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Lots of people have influenced me... through their work, their dedication and passion, their inspiration... Geoff Schutt has screaming talent and dedication that inspires me on my worst days. Check out his web site and keep checking the racks at your local bookstore -- when his book comes out you'll know it and you'll want it!

Poets George Looney and David Shevin have been good friends and motivators through the years. When they compliment my writing, I know I'm being praised by the best! Their books and chapbooks are coveted by those who own them, and when you read them you'll see why. Click to read about George's latest poetry collection or read a description of one of David's collections.

Publications You Need to Read

One of the best things I did for myself as a writer was complete a tour of duty as an assistant fiction editor and put in some time as a fiction editor. I have the Mid-American Review to thank for my insight into the realities of a publishing enterprise, the fierce competition that all manuscripts face, and the view from the editor's desk.

The "Mid-Am" publishes the finest poets, fiction writers and translators. Pick it up on a newstand or subscribe to a couple of issues. Purchasing small press publications like the Mid-Am supports writing from the grassroots up -- believe me, when it comes to getting published in the Mid-Am it's not at all about who you know, but about the work itself.

The other publication I read from cover to cover is The Sun. Sy Safransky, years ago, rejected but encouraged me with every story I sent. And oh, did I send some stories that were completely wrong for his magazine (yes, it's true what they say about always studying the magazine before submitting). Sy's still rejecting me, but that's okay. This beautiful magazine that scratches its way to publication month after month -- without advertising but persisting in paying writers and photographers well for their contributions -- is a treat for everyone who peeks inside.

Organizations Worth Supporting

Right around the time I finished my MFA at Bowling Green I heard about the Ohioana Library Association and sent them twenty dollars for a membership. Even after living out of the great state of Ohio for nearly five years I still send in my money (it's only gone up five dollars in all this time). The organization's mission statement explains why it's one of the best bangs per donated buck I know about:

The mission of the Ohioana Library Association is to recognize and encourage the creative accomplishments of Ohioans; preserve and expand a permanent archive of books, sheet music, manuscripts, and other materials by Ohioans and about Ohio and Ohioans; and disseminate information about the work of Ohio writers, musicians, and other artists to researchers, schools, and the general public.

Linda Hengst, Executive Director of the Association, is passionate in her effort to develop the library's collection and activities, of which there are many. As an Ohio writer, I'm grateful to her dedication and to the entire staff of the Ohioana organization. Even non-Ohioans will find things of interest at their website.

Books You Should Read

I've been warned all my life my writing will suffer if I don't read "the classics." I pride myself in making it through a BA in English and a graduate degree without ever having read a novel by Ernest Hemingway. I honestly don't know what my writing might be missing because of it.

I have spent some time over the last few years reading some of the classics that intrigue me. And there's no doubt the works are influencing my current work. Here are a couple of quick reviews:

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I love the way I followed the lives of the characters -- some grow from children to adults in the course of the book. It's probably only because of this that he's able to keep dozens of "main" characters distinct. His commentary about how the French historians have it all wrong and why Napoleon isn't the great leader some would like us all to believe is fascinating and insightful. It's a huge book that "reads fast" because it covers so much ground and involves so many interesting characters. If you haven't spent a winter reading this one, give it a try.
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. After War and Peace, I promised myself a short little read. If you've seen the movie (or movies) made from the book, or a play, you might believe the book won't be as intense, since you know what's coming. You'll be wrong. Read or re-read the book and see what I mean.
• Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It's not a story about a whale, regardless of what you've heard. It's about that parent or boss or friend who drove you nuts because there was something they were driven to do and you were trapped in the ride with them. Plus you'll learn a lot about whaling and be amazed that people actually signed up to do work that was dangerous and exhausting and held few rewards, other than the promise of a successful hunt.