So, I’ve been posting quite a bit about my new publisher, Black Lawrence Press, and my new author page on BLP’s website. And now……my book page is LIVE. Yay! Yes, folks, you can find a direct link to my poetry chapbook How it Happens at Black Lawrence Press right here Please do me the favor of spreading the word to your friends and family.

I’m quite happy about it. And I’m also getting used to tooting my own horn a little more often than I usually do. The recent changes in publishers require the tooting. And I’m rolling with it. After all, we poets and writers use our websites and social media like our ancestors and our kin use the drum.

Hear the drum, y’all. Especially because we are about to enter the month of August. And you know what? That means we’re about to enter The Sealey Challenge

What is that, you ask? That is a challenge created that the poet Nicole Sealey set for herself during the month of August when she gives herself time to read a poetry book a day because she has time in August to do so. The rest of the year is so busy, that it’s hard to set aside time to explore the newly published and already existing poetry that exists. This is true for so many of us that we have joined her in this challenge that is now a community event. Wherever you are, you can read one book of poetry each day, or one poem each day and you have entered the communal action of the #SealeyChallenge

Many folks share photos of the books they’re reading on social media with the hashtag #SealeyChallenge but you can quietly fill your cup with poetry. New poetry, ancient poetry, contemporary poetry, poetry in any language you wish, chapbooks, full length collections, broadsides, poetry of any shape and kind. I assure you; your world will be a better place as you fill your ears, minds, hearts with poetry. Yes, I am biased, and determined to share the news of The Sealey Challenge with everyone. Don’t know where to begin? Start here with the challenge’s website that provides background information and suggestions.

I’d love to hear what you’re reading. Please leave a comment and let me know.