Hello Everyone!

In this latest newsletter are my upcoming events through summer and publication news. If you wish to purchase either If There Is No Wind or Even the Dog Was Quiet from me directly, let me know. Books can easily be purchased online at most bookstores. A special thanks to Mom Egg Review, for mentioning Even the Dog Was Quiet in their April Bookshelf. 

The past month or so has been filled with events, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, signing books and featuring in NYC, Hartford, and various locales in NJ.  While I didn’t think I could find the time to write, I participated in two, 30 poems a day Poetry Month Challenges with Elk River Writers Workshop (thanks CMarie Fuhrman!) and River Heron Review.  Yup, that was 60 poems presently being revised. I am an overachiever. 

I am very excited to present a workshop this year at the Eleventh Annual Hobart Festival of Women Writers Co-founded by Breena Clarke and Cheryl Clarke, “The Hobart Book Village Festival of Women Writers is an annual, three-day celebration and exploration of literature by women.” This festival, which takes place in New York’s Western Catskills region offers amazing workshops and is joyful. There is still time to register!

I am booking features into next fall. Please reach out if you are looking for readers. Also, if anyone is interested in reviewing either of my books, let me know of your interest and I can ship you a review copy. Remember to post reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble Bookshop and Goodreads. It really helps. 

Finally, I am happy to share publishing news of friends and family. I attended a virtual book launch for Kathy Kremins’ book of poetry, The Curve of Things  (CavenKerry Press.) Watchung Booksellers in Montclair hosted Nancy Burke’s book launch for her short story collection, Death Cleaning and Other Units of Measure (Apprentice House Press). My brother-in-law, Robert Polner, co-wrote a biography with Michael Tubridy entitled, Passion for Justice: The Life of Rebel New York Attorney Paul O’Dwyer(Three Hills). Congratulations to the authors and publishers on their new releases!

Thanks for all your support. Hope to see you sometime soon.

UPDATED UPCOMING EVENTS

All events are free & in EST/EDT unless otherwise noted. Additional information is hyperlinked.

Eleventh annual Hobart Festival of Women Writers, Conference runs June 7-9, 2024, Participating Writer. “Writing the Politics of Climate Change into Poetry” workshop, June 8, Sat., 9:30-11-30 am. Featured Reading: Sunday, June 9 11:30-12:30  The Book Village of the Catskills, Hobart, NY. Writers Workshop Leaders: Breena Clarke, Cheryl Clarke, Nancy Agabian, Esther Cohen, Alexis DeVeaux, Lynne Elizabeth, Cheryl J. Fish, Jewelle Gomez, Mary Johnson, Briona Simone Jones, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa, Linda Lowen, Ellen Meeropol, Natalia Mulebarsi, Stephanie Nikollopoulos, Elisabeth Nonas, Bertha Rogers, Margaret R. Sáraco, Jane Schulman and Lisa Wujnovich. Conference fee: $120. 

Poetry at the Barn, Sun., June 23, 2024 @ 2 pm. Feature. Host: Karen Lee Ramos.  Ringwood Manor Arts Barn Gallery, 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ. Reading with Priscilla Orr and Martin Farawell  Donations accepted.

Brownstone Poets, Sat., June 29, 2024, from 2-4:30 pm, Feature. Hosts: Patricia Carragon, Roxanne Hoffman.  Virtual. Advance registration required. $5 admittance.  Reading with Ronald P. Bremner and Jada Gordon 

New York Poetry Festival with the Italian American Writers Association, Sun., July 14 @2:30, Feature. Nolan Park, Governor’s Island, NYC. Accessible by Ferry from Manhattan & Brooklyn ($5 or less, reserve a spot). Two-day festival, 11-6pm (7/13 & 7/14). Free but advance registration suggested.

WordShed NYC, Aug. 25, 2024, Feature. Host: Leah Elimeliah, 180 Orchard Street, NYC. Reading with Paul Rabinowitz

RECENT POEMS PUBLISHED

Thanks to the editors and publishers for their care and fine work.

