Category Archives: writing life

Tune in for KPFA’s Morning Show Monday between 8 – 9 AM for an interview with Vicki Hudson and other women veteran artists. Portions may also be heard on Monday’s Women’s Magazine or available 24/7 in the KPFA online archive for Monday May 30th.

The story behind the Victoria A. Hudson Emerging Writer scholarships to attend the San Francisco Writers Conference.

I’m an emerging writer myself and not yet bringing in more than I send out. I’ve yet to balance money in from amounts paid in reading fees however because I have benefited so greatly from attending the San Francisco Writers Conference over the last few years I wanted to find a way to support other emerging writers to gain that same benefit. Some might ask why would I want to help my competition get better yet I don’t see assisting other writers trying to stake their claim in the authorship wilderness as helping the competition. I take a more team or community approach. Let’s work together. That community attitude is what I found when I first attended the San Francisco Writers Conference as a volunteer in 2007. Hundreds of professionals, already established in the industry reaching out to help anyone interested enough in learning more about the profession of author. I immediately signed up for the next year as a paid attendee and have attended each year since. Every year, I learn more and gain new insights on how to succeed.

Originally, the scholarship was meant to honor my mother, Susan Elizabeth Durfee Hudson and her generous spirit and example in helping others. She always encouraged my writing and I still see in my memory the note she once wrote me after I went to college that simply said, “Still writing?” The scholarship is meant to help other emerging writers to keep at their craft.

Initially, I wanted my peers in the Master of Fine Arts program in writing to benefit as I had from what was offered at the San Francisco Writers Conference. The first few years I set up the scholarship for MFA students. Lack of response resulted in changing the focus from MFA students to emerging writers in 2011 and that increased the participation significantly. The scholarship will continue as an opportunity for emerging writers. If it helps someone move faster on the passage towards authorship that is just great. If it exposes someone to new ideas and means for ensuring greater success, fantastic. Most of all though, if it gives someone a little more confidence in continuing the hard work of the journey towards success as an author so they do not muzzle their voice but keep on writing, then my investment as the person behind the Victoria A. Hudson Emerging Writer scholarship is providing a full return.

Spring is here, though the weather in Northern California remains undecided in that regard. My focus is torn between writing and non writing work and at the moment, the non is taking more of my attention. Like other aspects of life, this is cyclic. In the meantime, not so much traffic here and on twitter but come mid summer that will ease and I can get back into production.

Wave of Sorrow, in epub or paperback, is an anthology including Vicki Hudson and poets from several counties reflecting on the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Proceeds go to relief efforts. Purchase here.

left upon the step

wilted leaves in its green bin

garden fosterling

From the Academy of American Poets web site, www.poets.org – 30 ways to celebrate and promote National Poetry Month!

Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day The idea is simple: select a poem you love, carry it with you, then share it with co-workers, family, and friends. Read a book of poetry  “Poetry is a response to the daily necessity of getting the world right.” Memorize a poem “Getting a poem or prose passage truly ‘by heart’ implies getting it by mind and memory and understanding and delight.” Revisit a poem “America is a country of second acts, so today, why not brush the dust off these classics and give them a fresh read?” Put poetry in an unexpected place “Books should be brought to the doorstep like electricity, or like milk in England: they should be considered utilities.” Bring a poem to your place of worship  “We define poetry as the unofficial view of being, and bringing the art of language in contact with your spiritual practices can deepen both.” Attend a poetry reading  “Readings have been occurring for decades around the world in universities, bookstores, cafes, corner pubs, and coffeehouses.” Play Exquisite Corpse  “Each participant is unaware of what the others have written, thus producing a surprising—sometimes absurd—yet often beautiful poem.” Read a poem at an open mic  “It’s a great way to meet other writers in your area and find out about your local writing community.” Support literary organizations  “Many national and local literary organizations offer programs that reach out to the general public to broaden the recognition of poets and their work.” Listen on your commute “Often, hearing an author read their own work can clarify questions surrounding their work’s tone.” Subscribe to a literary magazine  “Full of surprising and challenging poetry, short fiction, interviews, and reviews, literary journals are at the forefront of contemporary poetry.” Start a notebook on Poets.org  “Poets.org lets users build their own personal portable online commonplace book out of the materials on our site.” Put a poem in a letter “It’s always a treat to get a letter, but finding a poem in the envelope makes the experience extra special.”

Take a poem out to lunch “Adding a poem to lunch puts some poetry in your day and gives you something great to read while you eat.” Put a poem on the pavement  “Go one step beyond hopscotch squares and write a poem in chalk on your sidewalk.” Recite a poem to family and friends  “You can use holidays or birthdays as an opportunity to celebrate with a poem that is dear to you, or one that reminds you of the season.” Organize a poetry reading  “When looking for a venue, consider your local library, coffee shop, bookstore, art gallery, bar or performance space.” Promote public support for poetry “Every year, Congress decides how much money will be given to the National Endowment for the Arts to be distributed all across America.” Start a poetry reading group  “Select books that would engage discussion and not intimidate the reader new to poetry.” Read interviews and literary criticism “Reading reviews can also be a helpful exercise and lend direction to your future reading.” Buy a book of poems for your library  “Many libraries have undergone or are facing severe cuts in funding. These cuts are often made manifest on library shelves.” Start a commonplace book  “Since the Renaissance, devoted readers have been copying their favorite poems and quotations into notebooks to form their own personal anthologies called commonplace books.” Integrate poetry with technology  “Many email programs allow you to create personalized signatures that are automatically added to the end of every email you send.” Ask the Post Office for more poet stamps “To be eligible, suggested poets must have been deceased for at least ten years and must be American or of American descent.” Sign up for a poetry class or workshop  “Colleges and arts centers often make individual courses in literature and writing available to the general public.” Subscribe to our free newsletter “Short and to the point, the Poets.org Update, our electronic newsletter, will keep you informed on Academy news and events.”

the wooden door slams
white pepper blankets the porch
incongruent sun