butting heads
Written by William F. DeVault on April 17, 2009 – 12:35 pm -Anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight streak of the iconoclast running, oh, everywhere within me. About a week ago, I did something I had never done before, actually applied for a listing with a poetry organization that provides a directory of poets.
I sat down and filled in their form, aware that I do not follow the standard arc of most writers, but that’s my bag. My addiction to the world of POD (Publication On Demand) publishing over the last several years keeps me out of the mainstream market and gives ample excuse for mercantile editors to sneer. Bette Midler said it best.
Having not heard anything in 8 days, I wrote the site a note today. Reading it after I sent it, I decided to reproduce it here, with a clear vow not to reveal the name of the organization, at this time or should they reject me.
"I gave over what information I had readily available a week or so ago, but find I am still in a "pending" status for inclusion in the directory. I do not know what that means, or if this is a normal waiting period (I tend not to read directions, a personal failing of mine, often).
I do recognize that my listing is problematic. After being published by a small press (that later quit the business) for my first book, I was offered a deal with startup Writers Club Press as their first poet published. Soon after, they went POD, then were swallowed up by iUniverse, which offered me an unusual opportunity of refitting the book at no cost, basically grandfathering me in. I do not count any of these earlier books as POD publications, per se, as they were not processed or handled as such.
Finding the creative process agreeable, much like the control one has over a chapbook, I have stayed in the POD world. I realize this is not always the market-right thing to do, but I enjoy the control over my packaging. Let the middlemen be damned.
I did not see where to list my publication in poetry journals and edited websites, of which I have several (most of which I have forgotten, but several of which I do have recall of) and have given several spoken word performances, sometimes even partnering with other "legitimate" poets.
My career as a writer has been iconoclastic. The academic poets consider me a street poet, the street poets consider me an academic poet (don’t ask) and my performances, particularly in off-beat venues in Los Angeles and New York have confused many who want to pigeonhole me for editorial expediency.
The Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) saw fit to list me as one of 50 outstanding creative artists who originated in West Virginia, alongside such as Paul Dooley, Jennifer Garner and Don Knotts. I originated and hosted the Romantic and Erotic Poetry Group chats for AOL’s Writers Club, as well as their Passionate Craft poetry workshop. I have toured schools and colleges as a published author.
I am always a bit reticent to apply for membership in any organization or listing, as Groucho Marx once said, I am hesitant to join any group that would have me as a member.
Regardless, with so many of my friends speaking highly of your group, publication and site, I thought perhaps I should try to act more like the crowd and less like the deranged loner. If I do not fit your definition or qualifications, that is disappointing, but hardly surprising, sooner or later the pigeonholing process is required and I have shown an aversion to playing things the way people say I should.
In any case, here’s hoping that, stick or kick, I hear some response in the near term…I didn’t have to wait this long for either of my ex-wives to say yes. Best wishes.
William F. DeVault"
We shall see how this plays in Peoria. This is not the first occasion where my casual attitude about keeping track of clippings and credits may cost me. Such is life. I am content with my legacy.
I shall let you know how it all turns out.
Tags: directory, Poetry
Posted in Journal, Media, Poetry |
