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."

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

NEW POETRY BOOK BY HELEN LOSSE



...A New Poetry Collection Coming from 
Main Street Rag Publishers


Here’s what others are saying about Helen Losse's new poetry collection forthcoming from Main Street Rag Publishing:










If books of poetry were considered fitting contributions, Helen Losse's Every Tender Reed, would be among the most heartfelt gifts in a church offering plate. With a keen eye for craft, Losse takes readers on a personal pilgrimage—pondering everything from the beauty of God's creations to what it might feel like to “be consumed” in pursuit of spiritual purity. Written with fierce tenderness and the courage it takes to write poems both honest and true, this fine collection is a must read. —Terri Kirby Erickson, author of A Lake of Light and Clouds.

Helen Losse's Every Tender Reed resonates with a tone of loving memory and forgiveness---a promise for the good life, the verses raising blinds on the dark to brighten songs born to all the world's beauty. Grace becomes a natural outgrowth of Imagination's repose. Red clover soft-lights the people; all of us are the ever-present tender reeds.

—Shelby Stephenson, North Carolina Poet Laureate.

Losse’s Every Tender Reed is penance in poetry—honoring the reader as much as the Creator. This volume, for the most part, is a serene journey with the author as she walks the Path toward the enlightenment of self-knowledge. —Patricia Gomes, Poet Laureate, City of New Bedford, MA.



Every Tender Reed will sell for $14, but you can get it now for $8 by placing an advance discount order at the Main Street Rag Online Bookstore.
Here’s a link directly to my author’s page:
http://mainstreetragbookstore.com/?product=every-tender-reed

Friday, March 18, 2016

POETS AND WRITERS READING POEMS AND STORIES

Deep in the Southern Appalachian Mountains on the evening of March 16, 2016, NCWN West poets and writers gathered at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown,NC for their monthly public reading. Featured writers were poet Glenda Barrett of Hiawassee, Georgia  and fiction writer Bob Groves of Brasstown.  Others attending were the school students, especially those taking a weekly writing course and other classes, along with a number of local writers who often visit the school. Lucy Cole Gratton is the NCWN West Coordinator for this event. A highlight of the evening was seeing and visiting with our long time writing friend Darnell Arnoult, the visiting writing instructor. 




Glenda Barrett






John C. Campbell Folk School located in Brasstown, NC


Poet and Author Maren O Mitchell and Nancy Simpson below.






Poet Joan Howard




Poet and Fiction author, Darnell Arnoult


Thursday, March 17, 2016

SPRING ARRIVES IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS



Twenty four forsythia bushes are blooming around my home. These bushes are filled with tiny bell shaped flowers. Natives often say, " my yellow bells are in full bloom." They are a welcome sight, one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Daffodils also bloom at the same time.