Margaret R. Sáraco’s June Newsletter, 2024
I am back in town, having traveled to Portland, Oregon, Port Hadlock, Washington, Mason, Ohio and Hobart, New York for several weeks. Alex and I had a blast, whether we were scoping out a new place to live, taking part in a writing festival or visiting our glorious children and their partners.

The Eleventh Annual Hobart Festival of Women Writers celebrated women and literature. My workshop, “Writing the Politics of Climate Change into Poetry” was a success. Grand to write and experience the festival alongside friends Linda Mead, Toma Zbrizher, Ysabel Gonzalez, Esther Cohen, Kathy Kremins, and Leslie Neustadt and to meet so many engaging writers. I am already looking forward to next year. 

Mom Egg Review just published my review of Genevieve Bett’s excellent poetry collection, A New Kind of Tongue (FlowerSong Press).

I was out of town for the book launch for the Lips 2024 reading, but I heard it was a resounding success. 

On the day I was scheduled to feature with Martin Farawell at Poetry at the Barn, the weather was steamy, but host Karen Lee Ramos kept us cool by offering a big bowl of strawberries and ice cubes. Again, old and new friends attended. Some met at virtual readings, so these were our first in-person hellos.

EVENTS

Settled in again and back to writing in Montclair, I wanted to let you know about some upcoming events.

Brownstone Poets, Saturday, June 29 at 2 pm ET, on Zoom, pre-registration required

Featured readers: Margaret Saraco, Jada Gordon, and Ron Bremner Plus, a limited open mic. 

Please follow the directions below, completing both steps at least two days before the reading to avoid delays entering the meeting room. Note the order of the open mic follows the order of signup. The cutoff for Zoom access for an open mic slot is noon on 6/29/24. Late registrants are not guaranteed Zoom access to join the open but will receive a link to watch the reading live-streamed on YouTube. 

Instructions:

Step 1: Make your $5 contribution. (Your contribution is not refundable.)

Step 2: Register in advance for this meeting.

Step 3: After making your contribution and completing your registration, you will receive a confidential confirmation email containing your unique link to join the event.

New York Poetry Festival with the Italian American Writers Association, Sun., July 14 @ 2:30, Feature. Nolan Park, Governor’s Island, NYC. The 2-day festival runs from 11-6pm on 7/13 & 7/14. The festival is free but advance registration is suggested. Governor’s Island is accessible by ferry from Manhattan and Brooklyn. I’ve never been to the island; you may have to reserve a spot on the ferry. 

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

JUST ADDED: NJEA Convention Nov. 7 & 8 2024. I will be in Author’s Alley selling and signing my books in the Exhibit Hall at the Atlantic City Convention Center, at the New Jersey Education Association Convention. You must be a member of NJEA to attend.

If you wish to purchase either If There Is No Wind or Even the Dog Was Quiet from me directly, let me know. You can purchase books online at most bookstores. 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 for writers. It helps.

CONGRATULATIONS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Alex Polner is exhibiting artwork in the 23^rd Annual Gaelen Juried Art Show & Sale (West Orange, NJ) through July 28^th. Two pieces are also being exhibited in the Art Centre of Riker Hill member’s show at the Livingston Senior/Community Center (204 Hillside Ave, Livingston, NJ) through the end of July.

Sam Roberts interviewed Rob Polner on New York Times Close Up about the biography he co-wrote with Michael Tubirdy, titled An Irish Passion for Justice, The Life of Rebel New York Attorney Paul O’Dwyer (Three Hills).

Carlos Ramos is exhibiting some of his artwork at Spiro Harrison & Nelson, in “Colors Galore.” (363 Bloomfield Ave, 2nd floor, Montclair, NJ: entrance in the back of the building.)