Tenacity

Although I just learned that Narrative magazine did not embrace my memoir excerpt -- Play Dead, Roll Over -- as one of its Fall Contest winners, the pursuit of success continues. As a writer, I must learn to accept rejection; otherwise, I should stop writing, or simply refrain from seeking recognition from literary journals and publishers. Now that Narrative has passed on the manuscript, I simply have to wait and see whether The Missouri Review (TMR) offers its $5,000 prize to me at the end of January, when the journal announces the winners of its annual contest. And if TMR passes, then I wait on Memoir (and) for a decision; and if Memoir (and) passes, then... hmmm... then I have to submit to other contests and literary journals.

Is it wrong to seek success with a publication that pays its writers in cash rather than in contributor copies? I do not think so. On the other hand, if I do not secure an award or cash compensation for Play Dead, Roll Over, then there are numerous publications -- particularly those interested in law enforcement-related themes -- in which I may be able to spark editorial interest.

Then there's the matter of obtaining a literary agent to represent me in pursuing a book contract for the book-length version of Play Dead, Roll Over on which I am currently working.

Tenacity is the key.

Thanks, English teachers

My interview this morning at a Monmouth County middle school went rather well (I think it did, anyhow, but I can never tell for certain). They're looking for a 7th grade language arts teacher; the principal acknowledged that my background as a professional writer enhances my visibility as a candidate, but... that was it. He'll call back TODAY if he decides he wants me back to conduct a demo lesson TOMORROW!

Anyhow, they also gave me a writing test which posed the question "What role did former teachers play in leading you to pursue a career as a language arts educator?" I sincerely answered that Mrs. Ginsburg, my 8th grade Lakewood Middle School teacher, publicly affirmed how uncannily well I grasped grammar and sentence structure; I then credited the nuns of St. Ann's School in the Bronx for getting me prepared up until that point. Similarly, in the essay I expressed thanks to Mrs. Bryce, my 9th grade Lakewood High School English teacher, who -- though I did not appreciate it at the time -- did not put up with my crap, yet allowed me to read texts that interested me, such as the memoir Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas. I remember how encouraging she was in allowing me (surprisingly) to read and discuss that gritty, true account. These teachers (and others, such as Dr. Essex and Mrs. Strauss) were instrumental in recognizing that I was not just the dumb jock others expected me to be. Consequently, I continue to write and voraciously read -- and hopefully someday soon will resume teaching as well.

'Pigsylvania' gluttonfest unfolds this weekend

The annual Pennsylvania Society bash winds up this weekend, when -- as I personally observed in the past -- politicians and their cronies will be dipping into more than just hors d'œuvres. Visit this archived account of such activities from my former blog, The Peacock Report.

The Idiom -- latest edition available for consumption

The latest release of New Jersey's favorite underground literary mag The Idiom (which features two of my poems) has begun circulating the planet. Typically The Idiom can be found at venues such The Brighton Bar in Long Branch and Court Tavern in New Brunswick. Check it out!

Meanwhile, consider acquiring a copy of The Idiom Magazine: An Anthology of Volumes One and Two.

Issue #11 of South Jersey Underground Now Available

The latest edition of South Jersey Underground, which includes my poem "Loyal" (on page 33), is now ready for your viewing pleasure. Go to the top and center of the journal's home page to find it. (Direct access to a .pdf version of SJU Issue #11 likewise is available).