TalkWithME

Emma Smith-Stevens lives & writes in Brooklyn, NY where she’s currently working on a memoir & more.  Her writing has appeared in BOMB Magazine, Literary Hub, Hobart, Wigleaf, Subtropics, Conjunctions, & elsewhere. Her novel The Australian was published in 2017 by Dzanc Books. Follow Emma Smith-Stevens on Twitter @ESmithStevens & at http://EmmaSmithStevens.com

John Yamrus is an outstanding human & writer & dog-lover. His home plate is in Pennsylvania.  Listen for great poetry & conversation, including about John’s current streak with Concrete Mist Press: Five Dogs, Small Talk, and the to-be-titled poetry collection expected in September 2021.   Sorry for the tech challenges in the last 3 minutes of this episode! #BuyTheBooks at www.amazon.com/John-Yamrus/e/B0034PSPT6 Learn more at www.JohnYamrus.com

Matt Borczon is a Poet-Painter-Musician-MartialArtist-Nurse-Husband-Father-USNavySailor from Erie, PA. His newest poetry collection, Today is a Michigan Ghost Town, is from Concrete Mist Press.  Follow Matt Borczon & his arts on Facebook.

Eyyup Esen, PhD - aka Shaq Tom, PhD - is  a writer, a speaker, a native of Turkey, and a builder of bridges connecting people of different cultures and faiths.  Follow his writing and speaking at  https://www.facebook.com/I-am-not-Color-Blind-646878992609493 Communicate with him at Eyyupesen@gmail.com 

Chicago-based Painter & Musician David Criner joins for conversation about his creative process. And to perform original music, including from his most recent recordings DCKM and Sun Cycle. Follow David & his art at www.DavidCriner.com

From the northeast USA, John Yamrus tells tales about dogs, the prestigious Wakefield Poetry Prize which launched his 50+ year writing career, & more.  Learn more & #BuyTheBooks, including the October 2020 release Five Dogs, at www.JohnYamrus.com

Derek Menchan is an absolute delight!  A writer, a visual artist, a bassist, a “classically” trained cellist, a singer, and multi-instrumentalist. And a professor of the humanities. He is still riding the crest of a high wave of success from the 2018 release of his self-produced debut album, The Griot Swings the Classics.  His highly anticipated follow-up The Incredible will be released October 2020. Catch him if you can at www.DerekMenchan.com and @DerekMenchan on Instagram.

Mark Statman is internationally known, respected, and loved for his poetry and his poetic translations of notable works, including with Pablo Medina, translation of Federico García Lorca’s Poet in New York.  Mark’s March 2019 poetry collection Exile Home is at the heart of this conversation about “exile” and “home” and poetry.  Listen, and then to learn more about Mark, and to buy the books, head to Lavender Ink / Diálogos https://www.lavenderink.org/site/books/mark-statman

Garret C. Tufte was born in 1984 in Winona, Minnesota. He currently resides in Lawrence, which is near Kansas City. Land surveyor by day and one of many characters by night; he spends much of his time writing, carving stone, building contraptions, and playing piano.  The Fire Enlightening, his newest book, with poetry and a short play, is from Spartan Press.  Buy The Book through your local Indie Bookseller!Find more at http://www.tuftesvariations.com

Clifford Brooks was born in Athens, Georgia. His first collection of poetry, “The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics” was nominated for a Pulitzer and Georgia Author of the Year.  His second poetry collection, “Athena Departs: Gospel of a Man Apart,” was nominated for Georgia Author of the Year. A chapbook of verse, “Exiles of Eden,” serves as a bridge between his two, larger volumes. You can find all his titles at: www.leafgardenpress.com.   Clifford is founder of the Southern Collective Experience which publishes The Blue Mountain Review.  He is also the man behind the NPR show, Dante’s Old South. Learn more at www.southerncollectiveexperience.com

A multi-media artist living near Washington, DC, Jeff Bagato produces poetry and prose as well as electronic music and glitch video. Some of his poetry and visuals have appeared in Chiron Review, Synchronized Chaos, Miscreant, Outlaw Poetry, and Midnight Lane Boutique. Some short fiction has appeared in Gobbet and Horror Sleaze Trash. He has published nineteen books, all available by ordering at your local indie bookseller (or if you must, from the usual online markets) including Savage Magic (poetry) and The Toothpick Fairy (fiction). A blog about his writing and publishing efforts can be found at http://jeffbagato.com

