion Speaks project. Scott read an introduction to his song “Thorns,” and the lyrics to “Thorns,” this last to appear on his upcoming CD. Discussion included possibility of Scott also writing an accompanying memoir in which the CD would be included as a related playlist. Ev read a short-short selection form Lydia Davis’s "Can’t and Won’t" Nancy read a wonderful notebook selection (beginning “on compassion and common courtesy”) that led to a discussion of commonplace books. Kylie discussed the revision process and future of her novel-in-progress.

Flash Fiction Contests

Hobbylark, info found HERE
Book Fox, info found HERE

Recommendation regarding flash fic: David Galef's "Brevity" Tips, techniques and samples

Group Recommendations: 

Ev recommended Literary Hub an excellent multifaceted literary site with tons of categorized info.

Nancy recommended The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

Suggestion: what if we each tried to offer a helpful recommendation for the group at each meeting – a book, website, meeting, workshop, project, etc.?

Next meeting: March 12, 2020, 6-7:30 pm, Swanton Public Library