Uncategorized - JAY SIZEMORE

New poem published and happy surprise!

This week my poem “Nashville, TN” was published in the August issue of Calliope Magazine. Calliope is a great local magazine run by Robert Olson here in Nashville. It is given out freely to the public. Next month I am the featured poet and they will be showcasing 8 of my poems. I owe a lot of gratitude and appreciation to Robert, who not only nurtures local poets, but helps provide venues for their voices to be heard through open mic night events. Robert does all this despite health concerns of his own that have been a challenge for him financially and personally, so thanks for everything you do, sir. You are something special.

Calliope is in the running for best magazine by the National Poetry Awards. You can vote for them at the link provided.

In other news this week, I found out my poem “Disco Ver(ses) in the key of American Hustle” was nominated for Best of the Net by Change Seven Magazine. Thanks to Sheryl Monks and staff for this honor.

New poem up at Philadelphia Review of Books!

Editor John Ebersole has been causing a stir by publishing many poems directly to the Philadelphia Review of Books blog – with a political slant. As part of this project, I submitted a piece, about the Baltimore riots and police brutality, that was published. This has been an interesting and unique experience to watch unfold, and to see everyone’s responses. Many thanks to John for giving this moment a voice, and pulling no punches. You can read my poem here: Guilt.

Poem published at The Lake!

The February issue of The Lake is out, which contains my poem “In the veins of the Earth.” Many thanks to John Murphy for including my work and continuing to put out a top notch journal. I encourage you to check it out and provide feedback on the issue!

Poem published with Redheaded Stepchild!

My poem “lethologica” appears in the latest issue of Redheaded Stepchild. Please check it out. I’m so grateful to have found a home for this poem, and in such good company. Many thanks to the editorial staff, with special thanks to Malaika K. Albrecht.

Four poems published at Eunoia Review!

Four of my poems are now live at Eunoia Review. Go there now to read “Eleanor Rigby shows up to the party,” “An Ode to Home,” “I’ve asked the trees to write my biography,” and “Snow Devils.” Very special thanks to Ian Chung. I’m honored and grateful to be included.

Father Figures Reviewed in The Lake

My chapbook Father FIgures which has eleven five star reviews on Amazon, just received its first positive review to be published in a literary journal. The review appears as part of the December issue of The Lake, a journal produced from England. It was written by Gram Joel Davies. The magazine is edited by John Murphy. I thank them both, and all the members of their staff, for giving my work the opportunity to be scrutinized in this fashion. I’m eternally grateful to anyone who reads my work, and even more so if they recommend it to others, or share it with them.

I hope you will read the review, and then check out what else they are doing over there at The Lake, as they are doing great things.

Recent Reading at Subterranean Phrases, Louisville

I recently went to Louisville, KY at the behest of good friend Rachel Short, to do a short reading with fellow poet Erin Keane at November’s Subterranean Phrases. This took place on November 12th. I had a grand time, accompanied by my wife, who rarely attends these sort of events, and was a big fan of Erin Keane’s Bruce Springsteen poems. Cowboy Funeral provided the background music, and their style fit the work very well, a cerebral ambience that helps one get in the right mindset for poetry.

You can find some audio from the reading here as part of Rachel’s Keep Louisville Literary radio broadcast. Featured at that link is author/poet Joy Priest, and you will want to hear her work, as she is phenomenal.

Thanks to Rachel Short and Erin Keane and Cowboy Funeral, and the venue Decca for allowing me to participate in the event, as I rarely get these opportunities, and cherish every one.

Poem accepted by Mas Tequila Review!

I’m very excited to have a poem accepted for the next issue of The Mas Tequila Review. My piece “Dear Stepfather,” which is part of my chapbook Father Figures, will be included. Thanks very much to Richard Vargas for this opportunity. Looking forward to reading the whole issue and seeing who else is included.

Keep a look out for its release.

Kindle and acceptance

Father Figures is now available in a Kindle edition. The print edition of the book has also just went down to a lower price. For those interested in a copy, you can get the print edition now for just $9.00 and the Kindle edition for $2.99.

I have two poems up on the latest issue of Thirteen Myna Birds featured from the chapbook, thanks to editor Juliet Cook. You can see the whole issue here.

This week I have received word that my poem “make believe sonnet, facebook poem #16” was accepted to Driftwood Press. It will be in their next issue. Thanks to the editors.

Featured Author at ExFic

I am the featured author this month at ExFic. Four of my new poems have been published there, from my upcoming experimental manuscript that is still seeking a publisher. The entire work is derived from things observed on my social media feed. Special thanks to editor Sophie Boyce for giving me this opportunity. If you wish to purchase a chapbook, click here.