Crystal Boson writes short, dense poems that lay bare the complicated geographies of the United States and the lives of the Black, queer, and marginalized bodies that dwell within its boundaries. The poems are dark matter, heavy and small, and will rip everything you know apart. She currently writes about, and resides in the midwest.She is a Cave Canem and Callaloo fellow, and in 2014 was awarded the Langston Hughes Creative Writing Award, which is co-sponsored by Raven Book Store and the Lawrence (KS) Arts Center. She has work published in Blueshift Journal, Pank, Parcel, among other locations. Most recently her work "the bitter map" was selected as the winner of the 2017 Honeysuckle Press Chapbook Contest by Saeed Jones.   Follow Crystal's work, and Buy The Books, at CrystalBoson.com

Christine Howey is an award-winning actor, director, theater critic, transgender activist and performance poet. She was the Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights, Ohio for 2016-2018. Her one-person stage play of poetry about her transgender journey, Exact Change, was turned into a feature film. The film is an official selection of the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in 2018 (Oct. 3-7).    Christine has four books of poetry published. She is also a slam poet and competed in the National Poetry Slams in 2013 and 2017.  Her newest book is Citizen of Metropolis, from Crisis Chronicles Press, August 2018   Find much more online, and her books at christinehoweypoetry.blogspot.com  

Jennie & Brandon & Talk With ME host Marcia share laughter & conversation about Art & Goodness & Fearlessness.   Jennie Washburn has a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to ongoing learning, personal growth, kindness, and fun!  She is an esthetician, the co-host of Soul Salon, and the host of The Goddess Within women's circle, all in Lawrence, KS  www.facebook.com/The-Goddess-Within-252751568549725/     Brandon Eisman / Deja Brooks is a Drag Queen. July 2018, he performed KS Repertory Theatre's "The Legend of Georgia McBride."  Brandon stays very busy with Transformations and other events which raise awareness and funds for service organizations; as well as providing Deja's Reading Rainbow story times at Lawrence Public Library. One of Brandon’s goals is to continue to educate and to open minds, to increase support of ALL people. ME / Marcia Epstein is an advocate for all the arts & a mental health social worker,https://MarciaEpstein.biz

Macey Webb was born in 1981 and adopted by a family in Stilwell, KS, composed of an educator and a jack-of-all-trades.  She has inevitably been writing since she has known how, although there was a brief slackening when all her favorite children's literary magazines refused to publish her 12-year-old musings on how enjoyable farm chores can be.  In the whirlwind of the last three years, Macey has used poetry to process mental illness, grief, joy, kitties, interconnectedness, and survival.  Her involvement with the Percolator Lawrence art space in her home town of Lawrence, KS has led to Macey hosting a variety of wildly unsuccessful Open Mic Words And Poetry events that do little more than annoy local patrons of corporate hotels and restaurants.  Truly, she never asked for anything more.

Denise Low, past Poet Laureate of Kansas, is the award-winning author of over 35 books of poetry, memoir, and more.  Currently based in Lawrence, KS, she is a 5th generation Kansan with British Isles, German, Delaware (Lenape / Munsee) and other heritages. Recent books include Ghost Stories of the New West (Kansas Notable Book and The Circle-Best Native American Books); Jackalope (Red Mountain Press); The Turtle’s Beating Heart: One Family’s Story of Lenape Survival (U of NE Press); A Casino Bestiary (Spartan Press); and new release: Shadow Light (Red Mountain Press).     Denise and husband Tom Weso are publishers at Mammoth Publications, specializing in Indigenous American authors. Low provides readings and professional workshops nationally, as well as classes through Baker U.  She founded the Creative Writing program at Haskell Indian Nations U, where she taught for 27 years. Low is past board president of the Associated Writers and Writing Programs and she is a contributing editor to the Writer’s Chronicle.  www.DeniseLow.net    

