Up and Coming: More Reviews and a New E-zine

It's been quiet on this blog, but busy in the background.

Up and coming:

 -- Reviews of three poetry collections procured at the Appalachian Writers Workshop at Hindman Settlement School.

-- Launch of new e-Zine for the most groundbreaking avant garde in Appalachia and the world.

I've been working on this one since the middle of September 2015 when the idea fully crystalised. My involvement with Wurm im Apfel Press in Ireland since 2010 has demonstrated to me how valuable, even vital, experimentation and the avant garde are to any healthy, living literary scene. The Wurm poets infuse Ireland with a dose of much needed excitement and energy, challenging the established modes of expression and pushing poetry into entirely new territories (Christodoulos Makris' Twitter poem "Chances Are...", anyone?). Then in July 2015 I had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Appalachian Writers Workshop at Hindman Settlement School. There I found a good reception to my work, but generally a resistance to avant garde and indy publishing. Although the literary landscape of Central Appalachia is maturing once again into a more united, supportive community than it was 20 years ago, with a much more contemporary pulse, there do still tend to be certain conventions and traditions too "sacred" to be challenged. As far as I know, there is no publication that directly supports and encourages full experimentation, where rules exist to be broken and made new. Many editors of literary journals and presses told me at the Workshop that "there is a lot of work (they) must reject because it is too avant garde." I determined to create a home for that avant garde.

Introducing: "AvantAppal(achia)"

As you will see, the website has not launched yet. Web design is nearly complete. I may soon have a co-editor to help me with sorting submissions. We meet next week, hopefully, to hammer out the last few details before launch can take place. But it is coming soon! The Kin-folk - Ed(itor)s - at AvantAppal(achia) are proud to fill this gap in the literary scene of Central Appalachia, bring you earth-shattering new work by Appalachia's finest and around the world, and welcome you as Kin. Watch this space for more information!

Appreciation

Had a great time at the Appalachian Writers Workshop at Hindman Settlement School, Hindman, KY. Sending a bouquet of thank yous to Brent Hutchinson and Jean Marie Hibbard who worked so hard to figure out accessibility issues and include me in everything. Also, equal thanks to all the faculty and participants for welcoming me and teaching me so much. What a truly beautiful event!



Photo of Sabne Raznik by Roberta Shultz

Press Release Regarding the 2015 Appalachian Writers' Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Local Poet to Attend Appalachian Writer's Workshop

 

June 11, 2015, Pikeville, KY. - Local poet Sabne Raznik has been invited to attend the Appalachian Writer's Workshop at Hindman Settlement School this summer as a beneficiary of the UK Pike County Cooperative Extension Service for Fine Arts.

 

The Appalachian Writer's Workshop is the premiere writer's workshop in Kentucky. It is hosted by Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, KY. This year, it will be held July 26 - 31, 2015.

 

Raznik applied to the Workshop by sending 10 work-in-progress poems. Due to limited space, only the highest quality applications are accepted as participants. Each participant is assigned ahead of time to specific sessions. Raznik is assigned to the poetry sessions that will be lead by Crystal Wilkinson. (As of July 14, 2015, Raznik's workshop leader will be Marianne Worthington.)

 

Sabne Raznik has published two full-length poetry collections - her debut work, Following Hope, in 2007 and Linger to Look in 2015. Raznik hand made an art book to benefit St. Jude's Research Hospital, Marrow, in 2013. She has published throughout the U.S., in Ireland, and on the internet. Among those who have offered praise for her poetry is acclaimed Irish poet Brendan Kennelly. She is a songwriter and folk artist, working in both traditional and digital mediums. She has also worked with the ACT Theatre in Elkhorn City, KY.

 

Raznik says: "It is a real honor to be invited to the Appalachian Writer's Workshop. It's still sinking in, really."

 

Raznik's participation in the Workshop is made possible by a grant from the UK Pike County Cooperative Extension Service for Fine Arts that will cover tuition and rooming, as well as other expenses.

 

"It was Stephanie Richards' (the Pike County Extension Agent for Fine Arts) idea that I apply. I never would have without her encouragement." Raznik explains.

 

For more information: http://ces.ca.uky.edu/pike/FineArts

                                     http://www.hindmansettlement.org

                                     http://www.facebook.com/sabneraznik

 

 

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Etsy and Appalachian Writers' Workshop

I have closed my Etsy store. Please, let it be known that you can now find my art work and order various items and prints at Fine Art America.

I have been invited to the Hindman Settlement School's Appalachian Writers' Workshop this year (2015). Originally, I was scheduled in Crystal Wilkinson's workshops, but she has had to cancel. Marianne Worthington is filling her shoes. We will have daily workshops and readings as well as a half hour of individual teaching with our workshop leader. I am very excited and honoured to be accepted to attend! If you will be in Hindman, KY USA during July 26 -31, 2015, I'll see you there!