Today I learned my poetry manuscript The Beautiful Winding was recognized as an honorable mention in the 2023 Stevens Poetry Book Competition, judged by the distinguished poet Edward Hirsch, a National Book Critics Circle Award winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient. In addition, he is president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and is a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets.

Last year’s winner, Nancy Hengeveld

There were three winner categories and three honorable mentions, from 249 submissions world-wide. At first blush an honorable mention might not seem like something to crow about. But it’s huge to have a manuscript recognized in this class. It’s telling you you’re not crazy, your stuff is that good, and gives you extra oomph to keep pushing for The Beautiful Winding to become a winner and to be released by a top publisher. The competition these days is stiffer than ever.

I write every day. It’s something I’ve done most of my adult life, as poet, novelist, and songwriter. That said, since I retired from my job six years ago, I’ve been able to put my shoulder into submitting my stuff—to agents, publishers, magazines, etc. I’ve had individual poems published by some of the best literary magazines. So now I can hope to become a winner in the book category, as I keep pushing.