About Me

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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."

Monday, December 17, 2012

POETRY SOCIETY OF AMERICA , check for guidelines now.

Last Chance: Annual Awards and Chapbook FellowshipsDeadline: December 22nd

Guidelines here

Annual Awards judges include:  
Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Cate Marvin, Alice Notley, Kevin Prufer, 
Patricia Smith, Brian Teare, David Wagoner, and Carolyne Wright  
Chapbook judges:

Thomas Sayers Ellis, Nick Flynn, Mary Ruefle, and John Yau

Each year from October to December, the Poetry Society invites 
submissions to awards for poets at all stages of their careers, 
from a high school student prize, to our Chapbook Fellowships 
or four poets who have not yet published a full-length collection, 
to our first book contest, and our award for a poet over forty who
has published no more than one book. 

Monday, December 3, 2012

NOW - SEND YOUR POEMS TO A MAGAZINE, AN ON-LINE MAGAZINE TOO, SUBMIT TO POETRY CONTEST,SUBMIT YOUR POEMS TO A POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST.


Iodine Poetry Journal is seeking quality poetry, no longer than 40 lines, publishes semiannually in Spring and Fall. Only unpublished work, No simultaneous submissions, send 3-5 poems, We do not publish form, but  will consider pantoum and villanelle, Details: no on line submissions, Details:  www.iodinepoetryjournal.com/

Cream City Review Fiction Contest
Dec 31, 2012 Reading Fee $15.00 Prize is $1000.00 and publication, 20page max
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dept. of English, POBox 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201

also poetry contest Dec.31. 2012, fee $15.00 $1000.00 plus publication,  send 3-5 poems 

Wild Goose Poetry Review is a quarterly online journal of poetry, reviews, and poetry-related news, edited by Scott Owens, and located in NC.  Submit 3-5 unpublished poems typed in the body of your email, preferably in Times New Roman 12 pitch toScott Owens (asowens1@yahoo.com). No simultaneous submissions, please. Our response time is usually less than one month.


Submit no more than once per reading period. Author retains all rights. There is currently no compensation for published poems. Looking for good contemporary poetry. No particular biases. Enjoy humor, strong imagery, strong lines, narrative, lyric, etc. Not a fan of abstraction, cliche, form for the sake of form, shock for the sake of shock. As in any good poem, everything should be purposeful. If accepted, I will request a 100-word maximum comment on each poem. Choosing not to submit a comment will not alter the acceptance decision.
Poetry Society of America
National Chapbook Fellowships Judged by Thomas Sayers Ellis and Nick Flynn Open to any U.S. Resident who has not published a full-length poetry collection. Your entry must arrive between Oct.1, 2012 and Dec 22, 2012
Click on GUIDELINES  www.poetrysociety.org
SEND TO: PSA CHAPBOOK CONTEST
Poetry Society of America
15 Gramercy Park
New York, New York 10003

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Google, You are too greedy!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

POETRY CONTESTS - SUBMIT NOW

CHAPBOOK Codhill Press Chapbook Prize. $1000.00. Pauline Uchmanowicz will judge. Submit 20-30 pages with an entry fee of $25.00 by December 1, 2012. PO Box 280, Bloomington, NY12411 more guidelines at www.codhill.com.

CHAPBOOK Slipstream Press Poetry Chapbook Competition. Prize of $1000.00 and 50 author copies. Editors will judge. Send up to 40 pages and a $20.00 entry fee by Dec. 1, 2012. Mail to PO Box 2071, Niagra. Falls, NY 14301. details www.slipstreampress.org


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

CHANGE IN PLANS AT COFFEE WITH THE POETS


I, Glenda Beall, will be sharing some of my poems and short prose atCoffee with the Poets on Wednesday this week, Nov 14, 10:30 a.m. - Café Touche on Main Street  in Hayesville NC.
 
We are so sorry the other Glenda is ill and we will miss her, of course.
 
Sign in and perhaps win a book.I hope you will come, bring a poem or two, or a short prose piece for open mic.
 
Some info about me, in case you didn't know:  

Glenda Beall lives in Hayesville, North Carolina where she teaches writing for adults, and she directs Writers Circle, a learning center for writers of all genres. Finishing Line Press published her chapbook,Now Might as Well Be Then in 2009. Her poem, Tomato Man, won first place in the Clay County Poetry contest sponsored by the Clay County Arts and Historical Society. She was a third place winner in the James Still Poetry Contest sponsored by the Appalachian Writers Association, and she has been awarded several honorable mentions in various literary contests. Her writing education began with classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School where she studied with outstanding authors and poets.