• “Crossing the Line,” Panoply, A Literary Zine , sharing space with 50+ poets. Check out our work and submit to their journal. 
• “The Lost Herb,” Boundless 2024: The Anthology of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival.
• “Desired or Not,”  25^th Anniversary Calling All Poets Anthology
• “Stick your Head in the Sand,” Poetry of Protest and Struggle, YouTube recording
• “Anguish” Honorable Mention, Allen Ginsberg Contest
• “Hide my Heart” Paterson Literary Review #51

POEMS TO BE PUBLISHED

• “Benvenuto a Roma,” Allen Ginsberg Contest, Honorable Mention
• “Channeling,” Brownstone Poets Anthology
• “Enchanting” Outlying Voices Anthology #6, Parkland Poets
• “Grand Central Ambassador,” Exit 13 Magazine
• “Half Moon Scar” and “Dance Class,” Paterson Literary Review #52
• “Life on a Breeze” New Jersey Bards Poetry Review, 2024  
• “Name Sake,” S/He Speaks 2: Voices of Women, Trans & Nonbinary Folx, Moonstone Press
• “On the Verge of the Spring Equinox,” Idapost Zine 2024
• “Dear Rorschach,” Moving Words, ARTS By The People (poetry film collaboration)
• “Wedding Bands,” Healing Voices: Caregiver’s Stories (Premier Stages) performed as a monologue
• “You Won’t Feel a Thing,” Lips Poetry Magazine

On Saturday, May 4th from 12:45-2:45, I will be at the Local Author’s table for the Montclair Literary Festival signing and selling books. Come by and say hello! We’ll be outside in front of First Union Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ.

Hello friends and family.

I wanted to share some more happenings in my writing life and invite you to participate in open mics. The book tour for Even the Dog Was Quiet is going strong with virtual and in-person events including festivals, book signings and features through August. 

I was honored to be interviewed twice about my latest book and participated in a last-minute feature for “Poets Near and Far” hosted by Tony Iovino and Oceanside Library on April 1, 2024. Finally, Michael Escoubas wrote a review of Even the Dog Was Quiet for Highland Park Poetry and Quill and Parchment. You can find YouTube links and details below.

The Calling All Poets event is happening tonight (details below.)

If you have read my book(s), please consider posting reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Goodreads. (Contact me for a complimentary copy if you would like to write a review for another publication.) Thanks for your support. And remember, if you are in the neighborhood and would like to buy my books, let me know. They are $15 each and I will sign them for you.

UPDATED EVENTS FROM APRIL -JUNE 2024 (Free & in EDT unless noted. Information is hyperlinked. Questions? Email me at margaret@margaretsaraco.com

April 2024

TONIGHT! Calling All Poets Featured Reader (with an open mic), Thursday, April 18, 2024, opens @ 6:30 pm event begins at 7 pm. , Hosts: Mike Jurkovic & Greg Correll. Virtual. Open mic. Advance registration required. $5 admittance. (Register for the April 18^th reading.)

Watchung Booksellers Poetry Nights, featured OPEN mic. Monday, April 29, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm. Watchung Booksellers, 44 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07043. Advance registration required. Free. Accessible.

Embracing Our Environment Featured Reader. Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2-3 pm, Event runs from 1-5 pm. Host: Kirsten Martin. University of Saint Joseph, McGovern Lounge, 1678 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT. Reading with Writing the Land poets: Joan Hofmann, Marty Espinola & Stacey Lawrence

Healing Voices: Caregiver Stories, monologue performed by Equity Actors (AEA). Sunday, April 28, 2024 @ 3pm. Theatrical piece, series of monologues. Premier Stages, Kean University, Enslow Hall, 1000 Morris Ave., Union Township, NJ

May 2024

Montclair Literary Festival Book signing and sale. May 4, 2024, 12:45-2:45 Rain or shine. Local Author’s table. Union Congregation, 40 South Fullerton Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042. Outdoors, rain or shine

June 2024

Eleventh Annual Hobart Festival of Women Writers, Workshop Leader, Participating Writer. “Writing the Politics of Climate Change into Poetry”. June 7, 8, 9, 2024 at Hobart, N.Y., the Book Village of the Catskills. Conference fee.

Poetry at the Barn, Featured Reader, (with an open mic). Sunday, June 23, 2024 @ 2 pm. Host: Karen Lee Ramos. Ringwood Manor Arts Barn Gallery, 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ. Open mic available. Donations accepted.

Brownstone Poets, Featured Reader, (with an open mic). Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 2-4:30 pm. Hosts: Patricia Carragon, Roxanne Hoffman. Advance registration required. $5 admittance. Virtual

 Where to Purchase Books (Click on links. Also, can purchase at online booksellers & in-person events)

Amazon:  If There Is No Wind and Even the Dog Was Quiet

Barnes & Noble: If There Is No Wind and Even the Dog Was Quiet

Direct from the author contact Margaret at margaret@margaretsaraco.com

Iris Booksellers (in bookstore, not online)

Watchung Booksellers (A few books in stock OR purchase online. Choose 54 Fairfield Ave if you want to purchase in store): If There Is No Wind and Even the Dog Was Quiet

 Links to Interviews, Reviews & Recorded Features

P.W.P Sessions, interview with Noel A Figueroa (recorded interview)

Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio and YouTube Podcast

Highland Park Poetry and Quill and Parchment (published review)

Poets Near and Far, Oceanside Library (featured reading recording)

NEWSLETTER 3/25/2024

THIS THURSDAY! Join Paul Rabinowitz and me at The Book House in Milburn, NJ for Storytelling in Prose & Poetry, March 28^th from 6:30-8 pm. Open mic and book signing to follow the reading. Location: 281 Essex St, Milburn, NJ.