April Roller is the co-founder of the innovative, artistic, suicide prevention organization, Cosplay for Hope, based in Missouri. April's life changed on August 4, 2013 when Jeremy, her beloved husband and father of their three children, died by suicide. Jeremy secretly struggled with severe depression and anxiety throughout his 32 years. Yet he also experienced the joys of falling in love with April, and with each of their three young children. In honor of Jeremy, April and their sons became advocates for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. April's advocacy included founding the student chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at U. of Central MO, as well as co-founding Cosplay For Hope.Learn more at www.facebook.com/pg/CosplayForHope

Lindsey Doolittle is a speaker, children’s book author, artist, and suicide loss survivor. After her late husband, Sgt. Brett Doolittle of the KC, KS PD, ended his life in 2015 she became a suicide prevention advocate through public speaking and art.  Her children’s book "Goodnight Mr. Vincent van Gogh" offers a gentle way of explaining a loved one’s suicide without sweeping it under the rug. August & September 2018 in Kansas City. she  her traveling art exhibit "Faces After Suicide" debuts. It features ink drawings, suicide prevention resources and letters written by loss survivors.Learn more at https://abovetherug.com  

Jennie & Brandon & Talk With ME host Marcia share laughter & conversation about Art for Opening Minds & Hearts & Creating Goodness.   Jennie Washburn has a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to ongoing learning, personal growth, kindness, and fun!  She is an esthetician, the co-host of Soul Salon, and the host of The Goddess Within women's circle, all in Lawrence, KS  www.facebook.com/The-Goddess-Within-252751568549725/     Brandon Eisman / Deja Brooks is a Drag Queen. July 2018, she is featured in KS Repertory Theatre's "The Legend of Georgia McBride."  She stays very busy with Transformations and other events which raise awareness and funds for service organizations; as well as providing Deja's Reading Rainbow story times at Lawrence Public Library. One of Brandon’s goals is to continue to educate and to open minds, to increase support of ALL people. ME / Marcia Epstein is an advocate for all the arts & a mental health social worker,https://MarciaEpstein.biz

Julio Montalvo Valentin is the author of two chapbooks, Don’t Give up the Ship and Ship Lost.  His poetry is published in online journals including Thimble Literary Magazine and Plurality Press.  Late 2018 his not-yet titled chapbook on Rice is anticipated from NightBallet Press. No longer an editor and publisher, Julio is busy working on another new project, converting a school bus into a poetry caravan for his upcoming poetry tour.  Until then, you just may find him at a mic in Buffalo, NY.

Dramaturg Lusie Cuskey and Drag Queen Brandon Eisman / Deja Brooks excite us about The Summer Of Drag, Summer 2018 at Kansas Repertory Theatre in Lawrence, KS.   "La Cage Aux Folles" promises an evening full of lashes, laughter and ultimately love. In "The Legend of Georgia McBride," sometimes learning to be a man requires learning to be a really exquisite woman. The shows are performed alternating nights from July 13 - 29, 2018.  Info at http://kutheatre.com/performances    

Kay Duganator was born and raised in Topeka, KS. She returned there after a brief tour of the Flint Hills during her time at Emporia State University. After her day job, Kay is free to pursue her arts: poetry, fiction and storytelling.  She hosts Topeka's NOTO Story Slam and frequently reads at Topeka's monthly Speak Easy Open Mic. She is also a member of the SFPA: Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association.     Kay was recently nominated for the 9th annual Dubceez Underground Entertainment Awards as Best Female Spoken Word Artist and nominated Best Newcomer in the 2nd Annual Music and More Poetry Awards. Her works can be found in Quivira, The Best of ESU, The Tin Lunchbox, The Blue Mountain Review, and Ichobods Speak Out. Her first chapbook "The Beast Within" was released January 2018.   Follow Kay Duganator's art and events on social media.  

Nathanael William Stolte is the author of six chapbooks: A Beggars Book of Poems (Last First Press, 2015), Bumblebee Petting Zoo (CWP Collective Press, 2015), Fools’ Song (CWP Collective Press, 2016), Origami Creature (Ghost City Press, 2017), A Beggars Prayer Book (Night Ballet Press, 2017), and Ramshackle American (Analogue Submissions Press, 2018). He was voted best poet in Buffalo (Artvoice, 2016). You'll find him featured in poetry readings in Buffalo and far beyond; and published in many poetry journalsStolte is the Acquisitions Editor of Cringe-Worth Poets Collective Press  www.cwpcollectivepress.com Nathanael and the press will be featured at KC FountainVerse, October 2018.  He is a madcap, flower-punk, D.I.Y. Buffalo bred & corn-fed poet. He responds to emails at nathanaelstolte@yahoo.com

