Printed Matter Vancouver (PMV) provides writing and editing services and coaching to poets and prose writers who want support and straight talk. PMV provides a small press service. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic Featuring Neil Aitken Hosted by Christopher Luna and Toni Partington of Printed Matter Vancouver 7 pm Thursday, January 11 Open mic sign up begins at 6:30 and closes at 7 Angst Gallery 1015 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98660
Neil Aitken, author of Babbage’s Dream
Neil Aitken is the author of Babbage’s Dream (Sundress 2017) and The Lost Country of Sight (Anhinga 2008), which received the Philip Levine Prize, as well as the poetry chapbook, Leviathan. His work has been published in American Literary Review, Crab Orchard Review, The Dialogist, Ninth Letter, The Normal School, The Southern Poetry Review, and many other journals. A former computer programmer and a past Kundiman Poetry Fellow, he is the founding editor of Boxcar Poetry Review, curator of Have Book Will Travel, and co-director of De-Canon: A Visibility Project. He also hosts The Lit Fantastic, a podcast about writers and their obsessions, and works as a creative writing coach and mentor. Visit him online at www.neil-aitken.com
Float
—a fundamental type used to define numbers with fractional parts
Like a bell, or rather the sound of it opening,
a silence that having tolled speaks again
suspended between states of incompleteness—
a point traversing a numbered landscape.
This country of small infinities is what we do
with what remains: bits of window panes,
refracted light, what gathers in the torn leaves
from the dimming edge of the red fields
grown dark. Say what you will, the body is no more
than the moon, a white trouser button in a pool
of gasoline, a halo of ash and flame
ascending the ladder of night.
Food and libation provided by Niche Wine Bar, 1013 Main Street
Sound provided by Briz Loan & Guitar
LGBTQIA+ FRIENDLY, ALL AGES, AND UNCENSORED SINCE 2004
Listen to a feature on Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic on OPB Radio’s State of Wonder
Christopher Luna’s Winter 2018 Creative Writing Classes
Christopher Luna by Julian Nelson
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who has already signed up for one of my classes. As of this writing, my Thursday memoir writing class is full, but there are still spots available in the Wednesday memoir writing class, and my MAC classes on poetry writing and collage. I have also updated the link to the Wednesday memoir writing class so that it will take you directly to the class description. Please feel free to contact me with any questions: printedmattervancouver@gmail.com.
Poets and artists have always used allusion and reference to create something new. Explore strategies for assembling borrowed words and images into art and poetry. Create visual collages that incorporate text or poems that include visual aids. Bring newspapers, magazines, photos, found text, and natural items to class. These items will be shared or swapped during class. Scissors, glue, and paper to collage on will be provided. All levels.
1082751 Sat. 10 am – 2 pm Feb. 24 $40 [1 class] Christopher Luna
Poetry Writing Ages 16 & Up
Poetry as a means of expression, exploration, and experience is available to everyone. Write poetry in response to prompts and read a variety of published poems that you can use as inspiration. Read and respond to one another’s work in this supportive setting, paying close attention to revision.
1082102 Mon. 10 am – 12:30 pm Jan. 8 – Mar. 19 $249 [9 classes] Christopher Luna
Everyone has a story to tell. Each person’s life is filled with adventure, mystery, trouble, and triumph. Memoir is a powerful way to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all human beings. With the help of former Clark County Poet Laureate (2013-2017) Christopher Luna, you will begin to see yourself as a part of history, and appreciate the value of documenting the story of your life.
This class is full and cannot accept additional students. Please consider taking the Wednesday class described above.
Item #: 9028
Dates: Thursdays 1/11/2018- 3/15/2018
1:00PM – 3:20PM
$215
Room: CCE 208
THE WORK
Niche Wine Bar/ Angst Gallery
The Work Saturday Afternoon Edition
Join us on Saturday, December 2 for The Work, a monthly poetry writing workshop at Niche Wine Bar led by Clark County Poet Laureate Christopher Luna.
Christopher is completely convinced of poetry’s ability to encourage empathy and compassion, and to spark the shifts in consciousness which can lead to healing, personal growth, and an interest in fighting for progressive social change. He would love to share his passion for poetry with you.
We will read and discuss poetry, and write several new poems together from 11:30 until 2:30.
Niche is located at 1013 Main Street, right next door to The Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver’s landmark movie house in the Vancouver Arts District.
$20 suggested donation; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Bring a poem to share as a way of saying hello.
Shareable snacks are also welcome and very much appreciated.
Note: The Saturday Afternoon Edition of The Work will take place on the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Upcoming readings will take place on the following dates: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, and June 9.
