On the Fence

Tonight, Monday, September 23rd, join me alongside a great line-up of writers at Big Words, Etc reading series in conjunction with PEN America’s Breakout Program.

@ 61 Local / 61 Bergen St in Brooklyn

6:30-8:30pm

*I will be reading a brand new piece that explores the theme: on the fence.

Upcoming Performances

I’m excited to read some new work…….hope you can make it!

Tuesday, November 21st, I will be reading poems at BIG WORDS, ETC reading series at 61 Local located at 61 Bergen St in Brooklyn. The event is from 6-8pm. Celebrate some wonderful writers exploring the theme of 5 more minutes! 

Friday, December 1st,  I get to celebrate Three Rooms Press’s Prose! Poetry! Party! at Cornelia Street Cafe located at 29 Cornelia St. in NYC from 6-8pm. This event is $10, but it includes a drink. What a great line-up of writers including Meagan Brothers, David Lawton, Jane LeCroy, Karen Hildebrand, Jane Ormerod, Robert Gibbons, and more! Hosted by the marvelous Peter Carlaftes and Kat Georges.

TODAY: a celebration of a new book by my dad.

Many years ago, while I was still living in Boulder, CO, I was published in an erotica anthology. I came back east to visit and made my way to Connecticut to see my dad. We were both very excited of my publication and even though the content was a bit racy, my dad and I headed to the nearby Barnes & Noble, so he could buy a copy.

Yes, I went with my dad to buy a book of erotica.

I have a fond memory of heading to the “Romance” section, where it was housed and eagerly finding it in its alphabetical place. If my memory is correct, we took photos. My dad holding erotica book, then I.

He has supported me through all my rejection letters and the unexpected acceptances. He has come to my readings and performances, even the ones which had content most fathers would find uncomfortable. He always called himself, a fan.

Now, I get to be his fan, as I help him celebrate his new book, “The Jefferson Files.” Tonight, at 61 Local in Brooklyn, NY at 61 Bergen Street. 7pm.

Being a writer has freed me from so much. I revel in watching his freedom let loose on the page as well.

MY DAD WROTE A BOOK or there is no deadline on starting again

Throughout my life, my dad and I have lifted metaphorical weights together to strengthen our imaginations. As a kid, we’d listen to old radio shows like The Shadow or Suspense! and allow our minds to get lost in the sound effects arriving from the tiny speakers of the radio. When we’d be driving somewhere, we’d make up our own stories, even creating voices for our characters.

He always encouraged me to be creative; this led me to become a poet without any thought of ‘a back-up plan’.

My father never encouraged me away from my dreams, even if they seemed too whimsical.

Almost every time we speak, he asks: Did you send any poems out today? Did you write?

At the age of almost 75, my father has a “six-pack” imagination. This led him to pen his very first novel. For years, he woke early or remained up late to write. In his mind, these words were for my sister and I; however, after reading it and being extremely riveted, I encouraged him to publish it.

My father has run companies, worked as a used car salesman, sold chocolate-shaped ties to department stores. He never imagined he’d write a book one day. Yet, he’s already begun writing another! We see someone over 70 and forget they still have life in them. We assume they are tired; we assume they have lived their dreams out already. How wrong we are…….

On April 15th, in Brooklyn, NY, I get to help celebrate this immense accomplishment with my dad, Martin Herman. If you are in the NYC or tri-state area, I encourage you to come as well. It will be an evening celebrating his new book, The Jefferson Files. This book spans over a century and is a murder mystery historical fiction adventure starting with the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, a crime, a hidden diary, and an extremely curious and persistent college student.

Come join in on the celebration, which will also feature mixed media poet, Todd Anderson. There WILL B books for sale! Buy a copy. Buy two. Get one signed by this brand new author!

Wednesday, April 15th, 2015

61 Local

61 Bergen Street, Brooklyn

7:30-9:30pm