the INLAID EAR

I was two months without a publisher while I asked and asked this game universe to come to this earnest, hopeful boy with a new smear of butter. And I said, I see I won't be famous; still I'd like to have the volume, somehow to have my book complete, though the destiny of poems is humble. And I asked and asked the harvest field for a maze of sudan grass stalks trodden— the moment you say, I haven't really been lost, as you step out of the obstacle, beyond the game you play with yourself: and there's the book come down off the shelf.  *** Mid-August I found out the publisher who was going to release my book didn't want to release it the way I wanted it. I suggested half a dozen ways to make the agreement work, but none suited the publisher; and anyway, their digital infrastructure--the pillar of their fledgling press--was not yet ready. We parted ways. As disappointed as I might be while still having food on the table, a loving family, a secure ho...

Congrats! Congratulations sir, that is amazing! congratulations again on the publishing deal, Dan.  Proud of you! That's great news! Congratulations, Daniel! I admire your persistence, and I'm glad it's been rewarded! Woohoo! Congrats, man! Wow so cool!  Great to hear! A big Kudos to you, inspiring! Congrats, Daniel - I'm proud to be a part of it! Awesome Daneil Congratulations! Hey congratulations Daniel can't wait to see the work... Wow, Daniel, that is amazing and fantastic! Congrats! Sounds like you found the right home for it... Hooray! Mazel Tov!!! I'm so happy for you! Great job!!! Xoxoxo This is absolutely WONDERFUL news. yea daniel  hooray and congrats Great news! Hope all goes well with that venture. What a great story! Excited for you! Mazel tov, Daniel! Glad to be a part of this your thriving universe-singing gladbeing unfurling : )

I'm tripping out on book covers, now that I'm paying attention to my own. There's so much to it! You want it to say hello to the world, to invite readers—to compel them—to pick up your book. And buy it. It has to reflect what's inside. It has to tease. And it has to look good. Since I'm not a designer, it's perplexing to seek the path from my ideas to the graphic execution that syncs up with my ideal. Here's another twist: I don't need a book cover yet. I just need a manuscript cover as I send my book out to publishers. I need my manuscript cover to compel publishers to take a chance with my book, to convey my seriousness and talent and the value of my art. So about a week ago, I put out the word to a few designers and artists I know asking for their tries. Below are covers from three different people: Mark Bell, Ray Massie and I. Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section or at Facebook.  I'd like to know what grabs...

Hadouken! On January 21, I put my book out into the word. I pressed the button, launched the project. Hadouken! That's how I initially felt the effort. Hadouken is a kung-fu power move from the Street Fighter video games. Ryo seems to gather all his spirit and power and push it forward from his body in a wave of blue force that's strong enough to knock someone down. All the 30 years of writing poems, the decades of submitting poetry, the rejections and acceptances, the ongoing improvement, 20 years of professional copywriting, writing and performing comedy and poetry and music, teaching poetry, everything i know about writing cover letters and resumes, plus all the support and contribution and collaboration of artists, each with their own individual forces of brilliance and creativity, the timing just before Mercury retrograde, all the blessing of friends, of fellow poets, all coming together, all in a great energy ball ---- HADOUKEN! And I'm also imagining...