Several months back, the poet, Millicent Accardi, asked if I would agree to answer some questions about myself and my writing for a piece she was doing for the Portuguese-American Review. I was happy to comply with the request. This is the piece, just up, and I hope you enjoy it.

Portuguese-American Review Article--April 2, 2012

Heading to Fresno this afternoon to see my old teacher and friend of over 40 years, Poet Laureate Philip Levine, read. It should be a fabulous time, with one of the great poets America has ever delivered, as well as one of the most splendid readers and story tellers ever to grace a stage!

did a "Poetic License" spot for the terrific show, Words on a Wire, from KTEP in El Paso, Texas yesterday. I am about 23 minutes into it, but listen to the entire half hour. Very nice! Thanks again to Daniel Chacon, Benjamin Alire Saenz, and the staff of KTEP.

http://wordsonawireradioshow.blogspot.com/2012/02/listen-to-twentieth-from-sunday.html

or

http://academics.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=70726

Here is the cover of the forthcoming "expanded edition" of my first book, originally published way back in 1978 by L'Epervier Press. This time around, Tagus Press at UMass, Dartmouth is the publisher/distributed by University Press of New England. Amazon.com & bn.com will carry it, along with any book store with excellent taste. ;) It appears in April, but it can be pre-ordered online right now.

In spite of all the world's current ills, I believe in three things: love, poetry, and a little white Bichon Frise, who incorporates both of the other things every day.

Tagus Press at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth will be releasing the expanded edition of my long out-of-print first book in April of 2012. It will be distributed through University Press of New England, which has just published their new spring catalog.

New Pereira book due in April, 2012

New poems up on the Connotation Press website for September, 2011. Delighted to be a part of this very special literary venture, now celebrating its third anniversary online!


     Hoppenthaler's Congeries

Things are beginning to look good regarding publication of the expanded edition of The Marriage of the Portuguese by Tagus Press at the Center for Portuguese Studies, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. It appears to be on track for a  Spring, 2012 release, with distribution by the University Press of New England.

ON THE STREETS WHERE TOAD DRAGGED MAIN WITH CANDY CLARK

I will be reading, along with poet Louise Kantro, as part of the Second Tuesday Poetry Series at The Barkin' Dog in Modesto, CA on July 12. The reading begins at 6:00 P.M. and I hope to see a great many of you there. The Barkin’ Dog is located at 940 11th Street.

Gave a workshop yesterday at the Central California Writers' Conference just outside of Yosemite National Park, near Oakhurst, California. Fabulous time, nestled there in the place Ansel Adams made so memorable all those years ago. 

The workshop was on narrative poetry, with examples of such from the likes of contemporary poets Billy Collins, Raymond Carver, David St. John, Larry Levis, and Mark Strand. I also managed to sneak in a couple of my own along the way.

Thanks to all who attended, with special thanks to the members of the Central Valley Writers group for asking me to their perfectly organized event in the midst of what's left of God's green earth.

There is a certain lightheadedness that comes with being a card carrying member of the extreme right. This is--in no way--a reflection of the euphoria they currently claim to be experiencing, but is, instead, brought on by an absolute lack of human intelligence discernible above their necks.

Looking forward to teaching a workshop at the end of April at this lovely venue near Yosemite. Hope to see lots of folks there!

Central Valley Writers Conference

At a restaurant called Cous Cous in Richmond, VA, signing a copy of A Cafe in Boca.

Philip Levine, myself, and David St. John in Richmond, VA on September 22, 2010 as part of a panel discussing the San Joaquin Valley roots of the late poet, Larry Levis.

I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration of the life of poet, Larry Levis. I will be one of the participants in an opening night panel discussion on Larry & California Roots, that includes Philip Levine, David St. John, Sheila Brady, Bruce Boston, and myself. Here is the link to the entire 3-day event:

Larry Levis: A Celebration