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Nancy Simpson's LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, New and Selected Poems was published by Carolina Wren Press (N.C. Laureate Series, 2010.) She is the author of ACROSS WATER and NIGHT STUDENT, State Street Press, still available on WWW at Alibris and Books Again. Her poems have been published in Southern Poetry Review, Prairie Schooner, The Georgia Review and other literary magazines. "Carolina Bluebirds" was published in THE POETS GUIDE TO THE BIRDS, Anhinga Press). "Grass" was reprinted in the 50th Anniversary Issue of Southern Poetry Review: DON'T LEAVE HUNGRY ( U.of Arkansas Press.) Seven poems were reprinted in the textbook, SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY,(McFarland.) Two poems were published in SOLO CAFE, Two more poems were published in SOLO NOVO."In the Nantahala Gorge" was published in Pisgah Review. "Studying Winter" was reprinted in Pirene's Fountain Anthology and "The Collection" in Collecting Life Anthology. Most recently, Southern Poetry Review Edited by James Smith, published "Our Great Depression," and The Southern Poetry Anthology Vol. VII: NORTH CAROLINA,Edited by William Wright, reprinted "Leaving in the Dead of Winter."

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

POETRY WRITING REPORT FROM ABOVE THE FROST LINE


The growing seasons gets extended for those who dwell above the frost line. Extending the growth season is something I’ve experienced since first coming to Cherry Mountain in the southern Appalachian mountains. A companion idea is that one’s writing life can also be extended. It’s true. Never has it been more true than this year in December 2009. Just after the hard freeze, as the last of the flowers melted into the ground, word of my poems came back to me from the literary world.

Word came from Carolina Wren Press, Durham, North Carolina, that they will publish a collection of my poetry in the spring titled Living Above the Frost Line - Selected and New Poems. It is to be the first book in their new Carolina Laureate Series and was chosen by NC Poet Laureate Kathryn Stripling Byer. The collection will span 32 years of my poetry writing career.

I signed the book contract on December 24th, and Janice Townley Moore, my long time poetry writing buddy, witnessed my signature. We met in the parking lot at Kerr Drug
and sat there in my car laughing and saying “Who would have thought it?” and “On Christmas Eve.” Then I drove to the US Post Office in Hayesville and mailed the contract back to the press, imagining how on Christmas Eve, the contract might accidentally end up in Santa’s sled.





15 comments:

Kathryn Stripling Byer said...

CONGRATULATIONS, MY DEAR NANCY! THIS BOOK IS GOING TO KNOCK EVERYBODY'S SOCKS OFF.

Nancy Simpson said...

Kay, It is exciting!

I appreciate you for helping to make it happen.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Congratulations Nancy. What a way to end the year or better still, what a way to start the new year.

I hope you and your family have a healthy and happy new year.
Sam

Lynn ... said...

I'm so proud of you!!! I cannot wait to read it and want a first edition copy! Nothing in this world could make me more happy or proud! You did it!!

I love you!!! And the flowers look beautiful!!!

Kisses and hugs ...
Lynn

Jayne Jaudon Ferrer said...

What a glorious way to start the new year! Congratulations and I can't wait to read the finished product!

Nancy Simpson said...

Thank you all. Thank you so much. I am happy.

Love, Peace, Joy and Hope.

Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

So many who love you have been pulling for you, and we're all happy for you, happy with you.

Maren

Nancy Simpson said...

Maren, Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it very much.

Tipper said...

Congratulations! You so deserve it-and I can't wait till it's published. Hope you're staying warm on the mountain.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Nancy,
Congratulations upon the publication of your poetry book. We're so proud of you and can hardly wait to see the book.

Nancy Simpson said...

Hello Tipper. I know I mentioned to you the possibiity that my poetry collection might be published, but I didn't believe it for sure until I got the contract. It is a joy that warms my bones on these cold days. It is cold up here!

Nancy Simpson said...

Thanks, Brenda Kay and thanks for phone call on New Year's Day. You are a friend. Thank you.

Joan Ellen Gage Admin said...

A hearty congratulations to you. This will be quite a feather in your cap!

Nancy Simpson said...

Thank you Joan.

Anonymous said...

Nancy,
I'm so proud for you! I know the book will be great! You deserve it! Glenda Barrett