Ronda Miller is a Life Coach who works with clients who have lost someone to homicide.  Miller is the current State President of Kansas Authors Club (1/01/2018 - 12/31/2019).  She has also served as the club’s Poetry Contest Manager (2011-2014); District 2 President (2015 – 2017); and state Vice President (2016 – 2017). When Miller isn’t coaching clients, volunteering time to Kansas Authors Club, or writing poetry, she is busy learning life skills from children with special needs.   Ronda's books of poetry include “Going Home: Poems from My Life”, “MoonStain”, and “WaterSigns” (2015 and 2017, published by Meadowlark-Books).  Her poems are also included in many anthologies, including in 2018: "Kansas Time-Place: An Anthology of Heartland Poetry"; "Flash Poems: Poetry and Prompts"; and "365 Days Poetry Anthology, Volume 2".  Her memoir "Gun Memories", is coming in September 2018.Find Ronda Miller's readings, workshops, and books at Poet's Page for Ronda Miller on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/146522715536360/    

Who is Jason Preu?  Poetry, fiction, fake wikipedia entries…Inspired by office culture, the philosophies of dependent origination, Dada, no mind, and rap music, Jason writes to elicit smiles, tickle kundalinis, instigate internal riots, and showcase the strangeness of otherwise pedestrian situations. His recent books include More Poems About Purple Wizards and Neon Bright Exceptionalisms (EMP, 2017) and the illuminated poem To Grow A Hole the Size of Everything (collaboration with Jeanette Powers, EMP, 2017) . In 2016, Jason’s performative collaboration with composer and fellow Charlotte Street Foundation resident, Brian Padavic, was the subject of the feature film The Avocado Among Other Fruits, Live from Prospero's.   Jason is also one of the Head Honchos of FountainVerse: KC Small Press Poetry Fest, October 12-14, 2018.  Info at www.facebook.com/fountainverse/ and  https://www.fountainverse.com/   Catch Jason if you can at https://jasonpreu.com/

Anthony Boynton is a Georgia native and doctoral student of English at the University of Kansas. Boynton's academic work normally focuses on and/or critiques race, gender, and popular culture. Essential to this work is the 4:44 Syllabus, an electronic storehouse that offers sources to unpack Jay-Z's 2017 summer album.  The 4:44 Syllabus  https://issuu.com/adboyntonii/docs/syllabus_final​ Boynton's creative work narrates stories of those we often hush, the ones we often need to hear most about the future, about emotion, about pain, and joy.   Follow Anthony Boynton at https://medium.com/@ADBoyntonII  

Andrew Farkas' "Self-Titled Debut", a collection of fictions, won the Subito Press Prose Contest in 2009. His work has appeared in North American Review, The Cincinnati Review, and The Florida Review, among other places. His story, "The Ballad of Ailin' Alan Smithee," was a Special Mention in Pushcart Prize XXXV, and his essay, "Somewhere Better Than This Place," was a Notable Essay in Best American Essays 2013. He holds degrees from Kent State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Alabama, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a fiction editor at The Collagist and an English professor at Washburn University. 

Tessa Gratton is the author of the Blood Journals duology, the Gods of New Asgard series, and books on writing fantasy for teen writers. She lives in Lawrence, KS with her wife, is currently a lead writer on Serial Box Publishing's show Tremontaine, and is the author of the upcoming YA fantasy Strange Grace from McElderry, as well as the adult fantasy The Queens of Innis Lear from Tor. She is the associate director of Madcap Retreats.    Visit her at tessagratton.com

