A.J. Kaufmann

Closing 2012 – Intentions for 2013

/ Michael Aaron Casares

 

Good evening. I hope everyone is well at the time of this writing. It has been a crazy year, 2012, that showed very fruitful for poetry and Virgogray Press. Having released several collections, and gratefully with the humble returns of poets like Suzi Olmsted, Justin Blackburn and Chris D’Errico, a core has begun to form. The remainder of 2012 and moving into 2013, Virgogray has plans for the release of only a few more titles of poetry from poets such as Michael Fitzgerald-Clarke and Ayne Francis de la Cruz. The newest collections, A. Molotkov and John S. Williams’ “The End of Mythology” and Mary B. Harrison’s “Beneath our Feet” are virtually upon us.

 

Nothing. No One. Nowhere. No. 5 is still waiting in the wings. Do not fear. We will move forward with the magazine as soon as we are able to. Do not forget, issue number 6 shall be edited by Sonnet Mondal. To have your work considered for publication please be sure to e-mail Sonnet Mondal (sonnetmondal@gmail.com). We will be accepting poetry, short fiction, non-fiction. Carcinogenic Poetry is still publishing and shall anthologize for the third time very soon. The Occupy Poetry Project shall publish through the end of the year and will be laid to rest in 2013. We’ll probably anthologize the series to send it off. It is with great thanks to the writers and readers of the web series that I reflect on it as it has been a fun and interesting ride in publication. That could be said the same for Virgogray in its entirety.

 

Virgogray is producing the Austin Salon Poetic, a free community-based poetry open mic in downtown Austin, Texas at a bar called Headhunters Club, that recently underwent a remodel by Spike TV reality show, “BarRescue.” The Austin Salon Poetic features local and regional poets to raise awareness of local poetry and also features a poetry open mic. Poets we’ve featured so far include, Thom Woodruff, Juan Manuel Perez, Bill Shute, Devorah Winegarten and others.

 

There is certainly more to look forward to, including re-issues of previously out of print collections, such as Marc Olmsted’s “Fresh Lotus Rehab” and A. J. Kaufmann’s “Broke Nuptial Minds.” That is all that can be said. To all others involved, I thank you for your patience and understanding in all matters of the press. Virgogray could not promote and share such vital work without the loyalty and integrity of the poets, artists and readers who support us.

 

Carcinogenic Poetry 200 Posts Strong!

/ Michael Aaron Casares / Leave a comment

Carcinogenic Poetry celebrated its 200th post today, marking a year and a half of sharing poetry from independent, literary voice. To date many poets have passed through the halls of Carcinogenic Poetry from traditional writers, to publishers, radio hosts, visual artists, editors, professors, doctors, laymen, entrepeneurs, all walks of life and they are all from the underground. These are the voices you will not hear anywhere else, lest they be amongst the ranks of independent and small lit culture itself. Carcinogenic Poetry was created as a beacon of truth in the vast expanse of the poetic genre; it has become a venue of choice, playing host to many influential and popular names: Felino A. Soriano, Ross Vassilev, Joe Milford, Gillian Prew,  John Sibley Williams, Michael Mc Aloran, Ivan Jenson, Carly Bryson,  A.J. Kaufmann, Howie Good to name a few. 
Carcinogenic Poetry publishes on a rolling basis and posts new poetry about once a week. At the end of the year, the blog is anthologized in an annual year book– the Carcinogenic Poetry Print Anthology. Last year we topped 300 pages with over 100 poets featured. The anthology proved to be a great hallmark of modern literature and a signature of the voice and future of the independent literate. We welcome all to be apart of the spectacle again. We are about half-year and are looking to release the second volume anthology in December. Submit now. Don’t forget, reprints ARE ACCEPTABLE. PLEASE READ GUIDELINES for full details. Thanks again to everyone who contributes to Carcinogenic Poetry and thanks to both the readers and writers who always return. Blessing be to all.

Interviews with Suzi Kaplan Olmsted & A.J. Kaufmann

/ Michael Aaron Casares
Virgogray Press authors Suzi Kaplan Olmsted and A.J. Kaufmann were both individually featured in respective interviews.

Suzi Kaplan Olmsted

Suzi Kaplan Olmsted, author of “Institutional Wallet,”who has been published  in such publications as The Sun, Blue Satellite, 51%, F.T.S, Big Scream, poetrysuperhighway.com, M.A.G., Lummox Journal, getunderground.com and Napalm Health Spa appeared on November 1, 2009 on the Moe Green Poetry Discussion and spoke with Rafael F.J. Alvarado about writing, “Institutional Wallet,”  poetry on the West Coast and read from the book as well as a few new poems. 

The Moe Green Poetry Discussion
w/ Rafael F.J. Alvarado  11/01/2009 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword/2009/11/01/the-moe-green-poetry-dissicusion-with-rafael-fj-alvarado 

A.J. Kaufmann

A.J. Kaufmann, founder of New Polish Beat, editor of Eviscerator Heaven, and author of Broke Nuptial Minds was featured last month on FlexWriters Magazine. A.J. rips into Plath, discusses poetry scenes and delves into his writing style. Be sure to check out these interviews. Order their books at http://virgograypress.blogspot.com/  (paypal). For money orders just email me.  

 

 

 

 

FlexWriters Magazine
February 2010

http://blog.flexwritersonline.net/2010/02/08/interview-with-aj-kaufmann.aspx