Her poetry has appeared in literary journals and literary anthologies for the past fifteen years. Most recently two poems were included inOn Our Own, Widowhood for Smarties, published by Silver Boomer Books.
Beall’s short stories and non-fiction has been most recently published in online journals, Muscadine Lines, a Southern Journal and the Dead Mule School of Southern Literature.

For the past three years, she has taught memoir writing, creative writing and helped others accomplish their writing goals. She mentors students from her classes at Tri-County Community College, from classes at Writers Circle, her home studio, and she teaches private lessons as well.
Glenda Beall has been an active member of NCWN for sixteen years and serves as representative to the North Carolina Writers’ Network West for Clay County. 
    

Monday, November 12, 2012

Veteran's Day - AN ARROW TO THE HEART

Recently I read this short essay in the November 2012 issue of FOR WOMEN FIRST. It was written by Megan Price, 32, Baton Rouge.

An Arrow to the Heart

"A few months ago I was looking for treasures in a thrift store when I noticed an elderly man in a WWII hat trying to buy some tattered books. 'Cash only? I'm just visiting, so I'm not sure where a bank is,' he said, flustered. I smiled and handed the cashier a few dollars, 'It's on me. Thank you for your service.' The veteran smiled and said that at age 88, he remembered a time when all he had to carry was a few nickles. I teased that he didn't look older than 29, and he fished out his driver's license as proof. When I saw his name, my heart stopped. 'Are you Donald "Scout" Meadows from the Second Marine Division?' I asked. He nodded, surprised. I'd grown up hearing my grandfather tell stories of his war buddy, Scott. 'Your grandpa saved my life on  Saipan,' he said softly, after I told him he'd died recently. Quietly he dug into his wallet and held out a small stone arrowhead. 'He gave this to me for good luck, and I've carried it for nearly 70 years--I think you should have it.'  Three dollars has never bought anything so precious." --by Megan Price, 32, Baton Rouge.

COFFEE WITH THE POETS

Attention. Hello readers of LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE. The post below is inaccurate. Glenda Barrett will not be reading at Coffee With the Poets as reported because she is not well. If you want to send her get well wishes, mail to Glenda Barrett, 497 Sunnyside Road, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546.





Featured Poet, Glenda Barrett,


"The most authentic Appalachian voice to rise out of these mountains in years."--Nancy Simpson

(post below by Glenda Beall)
Hello Poets and Writers,

Coffee With the Poets is honored and happy to have as our featured poet, Glenda Barrett, Hiawassee, GA native who is an artist in many ways. She paints. She writes. She is a great photographer.But I know Glenda as a good friend, a caring human being who always has time for others who might be in pain.

On Wednesday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. Glenda will read at Coffee with the Poets at Café Touche in Hayesville, NC.  Her poetry book, When the Sap Rises, published by Finishing Line Press, is the kind of poetry that people who don't know they like poetry enjoy.

Be sure to come on Wednesday, bring a friend and bring something to read in the open Mic Reading -- poems or short fiction or memoir. CWP is a place for community to grow. Meet other writers, meet new people, readers and writers, and enjoy the goodies at Café Touche. Have a coffee and muffin or a smoothie or latte. We appreciate Café Touche for hosting us and we hope to be there for a long time. Support the café so they can continue to support us. posted by Glenda Beall.






Sunday, November 11, 2012

TWO POETRY CONTESTS, SEND NOW

Hello Poets. New Call for Poems. Send Now.

Five Points. The James Dickey Prize. $1000.00 is given for a group of poems. Send three poems with no more than 50 lines each. $20.00 entry fee. Deadline is Dec. 1, 2012. Five Points, James Dickey Prize, Georgia State University, PO Box 3099, Atlanta, Georgia 30302. Megan Sexton Co Editor. fivepoint@edu. www.fivepoint.gsu.edu.

Hunger Mountain. Ruth Stone Prize will be given for a poem. Dorianne Laux will judge. Send up to three poems with $20.00 entry fee by Dec. 10, 2012. Hunger Mountain, Ruth Stone Prize,Vermont College of Fine Arts, 36 College Street, Montpeiler, VT 05602. Michael Bay Gault Editor. www.hungermtn.org.