Linzi Garcia can be found frolicking through sunflower fields, cemeteries, and bars across the states. She has been featured in "Treading Unique Paths: Young Writers Anthology" (VerbalEyze Press, 2016), "50 Haikus: Issue #12" (Prolific Press, 2017), and on the "Philosophical Idiot" poetry website (November, 2017). Her work will also be featured in the upcoming Blue Hour anthology. Linzi Garcia's first poetry collection "Thank You" was published by Spartan Press KC in 2018  If you're lucky, you can even find a haiku of hers in the gumball machine at The Raven Book Store in Lawrence, KS or perhaps hidden in a nook in a tree near you.Linzi currently resides in Lindsborg, KS, with Littleton, CO as her next home base. Wherever she lives, she's dreaming of Lawrence Ferlinghetti and New Orleans. She is always looking for invitations to new places where she can absorb new poetry, perspective, incomparable experiences, and quality whiskey.    Follow the adventures of Linzi Garcia on Facebook @linzi.garcia.5 and Instagram @linzithelion

Jennie Washburn & Talk With ME host Marcia Epstein share their conversation about Spring,  Goodness, Community, BadAssery, and Laughter! Jennie has a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to ongoing learning, personal growth, kindness, and fun!  She is a licensed esthetician, the co-host with Nan Loyd-Leffingwell of Soul Salon, and the host of The Goddess Within women's circle in Lawrence, KS  www.facebook.com/The-Goddess-Within-252751568549725/  Host ME is an advocate for all the arts & a mental health social worker, https://MarciaEpstein.biz  

Cei Loofe is a writer, a public speaker and a person of service, currently based in Omaha, NE. He started all these pursuits decades ago in another life time and continues them today. Loofe’s body of written work includes 20 years as a freelance reporter, chapbooks, work in several anthologies, and his own titles: house of bricks...made of straw, keeping alive our dead and from the very first day. Loofe volunteers with the city arts project, Omaha’s Youth Emergency Center, and sits on  organizational boards throughout the city.Although Cei Loofe is very busy living life, you'll occasionally find sightings of him at www.facebook.com/CBairdLoofe/

Robert Hansen is the person behind Poems-For-All, a project that for the last 17 years has been designing and publishing miniature books of poetry that are scattered like seeds out into the world. To date, he has published over 1,500 different little books, no bigger than the size of a business card, featuring poets from all around the world, including Scotland, England, Pakistan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and The Philippines. The series features poems in English, French, German, Catalan, and Gaelic.   Instagram: www.instagram.com/scattered.like.seeds  Facebook: www.facebook.com/Poems-For-All-7169297601Official website: www.poems-for-all.com    

Simone Savannah  was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. and currently resides in Lawrence, KS.  She is the author of a new chapbook, Like Kansas (Big Lucks, 2018). She is a 2017 finalist for the Rita Dove Award in Poetry. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Big Lucks, GlitterMob, The Fem, Powder Keg, The Continental Review, and The Pierian. Simone holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Kansas, where her research areas were: 20th century African American women's literature, black feminist criticism, and African American poetry.Learn more about Simone Savannah's poetry on numerous online poetry journals, on Twitter @PerfectVerse22 and at https://www.SimoneSavannah.com/

Brandon Whitehead is a misanthropic and reclusive creature seldom seen in public unless there is free beer.  His poetry collection Thieves, Pharaohs and Mexican Daredevils is available for cash-money or decent whiskey. Brandon is a member of the FountainVerse group; he is one of the organizers of this October 12-14, 2018 FountainVerse KC Small Press Poetry Fest which features poets from across North America.  Brandon is also the host of The Speakeasy @ Swordfish Tom's Poetry and Spoken Word Review in KC.  The Speakeasy @ Swordfish Tom's https://www.facebook.com/speakeasypoetryatswordfishtoms/   FountainVerse https://www.facebook.com/fountainverse/  and https://www.fountainverse.com/

Listen, be inspired, and laugh as Assistant Director Lusie Cuskey and female lead Sarah VanZwoll describe the production and the personal journeys that led them to major roles in Spring Awakening.   In this pulse-pounded rock musical adapted from the controversial 1891 German play, young men and women struggle to define themselves within a repressive culture. A smash hit on Broadway and winner of 8 Tony Awards. KU's University Theatre April 2018 production of Spring Awakening features a (mostly) student cast as well as an eight-piece, all-student band, and choreography by Michelle Heffner Hayes, Dance Dept Chair.   http://KUTheatre.com/Spring-Awakening

