Remember the lyrical Dennis Mahagin? He talked to the Writer Profile Project on May 10th of last year. Need a memory jog? Click here. So what has Dennis been doing this past year? Here it is, straight from the poet’s mouth:

Dennis says:

Allo, all!

It’s been a year of ups and downs for me, writing-wise.

I applied for a couple prestigious literary fellowships, and was roundly shot down in flames, both times, for my efforts!

I try not to read much into that reality; however, rejection stings— whether it comes from a magazine editor, or a panel of academicians. I try to keep in mind these words I heard Dorianne Laux say once, in an interview. Dorianne said:

“Remember: YOU are not your writing…” That is so true Choice words of consolation–from one of my favorite poets.

Also, there has been further delay, in the publication of my poetry collection. I’m philosophical about this, as well. Worrying about something which is beyond your capacity to control is an excellent way to waste your time and/or lose your mind! My fingers are crossed— that ’09 will be the time, for my book called Grand Mal.

On a positive note, I’m quite encouraged by the progress I’m making on my second book— entitled I, Q. This book is a combination of fiction and poetry, much along the lines of what Charles Bukowski pulled off with Septuagenarian Stew.

It feels like the book is three fourths finished, which in reality means: it’s a little over one fifth finished! However, I have some momentum going—and have begun sending out extracts of the book– to agents and publishers.

* crosses fingers and knocks wood *

Recent work can be found, or is forthcoming, in FRiGG Magazine, Exquisite Corpse, Unlikely Stories, Pequin, Zygote In My Coffee (Poem Of The Week, Issue 106), Juked, Stirring, Underground Voices, and Everyday Yeah (People Who Died In ’83 Feature).

Here’s wishing a very productive ’08, to all my scrivener pals in cyberland.

Keep the Faith, y’all.
Follow your Heart.