On April 3^rd, I will host a free writing workshop and open mic at The Platform, sponsored by ARTS By The People at the Madison Community Arts Center. The workshop begins at 7 pm and the open mic starts at 8 pm. Donations accepted. Location: 10 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ.

On April 8^th, I will feature with First Floor Walk-Up in NYC at One and One bar and restaurant, hosted by Wayne Kral. The reading begins at 7 pm. The other readers are Hane Selmani, Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Wah Hohn and Oliver Baer. There is NO open mic at this event. Location: 76 East 1^st Street (@ 1^st Avenue), NYC. 

If you prefer the virtual environment, I will feature for Calling All Poets on April 18^th. Register on their site. They also hold a generous open mic. The “room” opens at 6:30 and the reading begins at 7 pm. 

Just got word that my Writing the Land: The Connecticut River video, Park Watershed Poetry, is available for viewing on NatureCulture’s YouTube site.

Last week, I had the pleasure of reading for NeuroNatic Institute in NYC and being interviewed by Noel A Figueroa on his Poets with Purpose podcast. If you missed the interview, you can listen to it on YouTube.

Finally, Michael Escoubas reviewed Even the Dog Was Quiet for both Quill and Parchment and Highland Park Poetry  (Thanks to Jennifer Dotson, publisher of HPP.)

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more events from April through August!

My dance card is practically full for March and April. If you are free and, in the neighborhood, stop by. All events are free & in EST unless otherwise noted. Events will be updated on my website. Also, check the organization’s web sites for more information.

THE P.W.P SESSIONS, podcast interview& reading; Tue. 03/19/24 @ 9 pm; Noel A. Figueroa, host; $5 suggested donation; virtual.

NEURONATIC INSTITUTE, featured reader; Thur. 03/21/24, from 7 – 9 pm; Matthew Hubert & Meghan Grupposo, hosts; Otto’s Shrunken Head, 538 E 14th St, NYC; reading with Tsaurah Litzky &Wayne Kral; open mic; 2 drink minimum; accessible venue.

STORYTELLING IN PROSE & POETRY WITH PAUL RABINOWITZ; Thur. 3/28/24, from 6:30-8 pm; The Book House, 281 Essex St., Millburn, NJ; reading, book signing, open mic.

THE PLATFORM, workshop leader & open mic host; Wed. 04/03/24, from 7-9 pm. ARTS By The People sponsor; Madison Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison, NJ.; donations accepted; ; accessible venue.

FIRST FLOOR WALK UP, featured reader; Mon. 04/08/24 @ 7 pm; Wayne Kral, host; One and One LES, 76 East 1st St, @ 1st Ave., NYC; reading with Oliver Baer, Hane Selmani, Jane Rosenberg LaForge, & Wah Mohn. 

CALLING ALL POETS featured reader, Thur. 04/18/24, “doors” open @ 6:30, event begins at 7 pm.; Mike Jurkovic & Greg Correll, hosts; open mic; adv. registration required. $5 admittance; virtual.

EMBRACING OUR ENVIRONMENT, featured reader; Wed. 04/24/24, from 2-3 pm, event runs from 1-5 pm; Host: Kirsten Martin, University of Saint Joseph, McGovern Lounge, 1678 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT; reading with Writing the Land poets Joan Hofmann, Marty Espinola & Stacey Lawrence; accessible venue.

HEALING VOICES: CAREGIVERS STORIES, featured monologue; Sun. 04/28/24 @ 3pm; Premier Stages, Kean University, Enslow Hall; 1000 Morris Ave., Union Township, NJ; Nick Gandiello, Play Festival Manager; directed by John J. Wooten; accessible venue.

The book tour for Even the Dog Was Quiet (Human Error Publishing) continues! March is shaping into a very active month, and there are a few events at the end of February. Let me know if you would like to purchase a signed copy of Even the Dog Was Quiet and If There Is No Wind from me directly, if you live in the NY metro area. Otherwise, both books are available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and online bookstores. 

Event Highlights
I am excited to lead a virtual workshop for the International Women’s Writing Guild, entitled, “Using the Feminist Gaze in Ekphrastic Writing” on 2/28. Pre-registration is required. 