Matt Spezia was recently named a Prince of Poetry.  He is a national powerhouse of Lyrical Ability, combining his 3-time national award winning Poetry Style, Kansas City Hip Hop, and Thespian Experience.  Spezia uses his platform and his art to promote self confidence and betterment, social awareness, and cultural change.    Spezia has worked to directly influence youth in 26 different school districts.   He hosts multiple weekly national award winning Radio Shows.  Spezia has 2 Albums and a Book published and has appeared in an anthology CD and book. He was recently signed by CX1DJS and E&E Entertainment.  His third CD “Babylon” releases June 25. Currently based in Topeka, Kansas, Matt Spezia regularly hosts Poetry Events and Performs his Poetry across the Midwest and more.  All of this while being a proud Washburn University Ichabod.  Follow @MattSpezia913 on Twitter and Instagram; plus www.facebook.com/Matt-Spezia-176173993172520/ and http://MattSpeziaMusic.com/

Lexi is the founder of Hope Through Headphones.  She is also a music-lover, a person living with mental illness, and a student pursuing a degree in Marketing at Washburn U in Topeka, KS.Hope Through Headphones is a movement dedicated to providing mental health education and support to students using music to connect and inspire. HTH works with high school and college campuses to create social, welcoming events raising awareness of mental illnesses, how to help yourself, and how to help others.  HTH is hosting the first annual Mental Music Scene on Saturday 4/7/2018 in Topeka, KS at Lake Shawnee.  Music by 13 artists/groups.  Food trucks on site. Plus info tables and speakers about living well with mental illness. Tix available online and at the event. “Stick it to the Stigma!”   Follow Lexi's adventures at https://www.facebook.com/HopeTHeadphones/    

John Burroughs is a nationally-touring poet and performer from the Cleveland area and the author of over a dozen books including Water Works, Electric Company, Beat Attitude and The Eater of the Absurd. His latest, Loss and Foundering, will be released April 6th by NightBallet Press (nightballet.com). In various past lives, John served as playwright-in-residence for the Ministry of Theatre at Marion Correctional Institution, his blog was ranked #1 on MySpace, he won the first poetry slam he ever competed in, and he co-founded (with Dianne Borsenik) the infamous Lix and Kix Poetry Extravaganza and almost-annual Snoetry: A Winter Wordfest. John has edited numerous volumes, including the Oct Tongue poetry series, Cheap and Easy Magazine and the anti-censorship anthology Fuck Poetry, and he is probably most proud of his work since 2008 as the founding editor of Crisis Chronicles Press. Follow John Burroughs to www.crisischronicles.com

Monte grew up in a musical family, and began playing guitar and writing songs as a young child.  He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, professor, trainer and consultant.  He earned Master's and PhD in school leadership.  Monte's passion is bringing people together through collaborative songwriting about themes important to them.  He does this in work with youth in schools across the country, co-workers in corporations, participants in national and international conferences, and more.  On the creative side, he’s co-authored eight books and composed over 200 published songs, including “Check Your Attitude”, featured on the 2012 Grammy Award winning Best Children’s Album, “All About Bullies.”  Over one thousand performances, workshops and leadership presentations have left audiences laughing, singing, and applauding across North America, Asia and Europe. Follow Monte Selby's music and more at www.YouYube.com/user/MonteSelby/ and at www.MonteSelby.com/

Perry and family live in rural Douglas County, KS after adventures that carried him to Vietnam, Mexico, and a variety of states (of mind & of USA).  He is a Vietnam veteran, an artist, a worker dedicated to lifting youth out of crisis, a loving husband and more.   Perry is a person of many experiences and a prolific writer of many genres: novels "The Hero versus Me and Monkey Jo" and "Hard Love", co-writer of co-wrote two plays in the anthology "Annabelle"; several collections of poetry; and a collection of short stories.  Perry's visual art includes sculpture, drawings, paintings, and photography.   Perry is a board member of South Mass Art Guild in Lawrence, KS, and Vice President of the Kansas Author’s Club District No. 2.  Follow Kansas Authors Club at http://KansasAuthorsClub.weebly.com/  Follow South Mass Art Guild (of Lawrence, KS) at www.facebook.com/pg/southmassart/   September 2018, Perry's novel "The Hero versus Me and Monkey Jo" is scheduled for release by Anamcara Press LLC.   Keep looking online for that coming-soon place to follow Artist Perry L. Shepard!

