When Research Finds the Writer

 

As novelist E.L. Doctorow will tell you, sometimes the best kind of research is the kind that comes to you without effort. I experienced that sort of research recently.

I was out for a walk with my son in our neighborhood, full of large, old trees. One of them had a sign posted on it. “Scheduled for elimination by Division of Forestry.” The reasons checked off were “Dying” and “Diseased.”

Just days earlier, I happened to pull out a story I wrote a couple years prior and was putting some polish on it. The story, “Leaving,” is about a woman infatuated with her yard. In the end, the government tends to her dying tree when she refuses to.

Some readers asked me whether this was realistic. Could this really happen? I told them that I knew of a person whose tree had been felled by the government. But their questions planted a seed of doubt.

Seeing the sign nailed to a tree was more than just validation — it was the perfect detail to add to my story. I copied the sign verbatim and added it to "Leaving."

It reminds me of the method of research Doctorow shared when he spoke at the National Book Festival. He explained that he once bumped a library shelf, a book fell out, and the open page led him to write Ragtime.

Not to say that “Leaving” is my Ragtime, but at least I seem to have the “stumble upon research” bit down. In fact, it’s my favorite kind of research.

Listen to an abridged version of “Leaving” on Baltimore’s NPR station, WYPR.

Or read it here in Syndic Literary Journal.

“Countryman” in The Three Acts of Wayne Countryman

 

My Faraway Tables poem "Countryman" found its home in the pages of The Three Acts of Wayne Countryman. 

Published by Eight Stone Press, known for their captivating Smile, Hon, You're in Baltimore zine series.

You can read "Countryman" in The Three Acts of Wayne Countryman on the official website of Eight Stone Press:

https://eightstonepress.com/publications/ 

A Grand Journey: Traversing the Layers of Time at the Grand Canyon - in Baltimore Style

 

My travel story, "A Grand Time in the Grand Canyon: This UNESCO World Heritage Site Offers Unparalleled Views," was published in Baltimore Style Magazine.

Our adventure through the Grand Canyon captures the awe-inspiring vistas of the South Rim, the quiet solitude of the North Rim, and the geological and cultural history woven into this iconic landscape. From the Desert View Watchtower to the profound silence of the canyon's depths, experience the grandeur of one of nature's most stunning creations.

Read the full story in Baltimore Style Magazine.

Lit and Art Today at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower

Join us TODAY (Saturday, May 17) for the Lit & Art Reading Series at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, Noon to 3 p.m.!

Four talented poets will grace the stage: Virginia Crawford, E. Doyle-Gillespie, Matt Hohner, and Sam Schmidt.

Bring fve minutes of your own work to share during open mic!

Lit & Art has been showcasing the talents of local, regional, and national authors, poets, musicians, and artists since 2007. Come join us for an enjoyable afternoon of poetry!

It's part of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower's Open House. Take a tour of the clock tower, explore the art galleries, and visit artists-in residence while you're here.

Learn more by visiting the Lit and Art

www.facebook.com/groups/LitAndArt

Books Begin from the Simplest Things

 

E.L. Doctorow wrote books that could be described as many things, but seldom as simple. Yet he was the first to admit that the ideas for his novels could often be seeded from the simplest of things.

“An image, sound, idea,” he elaborated when I met him at a book festival years ago. “You explore it and see where it goes. It’s not a rational thing, to write a book.”

He wrote City of God, for example, when he saw the image of a cross on the top of a synagogue.

“A novel, among other things, is a mixture of opinions.” Doctorow is an expert at mixing those opinions in an interesting way

Check out Doctorow’s City of God on Goodreads here.

Join Me at the Table—With a Free Copy of Faraway Tables

 

Time is running out: today is the final day of Yorkshire Publishing’s promotion, offering you a free copy of the ebook version of Faraway Tables.

Not sure if poetry is for you? My collection has been described as accessible and relatable—even by readers who don’t often read poetry. So, give it a try!

For a sample, here is the second of my two book trailers.

Hungry for more? Today is the last day to get your free copy! 

One poem refers to the idea that the bill always comes at the end. But that’s not the case here. If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like, although that is completely voluntary. What matters to us is sharing the work.

Get your free copy now!