In March I’ll be featuring in New Jersey at River Read in Red Bank, The Book House bookstore in Milburn and Otto’s Shrunken Head in NYC, for the NeuroNatic Institute. I am also pleased Noel A. Figueroa will interview me, for the second time, on his P.W.P. Series (Poets with Purpose.)

If you missed my interview with Michael A. Ingram, earlier this month on the Quintessential Poetry: Listening, Reading and Writing broadcast, you can listen here.  It is always wonderful to speak with Michael. 

Alex Polner, who designed the cover and illustrations for my book, Even the Dog Was Quiet, has an art exhibit in West Orange, NJ that will close on 2/25. He also has a new website: https://alexpolner.myportfolio.com. Alex’s work is inspiring. 

My work has recently been accepted into, or appeared in several journals and anthologies. Many thanks to the publishers and editors. Book of Matches, Boundless 2024: the anthology of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival, Brownstone Poets Anthology, Calling All Poets Anthology, Exit 13 Magazine, Healing Voices (theatrical piece), Hear We Are: A Rhapsody in View (ANDSWP 2024 Anthology), Lips, Moving Words,Poetry X Hunger, The Paterson Literary Review, Verse Virtual, Writing the Land: Connecticut River, and Youth Write the Land. I also received an Honorable Mention for my poem, “Anguish” in the 2023 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest. 

Event Details

Gaelen Gallery Exhibit runs until February 25, 2024, Artist, Alex Polner, JCC Metro West, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ

IWWG Workshop, Workshop Leader, Using the Feminist Gaze in Ekphrastic Writing, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Time: 7-8:30 pm. Registration required. IWWG Members $39, Non-Members $49

River Read Featured Reader (with an open mic), Saturday, March 9 @ 11:30 am. Red Bank Public Library, 84 W. Front St., Red Bank, NJ. Hosts: Linda Johnston Mulhausen and Gregg G. Brown. In-person. 

The P.W.P Sessions, podcast interview, Poets with Purpose, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 @ 9 pm , Zoom Meeting ID: 239 032 5358; Passcode: PWPSMAR19, Host: Noel A. Figueroa, $5 suggested donation (see link for details)

NeuroNautic Institute, Featured Reader (with an open mic), Thursday, March 21 from 7 – 9 pm, Otto’s Shrunken Head, 538 E 14th St, NYC, Hosts: Matthew Hubert & Meghan Grupposo

The Book House, Featured Reader, Thursday, March 28, 2024 @ 6 pm, 281 Essex St., Millburn, NJ, Reading and Signing, Books for Sale.

Go to the link below to register for this virtual event.

Last night, I was in conversation with Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram on his show Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio and YouTube podcast (QLPORYT). Always a joy to speak with Michael on all things poetry. If you missed the live broadcast you can listen to the recording here.

AND, if you are interested in appearing on the show, go to their website, fill out the form under “Register as a guest.”

Tonight, 2/6/24 at 8 pm.

Log on to https://www.blogtalkradio.com/ql_p/2024/02/07/quintessential-listening-poetry-online-radio-youtube-presents-margaret-r-sraco to listen in!

A feature, a workshop, a hosting gig, a contest reading & an art exhibit. Events are free (except for the workshop) & in EST. Please join me. Updates will be on my website: https://margaretsaraco.com

Allen Ginsberg Contest Winners Reading Participating Reader: Honorable Mention poem.
Saturday, February 3, 2024 @ 1 pm.
Hamilton Club Building, 32 Church St, Paterson, NJ
Host: Maria Mazziotti Gillan. In-person https://www.poetrycenterpccc.com

Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio and YouTube
February 6, 2024 @ 8:00 pm
On the air.
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/ql_p/2024/02/07/qlpor-youtube-presents-margaret-r-sraco

Parkland Poets Hosting
Thursday, February 8, 2024, 9-10:30 pm.
Open mic available. Sign up during event.
Meeting ID: 833 7485 4308, Passcode: 2024.
Host: Margaret R. Sáraco. Virtual.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83374854308?pwd=eGhzV1JRL2E2Rk8xZEtyblBOTE5pZz09#success

IWWG Workshop, Workshop Leader
Using the Feminist Gaze in Ekphrastic Writing
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Registration required. IWWG Members $39, Non-Members $49
https://iwwg.org/event-5553001

Gaelen Gallery Exhibit, runs until February 25, 2024
Artist, Alex Polner (illustrated the cover & interior illustrations for Even the Dog Was Quiet)
JCC Metro West, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ
https://jccmetrowest.org/programs/gaelen/artgallery/#overview