Born in Michigan, John Gary Brown resides half-time in Lawrence, KS and half-time in Creede, CO.  He received his MFA from University of Washington in 1970.  He has spent time teaching and traveling and is currently working asa professional artist – mostly painting, still photographing, and writing a memoir. “I believe that mankind’s marks upon the earth are superficial and fleeting, and I try to depict and celebrate what is truly elemental in the landscape — the breathing of life into great watery vistas, seen through shifting, atmospheric veils, or the falling of sun light onto undisturbed dust.” Through photography, Brown documented late-1960's and 1970's "freaks" (counterculture) of Lawrence, KS.  Many of his photos are included in the exhibit "Free State, Free Spirits: Lawrence’s 1960s Counterculture" at the Watkins Museum of History, Lawrence, KS from February 23–June 16, 2018.     More John Gary Brown at www.JohnGaryBrown.com

Jennie Washburn & Talk With ME host Marcia Epstein share their conversation about Life, Love, Death and Laughter! Jennie has a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to ongoing learning, personal growth, kindness, and fun!  She is a licensed esthetician, the co-host with Nan Loyd-Leffingwell of Soul Salon, and the host of The Goddess Within women's circle in Lawrence, KS  www.facebook.com/The-Goddess-Within-252751568549725/  Host ME is an advocate for all the arts & a mental health social worker, https://MarciaEpstein.biz

David is a dramaturg, actor, PhD student, and more, headed toward teaching dramaturgy.  David shares stories of family, appreciation for those who laid the groundwork for being able to marry his husband, Mexican heritage, and more. David was born and raised in KC, KS, and has tried to leave the state numerous times, but always finds himself coming back "home."  He is now in the Theatre Department at Kansas University. David has had the privilege of working as a dramaturg for the past five years. The first show he dramaturged was the Rocky Horror Show and he was hooked immediately!  Dramaturgy is that comfortable space where David can unleash his inner nerd and celebrate the two things he loves: research and practice.    As dramaturg for "Perfect Arrangement," David’s research and education of the cast and crew enhance their performances.  The play by Topher Payne, is an “acerbic comedy of love and marriage” that “explores the challenges of maintaining a queer family during the McCarthy era.”  Performances are from Saturday, March 31–Sunday, April 8, 2018.  Tickets and info at http://kutheatre.com/perfect-arrangement

MG Salazar is a Native/Latinx poet, artist, business owner and activist living in Kansas City, Missouri. They have published two books: "If You See My Ghosts Like I Do" (Spartan Press) and "Striking the Black Snake: Poems from Standing Rock", written from Oceti Sakowin, North Dakota, at the height of the No DAPL movement. They were recently awarded an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC to publish their third book, "Tiny Bits of Flesh". Salazar owns the vintage shop "The Skullery Maid", and is dedicated in creating a safer space for people to express themselves through fashion. Salazaris also a founding member of Brown Voices/Brown Pulse and the Resistencia reading series, both which seek to highlight black and brown voices.    For more about The Skullery Maid: https://www.facebook.com/theskullerymaid  Find more of many things MG Salazar at http://mgsalazar.com/    

Rhina was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, has lived in the U.S.A. since 1939, grew up in NYC, and now lives in Newburyport, MA.  She earned a B.A. from Hunter College, where she majored in English and minored in Humanities and Latin, and has a Master of Science in Education from Queens College. Espaillat taught high school English in NYC for several years, most of that in Queens. She was a founding member of the Fresh Meadows Poets, a literary group still active in the borough.   In 1990 Espaillat moved to Newburyport with her late husband, Alfred Moskowitz, a well known and beloved sculptor and teacher (deceased in 2016). For many years she coordinated the Newburyport Art Association's Annual Poetry Contest and organized poetry events of the yearly Newburyport Literary Festival. She is a co-founder and member of the Powow River Poets,  and has been instrumental in bringing bilingual poetry readings to the North of Boston area, and bilingual activities shared by area high school students.   Espaillat writes poetry and prose both in English and in her native Spanish, and translates from and into both of her languages.  Her work has appeared on many internet sites and magazines, and in over seventy anthologies in both languages.  She is a frequent reader and speaker in the Boston area, and conducts workshops, as visiting poet, at colleges and universities on many states.  Espaillat has published thirteen collections, and has received many awards throughout her career thus far.  