Get Your Free Copy of the Collection Syncopation Calls “A Sensory Experience”

 

Syncopation Literary Journal recently published a review of Faraway Tables written by its founding editor, Natalie Welsh. 

“Throughout the collection, Goodman challenges his readers to consider their personal choices and the ultimate impacts these have on the world.”

She goes on to write, “Goodman uses tastes, music, and vivid descriptions to create a sensory experience for his readers. The seemingly mundane becomes extraordinary.”

Today is the last day that Yorkshire Publishing is offering readers that experience for free. Until midnight today, you can get a free copy of the ebook version of Faraway Tables at Amazon. 

If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like

Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Join me at the table by getting your free copy of Faraway Tables today! 

Get A Free Copy of the Book North of Oxford calls an “Experience”

In the literary journal, North of Oxford, Reviewer Charles Rammelkamp says, “Faraway Tables is Eric D. Goodman’s first collection of poems—and it’s a good one.”

He goes on to say, “the emphasis is on experience, the sensory pleasures and pains that let us know we are alive.” 

Now, you can experience Faraway Tables without the need to pay the bill. Yorkshire Publishing, for a limited time, is offering readers a free copy of the ebook version. 

Check out the North of Oxford review here.

Get your free copy today! If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like.

Get Your Free Copy of the Collection Loch Raven Review Says “Engages the Reader Immediately”

Today through May 1, you can get a free copy of my debut poetry collection, Faraway Tables. My publisher, Yorkshire Publishing, is making the ebook version available on Amazon for this limited time.

Loch Raven Review’s Editor, Dan Cuddy, said of the book, “the commonplace is wonderfully changed by his words into a full experience of reflection and celebration." 

He went on to say “Goodman maintains his quality of expression and insights throughout the book.”

You can read the full review here

Get your free copy today! If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like.

Get Your Free Copy of this “Must Read” “Dazzling Collection” Today

 

Today, Yorkshire Publishing is making my debut poetry collection, Faraway Tables, available in ebook format for absolutely free—for a limited time.

The book has been called “a dazzling collection … with surprise detonated in many of the poem’s last lines (Toby Devens), “condensed journeys reminding us of what shapes us” (Deanna Nikaido), and “thoughtful explorations of (a) place in a world nearly out of grasp” (Barbara DeCesare). 

There’s no catch—download it and decide whether you want to sample it or devour it. If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like. And feel free to drop me a line to let me know what you think of it.

Check out the book trailer as an appetizer

Get a FREE copy of the ebook version of Faraway Tables! Get your copy today here!

Get Your Free Copy of the Book Avina Called “A Must-Read Poetry Collection”

In Author Anthony Avina’s review of Faraway Tables, he called the book “a powerful and engaging collection of poems!”

“Faraway Tables is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that captures the monumental and the mundane with eloquent precision. Memorable, honest, and passionately written author Eric D Goodman’s Faraway Tables is a must-read poetry collection.” 

You can read the full review here

For a limited time, from April 28 to May 1, you can get a FREE copy of the ebook version of Faraway Tables! If so inclined, we’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, or wherever you would like 

Get your copy today!

BIG NEWS: Get Faraway Tables for Free

Mark your calendars: from April 28 to May 1, Yorkshire Publishing is running a special promotion and offering you a free copy of the ebook version of Faraway Tables .

Deanna Nikaido, author of How to Write a Poem , called these poems “condensed journeys reminding us of what shapes us.” Toby Devens, author of My Best Mid-Life Crisis (Yet) , described them as “a dazzling collection … with surprise detonated in many of the poem’s last lines,” while Hezekia Stretch, poetry editor for Fleas on a Dog Literary Journal , praised the work as “playful, erudite, perceptive. Norman Rockwell in words.”

Don’t miss out! Get your own free copy of Faraway Tables between April 28 and May 1.

Get Your Free Copy Here 

“Virginia’s Presidential Mountains: Monticello and Mount Vernon” in Baltimore Style Magazine

 

Spring in Charlottesville, Virginia, awakens with a burst of emerald hues and a symphony of scents. It was the perfect backdrop for my family's journey through the historic landscapes of Monticello and Mount Vernon, homes of presidents Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. 

Read about our journey into America's past and the rich narratives of its presidential mountains in the full story in Baltimore Style Magazine. 

Wolfe: Fact or Fiction?