The Work Monday Evening Edition
Christopher Luna and Leah Jackson are excited to announce a new Monday evening edition of The Work, to take place on the last Monday of every month.
Join us on Monday, January 29 for The Work, a monthly poetry writing workshop at Angst Gallery led by Clark County’s first Poet Laureate (2013-2017) Christopher Luna.
We will read and discuss poetry, and write several new poems together from 6:00 until 8:30. Angst Gallery is located at 1015 Main Street, two doors north of The Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver’s landmark movie house in the Vancouver Arts District. Food and libation available for purchase at Niche Wine Bar, 1013 Main Street (accessible through a doorway at the rear of the gallery).
$20 suggested donation; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Bring a poem to share as a way of saying hello.
Note: The Work will take place on the last Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Upcoming workshops will take place on the following dates: February 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, and June 25.
Printed Matter Vancouver Congratulates Poetry Moves Season 5 Contest Winners
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2018 Poetry Moves contest. Poems will appear on all C-Tran buses in Clark County, WA from January through June 2018. Below you will find information about the upcoming “winners” reading!
2018 Poetry Moves Winners – Name and Poem
April Bullard: Reflections
Diane Cammer: Elevate the Floor
Denise Campbell: One Heart’s Desire (excerpt)
Stella Jeng Guillory: In A Pow Wow
Jennifer Pratt-Walter: At Home
Pat Sciuchetti: Time
Gary F. Suda: Daybreak
Susan Williams: Bus Stop
Angela Winfield: In-Between
Louise Wynn: Who Rides?
Poetry Moves is made possible by a partnership between Arts of Clark County, C-Tran, Printed Matter Vancouver, and Clark County Poet Laureate Christopher Luna. The channel cards which feature the winning poems are designed and created by Cameron Suttles. Many thanks to everyone involved in this project for bringing poetry to the people of Clark County.
Poetry Moves Season Five Launch Event
Sunday, January 14, 2018
12:30 – 2:30 pm
Vancouver Community Library
Columbia Room
901 C Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
We have really enjoyed serving as the judges for this contest for five seasons. It has made us proud to publish so many poets, both adults and students, in a public place seen by so many of our county’s citizens. Please visit the Poetry Moves Facebook page and post any pictures you take of the winning poems.
Christopher Luna, Editor and Clark County Poet Laureate
Toni Luna, Editor & Publisher, Printed Matter Vancouver
Hosted by Christopher Luna and Toni Partington of Printed Matter Vancouver
7 pm
Thursday, December 14
Open mic sign up begins at 6:30 and closes at 7
Angst Gallery
1015 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
angstgallery.com
Jamie Houghton is a poet, musician and teaching artist. Her poetry chapbook, Burn Site in Bloom, was released by Musehick Publications in 2017. Her secret talents include making the best Key Lime Pie in town and looking weirdly good in fur hats. You can read her personal essays on her blog.
THE MOWER TO THE GLOWWORMS
(After Andrew Marvell)
by Jamie Houghton
Think of it as just a haircut through your heart which is your whole
body glowing because that’s what a pulse does and your heart is electric
Think of your heart as mud struck by lightning in the womb some where
you cannot dive for or become small enough to see
Think of it as a slight shock combing up your spine or your skin
changing like the surface of water
Think of it as division think
of me as a witness think
of clinging to the rain or pouring
down the grate think
of it as the last
whisper before being extinguished
Think of it as sinking just
to rest in the dark wet think
of it as a buffet and you
are sunlight’s last snack think
of the shining blades as music think
of your tailbone as a mouse
and you will be fed to the peonies
and the dogs and the dawn think
of me as next
Food and libation provided by Niche Wine Bar, 1013 Main Street, Vancouver.
LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY, ALL AGES, AND UNCENSORED SINCE 2004
Julene Tripp Weaver lives in Seattle where she is a psychotherapist and a writer; she worked in AIDS services for over 21 years. Her third poetry book, truth be bold—Serenading Life & Death in the Age of AIDS, was published this spring by Finishing Line Press. Two prior books are No Father Can Save Her, and Case Walking: An AIDS Case Manager Wails Her Blues. She is widely published in journals and anthologies including: Anti-Heroin Chic, Riverbabble, River & South Review, The Seattle Review of Books, HIV Here & Now, and In The Words of Women International 2016 Anthology (creative nonfiction). Find more of her writing at http://www.julenetrippweaver.com.
Julene will also be leading a workshop at Angst Gallery at 6:30pm on Friday, November 10 entitled Poeming Health: Are you or is someone you love living with a chronic illness? Are you a caregiver? This workshop will provide a clearing space to crystallize what is necessary for your survival, no matter the challenges. We will explore our personal experience through writing to our illness, to our loved one, to our pain. Bring a notebook and pens you are comfortable with. Cost: $25.