Buddy Wakefield is an internationally renowned, world champion spoken word artist; actor; writer; elated son of a guitar repair woman; wingman of Giant Saint Everything; who pays attention, and practices Vipassana meditation. He follows his excitement!     In the spring of 2001, Buddy left his position at a biomedical firm in Gig Harbor, WA, sold or gave away everything he owned, moved to the small town of Honda Civic and set out to live for a living, touring poetry venues.  Buddy spent most of his poetry career based in Seattle, WA, and now claims Los Angeles, CA as home. He is an author at Write Bloody Publishing, and is published internationally in dozens of books with work used to win multiple national collegiate debate and forensics competitions. He has performed poetry across North America, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Australia, and more. Buddy delivers raw, rounded, disarming performances of humor and heart.  Oh, the places he will go as an actor!    Follow the adventures of Buddy Wakefield at https://buddywakefield.com

Jennie Washburn & Talk With ME host Marcia Epstein share their conversation about Art & Mental Health, Making Decisions Wisely, Self-Compassion for Propelling Oneself Forward, and Laughter! Jennie has a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to ongoing learning, personal growth, kindness, and fun!  She is a licensed esthetician, the co-host with Nan Loyd-Leffingwell of Soul Salon, and the host of The Goddess Within women's circle in Lawrence, KS  www.facebook.com/The-Goddess-Within-252751568549725/  Host ME is an advocate for all the arts & a mental health social worker, https://MarciaEpstein.biz    

Alex Johnston lives and works in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate NY where he is also a full time student headed toward his PhD in Western Literature. ‘On Fire and Roses’ is his first full length collection of poetry; pieces from the book have appeared in several online and print publications across the country. His second book, (still untitled) is in the works and scheduled to be released winter 2018-2019.  Aside from poetry and academia, Johnston is also a professional violinist and former student of The Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, NY.  He now teaches both violin and guitar part-time.  Find news from Alex on Lummox Press https://www.lummoxpress.com/lc/alex-johnston/ & on Facebook at @alex.johnston.7777

Creed lives in Lawrence, Kansas where he has very recently worked as a communications manager and researcher for Kansas Progress Institute, a general Laborer, and is now an Early Childhood teacher's assistant at Kansas's only Waldorf School, Prairie Moon. He runs Enduring Puberty Press, an earnestly unprofessional effort specializing in correspondence art. Its magazine is published annually.  The mail art is all year round. Creed Shepard’s poems have been published in Smelt Money, Beecher’s, HypocriteReader and others.  Rapport Privilege is his fourth chapbook of poems.  Find Creed and more at Enduring Puberty Press https://miuseofheterolinea.wordpress.com/ and on Facebook @EnduringPubertyPress  

Poet Jen Harris is a professional public speaker, spoken word poet, activist, published author, founder and former host of Kansas City Poetry Slam. Nationally recognized in the aforementioned, she works as an advocate to incorporate spoken word poetry as a form of peer-based mental health therapy. Harris recently completed a year-long writing residency through Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, moved to Denver, is finalizing two books; Lust & Disdain & Unconfirmed Certainties, was featured at Write About Now, Button Poetry, and presented at TEDxKU on Sept 30, 2017. Find news of Poet Jen Harris on all social media @poetjenharris and at www.poetjenharris.com

Heather Christie grew up in rural Pennsylvania and, at age seventeen, took off for NYC in hopes of becoming a movie star. Flash forward several decades… a couple degrees (including a MFA in Creative Writing), a bunch of cats, two kids and one husband later, she’s back in Pennsylvania. Heather is a wife, mom, amateur cook, exercise freak, and avid reader. When she’s not doing all that, she’ selling houses, writing books and blogging at www.HeatherChristieBooks.com. Kirkus Reviews calls Heather’s debut novel, What The Valley Knows, “A taut, compelling family tale.” Her work has been published by Writer’s Digest, Scary Mommy, Elephant Journal, Mamapedia,The Good Men Project, Grown & Flown, Baltimore Child, Parent.co, Bon Bon Break, Her View From Home, the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Sammichs and Psych Meds, and The Lighter Side of Real Estate. Heather was a member of the 2017 Listen To Your Mother cast. Say “hello” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow her at www.HeatherChristieBooks.com