One Step Closer

A few months ago I posted on Facebook that one of my sonnets was accepted for publication in a book (indie publisher). Now, it's not the first poem I have had published in a good old-fashioned book. However, my prior acceptance, through a different indie publisher, was for a charity anthology and, judging by the majority of the entries, the bar wasn't that high.

I don't mean that in a derogatory way. After all, that is why my freestyle poetry was accepted and as a non-native English speaker I have to start somewhere, not having had any kind of formal training in the English language. I don't think that six years of basic English taught by a German teacher qualifies. Also, this was priorly published material and we all know how hard it is to get existing material re-published.

Alas, this time is different because it involves form poetry. Late last night I received the e-mailed proof. Since it included the manuscript for the whole book, I took the opportunity to read some of the other entries and bios.

Holy cow, I am out of my league. The publisher asked for a three-line bio. I came up with two lame lines because I did not know what to say. Most of the other contributors exceeded that limit, and their bios read like professional resumes. Professors, journalists, doctors, even a professional actor; all with credentials longer than ... well, longer than anything I have except maybe for my list of bills.

Anyway, I took that opportunity to look a couple of the people up. Through this research I found a local poets' society that has contests and locally-held events. Well, locally is a relative term and means in the Chicagoland area. I am not in Chicago proper, I am in the suburbs, but maybe something will come up in my area down the line that I can attend.

So yes, I am excited for several reasons. Once the book is actually released, I will let the cat out of the bag completely.