Martha Rhodes is a busy lass. Why, it seems only yesterday that she was shining in the light of the world’s premiere hotel, waxing her words for the simmering ears of today’s modern gaggle of lovers and hipsters. Oh wait…that’s actually today. Friends, a poet’s work is never done! Like a superhero, the contemporaries of the written word can neither rest nor feast until the minds of the masses have been saved from the slovenly supper of slang and reality television – now all available in convenient pocket-sized packages, like a mediocre gigabyte candy. Curse you, AquaScum! (and that is just for you, Beth) Get another dose of Rhodes’ repertoire tomorrow at noon (so go easy at the bar tonight, you young scallywags) as she speaks at the University of Louisville’s Belknap campus with the presentation, “Before Publishing Comes Writing, Editing, Shaping a Book”.
The second featured writer this year as part of the University of Louisville’s Anne and William Axton Reading Series, Martha Rhodes leads a double literary life as both distinguished poet and savvy independent publisher. The director of New York City non-profit literary press, Four Way Books, Rhodes has also produced four collections of poetry, including The Beds, Mother Quiet, Perfect Disappearance and At the Gate. Somewhere in the mix, Rhodes also teaches at Sarah Lawrence College and for Warren Wilson College’s Master of Fine Arts program for Writers.
After enjoying the refreshing health and mind benefits of gin and housemade (please note, Allan, my use of correct terminology) tonic from the wily night at 21c ensured for this eve’s poetry pleasures (this author does not claim to actually know Martha Rhodes’ preferred poison), join her in conjunction with the University of Louisville English Department for some tips and smarts. As is the Axton Series’ proud purpose, Rhodes’ seminar is free and open to all interested hearts and minds. Get a taste of Rhodes’ work tonight and then discover the methods behind the master tomorrow.
“Before Publishing Comes Writing, Editing, Shaping a Book” will take place in Room 300 of the Bingham Humanities Building. For more information contact brian.leung@louisville.edu
Photo: Courtesy of Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org
