In Case You Missed It

If you missed me on 88.1 FM Electric Poetry last month, Olive has put the link up here:

http://www.archive.org/details/ElectricPoetry-BrettElizabethJenkins

I still listen to my own voice and cringe. But maybe it sounds normal to you.

Things I Enjoy...

Things I enjoy...

* Disc golf
* Diet Coke
* Grammatically correct rejection letters


Let's take a look at this one:

"Hi Bret: Thanx for the poems but we cant use them."


1. My name is plastered all over my submission. At least have the courtesy of spelling it right in the rejection letter.

2. "Thanx" for using internet slang in a letter sent from a company that is, I assume, in the business of keeping the English language alive and respectable.

3. Proper apostrophe usage is not too difficult. I assume (and this might be where I make a wrong turn) that you know how to use them. It's like people who don't use turn signals. How difficult is it to take a second to move your pinky an inch and a half and let me know if you are going to turn in front of me? That being said, I know you are an "important" guy and you only accept about 1% of all submissions you receive, but you can't take a fraction of a second to include an apostrophe in the appropriate place in my rejection letter? I guess for important guys, those fractions of seconds really do add up. Regular peons like me are stuck wasting precious milliseconds putting in little marks before S's and T's.

More News From the Road

It's been a crazy time on the road. I have just one more show--this Tuesday, July 27 in Marion, IN. I'll be reading at Beatnik's Cafe @ 9PM, so bring your friends, your heckling shoes, and an appreciation for me, of course.






My poet pal Christopher runs Vouched Books, a really great organization that gets small press publications out to the public, so you should go czech that out, and read his blog. The most recent post was about our reading in Indianapolis at Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co., a not-for-profit coffee shop with an amazing menu and a cozy atmosphere for things like doin' homework or reading some killer poetry. About 40 people and several fruit flies came out to the reading. Thanks! This photo courtesy of Christopher's pal Brandon. Check out more on Vouched Books!

Well, if I didn't let the blogosphere know, I've been engaged for more than a week now. The developments: I have a wedding dress. That's about all I know I needed to do. Would you like to please plan my wedding please?

Please?

The Earth is Spinning Rapidly On Its Axis

And because the Earth is spinning rapidly on its axis, it's morning. Sort of, late morning. And I have just gotten up and found an email in my inbox telling me I've been accepted for the September issue of decomP Magazine. So look for a poem by me there!

Another thing: if you know where Nashville is, go there on July the 22nd (a week from today) and listen to me for a whole hour! What could be better than that? Below is some info they've sent out in an email, which I've copied in detail save for the corny picture of me. It also says I'm currently earning my MFA, which is a dirty lie, as I have already obtained it.

@ SCARRITT-BENNETT THURS, JULY 22

7 - 8PFREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join fellow poetry enthusiasts for a monthly reading by a featured local poet. The environment is informal and conversation between the poet and audience is encouraged.

FEATURED POET: BRETT ELIZABETH JENKINS lives in Indiana. She is currently earning her MFA from Bennington. Look for her work in Anderbo, Writers' Bloc, PANK, The Medulla Review, and elsewhere.

POET'S CORNER CALENDAR: The 4th Thursday of every month (except Nov. & Dec.)

Visit www.scarrittbennett.org/programs/pc.aspx for a list of featured poets.

The Front Porch @ Scarritt-Bennett 1000 19th Ave. S., Nashville 37212 (corner of Grand and 19th) gallery F. and The Front Porch gift shop, bookstore, and coffee bar will be open from 6:30 - 8:30p. More info: E-mail jsohl@scarrittbennett.org

Things Happened, and More Things Will Also

I just got in from Cleveland, where we had a stunning display of literary appreciation at my reading last night. Thank you to the five people who attended!

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Luckily, the next few legs of the tour have been promoted like Steve Jobs, so they should have better turnouts. For those of you who haven't heard, my next reading is in Athens, Ohio this Saturday, July 17th at Donkey Coffee. Move your face and brains to this poster and check it out!

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Another bit of information you might find exciting: two of my poems have been accepted for publication in this fall's issue of The Potomac Review. Purchase a copy to support the arts (and me!). I can't wait to have another coffee table book that features myself. I do love pretention in all its various forms.

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See you cowboys soon!

TONIGHT ONLY!

Featuring tonight in Toledo, OH at Ground Level. Come join us!! Warning: the front three rows get soaked with water.

We'll start at 7PM. Bring your poncho.