WordgatheringA Journal of Disability Poetry |
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WelcomeWith this issue, Wordgathering begins its fifth year as one of the very few journals to dedicated to the publication of disability-related poetry. Our focus continues to be work by writers with disabilities or about disability that counteracts stereotypes and contributes to the development of disability poetry as a genre. Over the past four years we have published nearly two hundred writers. In addition to poems Wordgathering includes book reviews, interviews, essays, and occasional art. The March 2011 issue features poetry by writers who have been a part of Wordgathering in the past including Jimmy Burns, Barbara Crooker, Laura Hershey, Christopher Jon Heuer, Diane Kendig, Ed Northen and Liz Whiteacre. We also present work of poets new to our journal: Saundra Adams, Judi Brannan Armbruster, Greg Beatty, Dominika Bednarska, Linda Benninghoff, Carol Dorf, Bruce Majors, and Laura Merleau. Two of the poets also have recent books of poetry out so in this issue you will also find reviews of Barbara Crooker's More and Linda Bennninghoff's Whose Cries are Not Music. You will also find information about Laura Hershey's posthumous collection, Spark Before Dark, which is scheduled for release in June. Wordgathering's popular interviews continue with a focus on the performing arts. Chris Ambolino talks about his work in film and Josette Todaro discusses Amaryllis Theater. Our regular features are rounded out by essays from Liz Whiteacre and Ellen K. Williams. Each April for the past eight years has provided the kickoff for the Inglis House Poetry Contest. This annual contest has two categories, one on a disability-related subject that is open to all writers and another open only to writers with disabilities whose poems may be on any subject. Neither requires an entrance fee. The "2011 Contest Guidelines" link provides details. A word of caution, however. The contest judges look for poetry that, in addition to being well-written, counter stereotypes of disability. Poetry that pities, labels itself "inspirational" or ends with "we shall overcome" has little chance and is best saved for other venues. We have supplied a link to the 2010 contest winners to provide a look at the kinds of poems last year's judges appreciated. Wordgathering continues to seek work that develops the field of disability literature. We invite essays that discuss poetry from a disability perspective or that contribute to the theoretical development of the field of disability literature. We value our readers' opinions and hope you will send your comments to us at comments@wordgathering.com. Return to Top |
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This site is maintained by Michael Northen. |
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