Poetry Contests often ask for a reading fee. Traditionally, Literary Magazines do not ask for a reading fee.

Bryant Literary Review seeks quality poetry submissions for Spring 2013 issue. Any style or subject matter. See samples at www.bryantliteraryreview.org. Deadline Dec.1, 2012. Send your submission with a brief bio and cover letter to Bryant literary Review, Faculty Suite F, Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

November 3-4, 2012 What a Beautiful Autumn it has Been Here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

No frost as yet, here above the frost line. Flowers are still blooming. No sign of the hard freeze, which we know is destined to come our way.











Friday, November 2, 2012

NC Writers Network West Back in the Day

A living memory from out of the past.  This photo taken at  NC Writers Network Fall Conference many years ago in Asheville, NC. Photo shows four of NC Writers Network West's former Program Coondinators.  Glenda Beall former coordinator, Janice Townley Moore Clay County Representative and Monthly Poetry Critique Group Leader serving for 17 years, Nancy Simpson Co Founder and former coordinator, Shirley Uphouse former coordinator, and Kathryn Stripling Byer who is teaching the master poetry class at this year's fall conference, who  also served  as a former Netwest program coordinator.

IF YOU ARE NOT THERE,YOU ARE MISSING THE ANNUAL NC WRITERS NETWORK FALL CONFERENCE.

CARY, NC—The 2012 North Carolina Writers' Network Fall Conference runs November 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Cary, in the heart of North Carolina's Triangle Area. Pre-registration is now closed. But don't worry! Walk-in registration will be available beginning Friday, November 2, at 5:00 pm.
The annual Fall Conference is North Carolina's premier literary event and one of the largest and most inclusive writers’ conferences in the nation. Held in a different location each year, the Fall Conference offers a prestigious collection of literary talent and a weekend packed with panels, workshops, and readings.
Edith Pearlman will give the Keynote Address. Pearlman's collection of short stories, Binocular Vision, was published by North Carolina's Lookout Books in 2011 and won the 2011 National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction and was a Finalist for the National Book Award, among many other honors. Edith will discuss how a lifetime of work went into her "overnight" success.
The Fall Conference offers more than twenty-five workshops in creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, as well as in other aspects of the craft such as writing for children, publishing, and how to wow at an open mic. Registrants can also choose from two Master Classes: Creative Nonfiction (led by Elaine Neil Orr) and Poetry (led by 2012 North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame inducteeKathryn Stripling Byer).
Participants at the conference may also register for one-on-one sessions with a publishing or bookselling professional. The Manuscript Mart provides writers with the opportunity to pitch their manuscripts and get feedback from an editor or agent with a leading publisher or literary agency. The Critique Service provides writers with in-depth literary critiques of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplays from a seasoned writer. And the Marketing Mart, began in 2011, provides writers with an opportunity to create or refine an effective plan to pitch, promote, and sell their current, upcoming, or proposed books. Registration for the Critique Service and all Marts and Master Classes closed October 26.
“Our most important offering,” said NCWN Executive Director Ed Southern, “is the chance for writers to get to know one another and trade advice, ideas, and encouragement. We have a number of writers who come to the conference year after year, first as registrants and then—as their careers progress—as instructors.”
More than a dozen exhibitors will peddle their wares around the main conference hall, and Raleigh's Quail Ridge Books & Music will sell books on-site. Saturday's night's entertainment will not only draw from the Triangle's rich and diverse population but promises to be a wailin' good time (in 2011, attendees were literally dancing in the aisles!).
Still planning to attend? Walk-in registration opens Friday, November 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information visit www.ncwriters.org.
The nonprofit North Carolina Writers’ Network is the state’s oldest and largest literary arts services organization devoted to writers at all stages of development.
LAST UPDATED ON WEDNESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2012 07:12

Thursday, November 1, 2012

NEW POETRY ANTHOLOGY


Sunday, November 4, 3:00 pm
Malaprop’s Bookshop, 55 Haywood St., Asheville
Poetrio: Reading from …and love…. (Jacar Press), featuring David Brendan HopesHolly IglesiasKathryn Stripling Byer, and editor Richard Krawiec. Poetrio readings are followed by booksignings, and are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Submit Your Poems Now CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS WILL BE POSTED HERE REGULARLY



Red Savina Review - New South West On-Line Literary Magazine


Looking for fresh, genuine voices that explore what it means to be human in the House of Being. Send your best poems for new Spring 2013 Edition. Deadline now through December 31, 2012 http://www.redsavinareview.org/  for guidelines click 


Glassworks Literary Magazine is published digitally and in print. Now seeking poems for general issue with a deadline of Dec. 1, 2012 and poems for a  "Utility and beauty" themed issue with deadline of March1, 2013.




