Manor Mill Poetry Night Rescheduled for January 13

Last week’s Manor Mill Poetry Night was snowed out, but the event has been rescheduled for this Monday, January 13! I’m excited to be the featured reader, joined by Charles Rammelkamp, at this wonderful evening of poetry and community.

Manor Mill Poetry Night, held every first Monday of the month, brings together poets and readers to celebrate the written word. The event starts with featured readers, followed by an open mic for attendees to share their work. The evening is hosted by poets Mel Edden and Robert R. Bowie Jr.

I’ll be reading from Faraway Tables, my debut poetry collection, and Charles will share his latest work. Copies of our books will be available for sale, and we’ll be happy to sign and inscribe them.

The event is free to attend, and refreshments will be provided, making it the perfect way to spend an evening with the local poetry community.

Learn more about the event and Manor Mill at Manor Mill's Website.

We hope to see you there tomorrow!

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: First Review by The Bookworm

I’m excited to share the first review of Faraway Tables from my recent poetic book tour, featured on The Bookworm by poet and book blogger Nai. The review offers thoughtful insights into the themes and poems within the collection.

Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:

• “Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
  “Outside the kitchen window,
  milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
  You ask how much longer, although you know
  there’s no rushing such things.”

• “Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
  “The pandemic drives us into
  our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
  to be what we want to be.”

Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.

Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.

It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: The Bookworm.

Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!

 

Faraway Tables Hits the Amazon Bestsellers List

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: Faraway Tables has officially made its way onto the Amazon Bestsellers list! Thanks to the recent 99-cent sale and everyone who supported the book, it reached #7 in the category “Poetry About Specific Places” and #20 in “Contemporary Poetry.”

What makes this achievement even more special is the company I’m in—poets like Walt Whitman, Billy Collins, Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, and Mark Doty also grace these lists. It’s humbling to see Faraway Tables standing alongside works from such iconic voices in poetry.

This milestone is a testament to the power of readers and the connections we build through words. Whether you’ve purchased a copy, shared the book with a friend, or written a review, I can’t thank you enough for helping Faraway Tables reach new audiences.

While the sale has ended, the journey isn’t over. Could we push Faraway Tables even higher? Let’s see how far we can go. If you’ve been enjoying the collection, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who loves poetry. 

For now, I’m celebrating this moment with gratitude. Thank you for your continued support! Here’s to the ongoing journey of Faraway Tables.

Stay tuned for more updates in the months to come!

Featured Poet at Manor Mill's January Event

Every first Monday of the month, Manor Mill features Poetry Night. The local poetry community comes together to share their work. Each event has a featured poet (sometimes two or three). They read and discuss their work during the first half of the program. Then, after intermission, there is an open mic section. The events are hosted by poets Mel Edden and Robert R. Bowie Jr. 

I'm pleased to announce that I'm the featured poet on Monday, January 6 at Manor Mill Poetry Night. And even better, Charles Rammelkamp is joining me as a featured reader. Two poets for the price of one (and since admission is free and refreshments are included, it's a deal you cannot beat). 

I'll be reading from my debut poetry collection, Faraway Tables. Both Charles and I will have copies of our book available for sale, and we'll be happy to sign and inscribe them. 

Learn more about the event at https://manor-mill.com/poetry.