Tom Wolfe knew all about reporting, and all about writing fiction. He did both quite successfully in his career. And he was even able to marry the two by producing the novel as social commentary as well as non-fiction as creative narrative.

That's why Wolfe suggested young fiction writers try to get a bite of news reporting before tackling a novel.

"News is stranger than imagination and it triggers ideas," he said. "Find detail to help your imagination."

As an example, Wolfe mentioned socialite Paris Hilton. "The unaided imagination of a novelist needs to know what he's going to read in tomorrow's newspaper. Who would've thought Paris Hilton's scandalous video would be the very thing to launch her career?"

He strongly encouraged writers to do their homework before writing. "Blend in and live with people you want to write about. Learn about them before you write about them. Write about something real, something that relates to the world around you. Many great American novelists began as reporters."

No doubt, he included himself in that lot.

Learn more about Tom Wolfe and his books here.

“Steamy Web” in Life in Me Like Grass on Fire

 

This is one of the poems from Faraway Tables that was originally written and published back in 2011, in the poetry anthology Life in Me Like Grass on Fire.

The anthology is still available if you're interested!

Get it in print here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Me-Like-Grass-Fire/dp/0982003218

“Hospitality” in Cajun Mutt Review

My poem, "Hospitality," has been published in the Cajun Mutt Press. Delighted to be featured among diverse voices of modern verse.

Read "Hospitality" in the Cajun Mutt Review here. 

“A Weekend in Nashville” - in the print edition of Baltimore Style Magazine

 

My Nashville story was published in the print edition of Baltimore Style Magazine (on pages 12, 13, 14). 

Our recent journey brought us to the vibrant heart of Tennessee—Nashville, a city that resonates with the vibrant chords of music history and the warm hum of Southern hospitality. During our visit, we experienced the multifaceted layers of this iconic city: 

The historic paths and the lively cultural scene of Downtown Nashville.

The storied origins of the city, once known as Fort Nashborough.

A taste of Nashville's culinary pride through places like Prince’s Hot Chicken and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

The Parthenon at Centennial Park, a full-scale replica that stands as a testament to Nashville's nickname, “Athens of the South.”

Iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, each with its own rich narrative and contribution to the country music tapestry.

The tranquility and natural beauty within the bustling city, from the trendy Gulch neighborhood to the serene Cheekwood Estates and Gardens.

Read more about our visit in Baltimore Style Magazine.

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Final Review from The True Book Addict

The Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour concludes with a reflective and heartfelt review from Michelle at The True Book Addict. This final review captures the emotional essence of the collection and its ability to connect deeply with readers.

Michelle praises Faraway Tables for “touching on many subjects … life during and after the pandemic, world affairs, climate change, and the ever-changing and inevitable winding down of life.” She highlights the relatable and poignant nature of the poems, saying, “Poetry always seems to understand life and the world. These poems are no different.”

Review highlights:

• “Toast to Friendship”: “The war in Ukraine weighs heavily on our minds as it continues on and on. This poem captured the sorrow of what was, what is, and perhaps what could be again (we can only hope).”
  “These people in Kiev—people just like us—
  no longer worried about
  when to go to the store for toothpaste,
  but whether their sons and daughters
  would live in an independent nation,
  or live at all.”

• “Embracing Hermithood”: “If the pandemic could be looked at in a more positive light, these stanzas demonstrate this… it helped me to slow down and to be more centered.”
  “The pandemic drives us into
  our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
  to be what we want to be.”

• “Sassy”: “The loss of a beloved pet. This one brought tears to my eyes.”
  “How I always wanted to sleep in
  an extra ten minutes
  when it was my turn to walk you.
  How I long to walk with you—
  at any hour—now.”

• “Water Fall Blues”: “A sad reality, and a harsh reality for people losing access to fresh water.”
  “Our off-the-beaten-path
  waterfall is nowhere to be found. Has it
  evaporated, or can we simply not find it?”

Michelle concludes by calling Faraway Tables “an excellent debut collection” and expressing excitement for future collections. She writes, “I think you will relate to this collection. An excellent debut collection.”

I’m so grateful to Michelle and all the reviewers who participated in the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour. Your thoughtful reviews have made this journey unforgettable.

Read the full review here: The True Book Addict.

The tour may have ended, but the journey of Faraway Tables continues! Join us at the table by getting your copy today!