SUBMIT YOUR POEMS NOW is a new feature of this blog - LIVING ABOVE THE FROSTLINE.  If you would like us to continue posting up to date calls for poetry submissions, please leave a comment from time to time and let us know.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Leaf Peak in the North Georgia Mountains

Last weekend was the peak of leaf season in the North Georgia Mountains. I was treated to a grand tour by my daughter Lynn.



 First stop - The Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Literary Center. Poet Jim Clark has set some of Reece's poems to music. Lynn bought me a copy and I have been playing the songs and enjoying them  this week.







                                                                  Lake Winfield Scott


Thursday, October 25, 2012

LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE (this blog) WILL SOON CELEBRATE 4TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

On October 29, 2012, Living Above the Frost Line (this blog) will celebrate it's 4th year anniversary. The focus here  remains poetry written in the American South, especially poems from the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The goal is to feature poets who are  writing poetry now with samples of what are they writing? Another focus will continue to be  life in the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains. A current call for poetry submissions will be given  each week beginning November 1st.






LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE IS A DWELLING PLACE FOR PRACTICING POETS. IT IS THE HOME OF POET, NANCY SIMPSON. ABOVE THE FROST LINE WE GIVE OURSELVES SOME EXTRA GROWING TIME. YES, WE KNOW THE HARD FREEZE WILL COME, BUT UNTIL IT ARRIVES, WE SHALL GROW AND SHARE OUR POEMS.




If you are interested, please leave a comment.  Thank you.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

October 2012 - A MOST BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS



This fall is the most beautiful autumn in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Yes, I know. I do say that almost every year. This season is more special to me, probably because I'm staying close to home and my children have been  around the house a lot more.  We have taken more opportunities to drive out and about in the  neighborhood.

"Living Above the Frost Line" we see flowers bloom until the hard freeze, sometimes after all of the leaves are on the ground.



Monday, October 22, 2012

An Autumn Saturday in Hayesville, NC- Mountain Valley Farmer's Market

Every Saturday Morning on the courthouse  square in Hayesville, NC, you'll find Mountain Valley Farmer's Market in full swing. 
Artist, craftsman, hand made baskets, jelly, jewelry, yard ornaments, framed photography of the mountains, plants, and handmade scarves.












Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Leaf Season Hits the Golden Peak in Western North Carolina

October 17, 2012. This is what it is like to live "above the frost line" with leaves at peak color and flowers still "blooming their hearts out." 




 I am especially enjoying this season, and I love sharing it with family and friends.
This is the view I see each time I look out the window. Most of these photos were taken from my deck.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

RECENT WALKING, OUT AND ABOUT IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS

 On Highway 64 between Hayesville and Franklin, NC, Oct. 4, 2012.
 In the Nantahala National Forest with my son Tim, Oct. 4, 2012.
 At Winding Stair Gap overlook on the road to Franklin, NC.
 With my son Jeremy at Hiawassee River, Oct. 5, 2012.
 With my son Jeremy and daughter Lynn, the three of us walking on top of Cherry Mountain,
October 5, 2012.
With Jeremy and Lynn at Deep Gap, Oct. 5, 2012.

At Deep Gap, the trees ablaze with color on Oct.5, 2012.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

FIRST DAYS OF AUTUMN 2012

 These are the first days of autumn here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. I like watching each leaf as it changes and floats the air currents down.  From my deck, it is heavenly.



Friday, September 28, 2012

SHORT GLANCES FORWARD AND A LONG LOOK BACK



Early in spring 2012, I had an opportunity to help bring forth the poetry publication of
Clarence Newton’s first poetry collection, Short Glances Forward and a Long Look Back. This collection  sparkles with humor, yet it shows the life of a man who learned that some pain never goes away. Some wounds never heal.  In “Examination,” one of his strongest poems, he writes: “ My beautiful, intelligent child has become a lost man.”  Other favorites of mine are the image-rich poems: “Damsel Dancing Sideways” about his wife and “ October Sands”, which leaves me with the eternal image of men fishing. 

