[Susan McLean]

I realize that no one is likely to be close enough to attend, but I thought I'd mention that Southwest Minnesota State University is holding its Marshall Festival, a conference of writers that happens about once every five years, and that I, Bart Sutter, and Jan D. Hodge will be on a panel I organized called "Pro Forma: What Poetry in Form Can Do That Free Verse Can't" at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Philip Dacey, the editor of Strong Measures and author of 13 books of poetry, is reading his poetry tonight at 7:00 p.m. The full schedule is on the link below.

http://www.smsu.edu/marshallfestival/?id=11539

Susan

[Susan McLean]

A brief post-event note: the panel was well attended, with an audience of about 32, including a mix of faculty, students, alumni, and community members. Our event ran about 47 minutes. We three presenters were so eager to talk about form that we actually ran out of time for questions and answers, so I didn't get to hear from the audience about their reactions, except for a handful that spoke to me afterwards and seemed to like it. I always get a few who admit that they have always enjoyed poetry in form, as if this is a secret that they are glad to be able to get off their chests.

Susan

[Catherine Chandler]

Susan, I'm glad the panel was a success. I wish I could have attended. I have a feeling there are lots more of those who love formal poetry but are too afraid of being put down were they to admit it!