Newton’s keen observation after over forty years in an aviation career comes through in his poems, whether he observes the human nature of pilots on a bombing mission or when he watches a hawk circling its prey. His appreciation for poetry gives us his most humorous and delightful poems: “If I were an English Major”  and his love poem to Emily Dickinson, “Dream Number 4001.”  The reader will cry maybe, will laugh for sure, and will keep turning the pages.   --Nancy Simpson

FROM THE BACK COVER OF SHORT GLANCES FORWARD AND A LONG LOOK BACK:

“The observant eye of Clarence Newton, his original way of encountering the world, often humorously and always thoughtful, invites the reader to come along for an enriching journey. --Janice Townley Moore, autor of Teaching the Robins.”


“Trying to categorize the work of Clarence Newton is both futile and fun. He writes in several genres, including poetry, light verse, fiction, and non fiction. A pervasive quality in his work is humor. Particularly in verse, the author is quite clever (as in “Froggy”), but he has a serious side as well (see “Short Glances Forward and a Long Look Back.” Clarence’s writing is entertaining at the same time it tells us something important.” --Robert S. King, author of The Hunted River and The Gravedigger’s Roots.

It is always a delight to read poetry that is playful.  And Clarence Newton’s poems are not only playful, but often have a biting edge.  There are no wasted words, and plenty of sharp and witty observations that leave the reader pondering long after the poem has been read.  A good poem should stick with you, and these will, along with a grin or chuckle, too. --Rosemary Rhodes Royston, Poet


Short Glances Forward And A  Long Look Back 
I am not half the man I used to be 
and I never was. 
The lumberjack shirts and leather jacket 
were not the person I was, 
nor pointy-toed cowboy boots, tight jeans 
and belt buckles wide as Texas gates, 
and a big hat that covered my shoulders. 
So many parties and so much boozing. 
Now whiskey makes a fire in my stomach. 

The women I loved have become 
pleasant memories like 
the aftertaste of bittersweet chocolate. 

When driving my car for an hour 
I can barely crawl out. 
The smile on my face 
helps mask the pain 
of joints that creak and snap. 
Wants and needs become simple: 
comfortable shoes, loose clothing 
and a soft bed to lie in-- 
to reminisce, to dream-- 
short glances forward and a long look back. 


Solace 

On a warm autumn morning 
sitting alone on Table Rock 
down by Bull Sluice, 
my day is relegated to nothing to do 
except succumb to serene seduction 
by the river Chattooga. 

Thoughts of yesterday stir my mind, 
memories of a long-lost love. 
After drifting down this river 
we frolicked naked in splashing water 
under rusty old State-Line Bridge. 

Maybe there will be a new love for me. 
Like children we will play in whirling 
pools and fresh rushing rivulets, 
will search for treasure among rocky shoals 
and dance barefoot in summer!s warm sand; 

new beginnings, new lives together 
with teen-like zeal, 
savoring love like vintage wine 
on Table Rock below Bull Sluice 
by the river Chattooga. 
                                                                                        

A Walk And A Talk With Myself 

Take a contented stroll 
in this earthly garden. 
Free yourself from all thought 
of time, past or future.
Search for the path 
that leads to falling water 
wherein dwells 
the spirit of Taoism. 

Pause and submit 
to insignificance. 
Be quiet in this infinite 
and unfathomable universe. 
                                    
Sit upon a rock 
or lean against a tree. 
Meditate and reach 
for higher consciousness. 

Know that you are master 
of little or nothing. 
Flow with the unfolding 
and pulsating of all that exists eternally. 


Damsel Dancing Sideways 
                                    
I see her through my window 
stepping gingerly upon green grass, 
arms in the air like an evangelist, 
presenting her dainty flags to the wind.
Tonight she will sleep 
in a sun dried fragrance that 
cuddles her soft, sensuous skin. 
She will join me in my dreams. 


Morning Glory 

Coffee on the back porch. 
Early birds sing wake-up songs. 
Squirrels trapeze between trees. 



She appears, speaking softly 
of beautiful periwinkles 
and cosmos swaying in the breeze. 


A hummingbird, within my reach, 
hovers above a buddleia bush 
patiently gathering nature’s nectar. 

Coffee warm-up? 
Yes, dear 


Nancy Simpson recommends this book. 
To buy a copy, or to contact the author, 
write to Clarence Newton
1951 Rolling Meadows
Young Harris, Georgia 30582

$12.00 included postage