To register for the workshop, please attend Julene Tripp Weaver’s reading on November 9 or contact Christopher Luna via christopherjluna@gmail.com or 360-910-1066 before Friday, November 10.
LGBTQIA+ FRIENDLY, ALL AGES, AND UNCENSORED SINCE 2004
Tod Marshall invites WA 129 contributors to join him in reading their contributions to the book and forthcoming digital version during tonight’s reading.
Tod Marshall was born in Buffalo, NY. He earned his PhD from the University of Kansas in 1996. His first collection of poetry, Dare Say, was the 2002 winner of the University of Georgia’s Contemporary Poetry Series. He has also published a collection of his interviews with contemporary poets, Range of the Possible (EWU Press, 2002), and an accompanying anthology of the interviewed poets’ work, Range of Voices (2005). These volumes include interviews with and poems by Robert Hass, Li-Young Lee, Robert Wrigley, Brenda Hillman, Dorianne Laux, Kim Addonizio, Ed Hirsch, Dave Smith, Yusef Komunyakaa, and others. In 2005, he was awarded a Washington Artists Trust Fellowship. His second collection, The Tangled Line (Canarium Books, 2009) was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award. Bugle (Canarium, 2014), was the winner of the 2015 Washington State Book Award. Marshall was also awarded the Humanities Washington Award in 2015 for creativity and service. He lives in Spokane, Washington, and teaches creative writing and literature at Gonzaga University, where he is the Robert and Ann Powers Chair in the Humanities.
Selected from thousands of submissions by Washington poets, state poet laureate Tod Marshall’s WA129 features the overwhelming talent of the state’s writers. Honoring Washington’s 129 years of statehood, this anthology features 129 Washington poets, some published for the first time. Each poem beautifully describes a deep felt connection to Washington through poems of cherished hometowns, Washington’s wondrous landscapes, racial divisions and cultures, experiences only found in this great state, and a variety of other topics. This is an expansive and memorable collection of voices.
Notable authors include Elizabeth Austen (Washington Poet Laureate 2014-2016), Sherman Alexie, Linda Bierds, Kathleen Flenniken (Washington Poet Laureate 2012-2014), Tess Gallagher, Samuel Green (Inaugural Washington Poet Laureate), Christopher Howell, Richard Kenney, Heather McHugh, Laura Read, Tom Robbins, Katrina Roberts, Derek Sheffield, Martha Silano, Ellen Welcker, Nance Van Winckel, Katharine Whitcomb, and Maya Jewell Zeller.
For retail and bulk orders, email sagehillpress@yahoo.com.
Poetry Moves Season 5 Call for Submissions [NEW DEADLINE October 27, 2017]
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO RESIDENTS OF CLARK COUNTY, WA
Printed Matter Vancouver is proud to announce the submission period for
POETRY MOVES SEASON 5 featuring poetry by Clark County Residents on
C-Tran Buses beginning January 2018.
Submission Guidelines:
NEW Deadline: Poems will be accepted until 11:59pm PST on October 27, 2017.
Submissions: By email only.
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Clark County, Washington.
What to Submit: a maximum of two (2) poems. Poems should be no longer than seven (7) lines. The poem can be a complete poem or an excerpt from a longer poem. If the poem is an excerpt, please indicate this and give the poem title. Previously published poems may be accepted subject to the discretion of the editors. Indicate the publication name, date, poem title, and publication rights in the body of the submission email. Only one poem per person will be selected and a total of ten poems will be chosen for this phase of the project.
If accepted: If your poem is accepted for use in this project, the editors may have suggestions for edits or format changes to prepare the work for display. Whenever possible the editors will work with the author to review suggested changes. Authors will have the final decision on the edits. The editors are unable to guarantee publication of your work if they feel the edits are necessary and the author disapproves of the changes.
Author agreements: Authors agree to public use of their poem and photo. The Poetry Moves project and C-Tran retain first rights to use and display the poems. From there, rights revert back to the author. Authors agree to have their work and photo appear online or in other publicity/promotions by Poetry Moves, C-Tran, Arts of Clark County, and Printed Matter Vancouver.
Poem Format (please pay close attention to these directions):
Format your poem(s) in Times New Roman, 12 point font/one inch margins in one document. Include your name, address, best phone contact, and email at the top left of the page. Include the poem’s title in bold with one blank line between the title and the body of the poem. Poems should be single-spaced with one blank line between stanzas. Poems may not exceed seven (7) lines and must be your original work. Seven (7) lines may be excerpted from a longer poem, if indicated as such. Poems must be saved as a Microsoft Word document with this extension: your last name+poetry moves. Example: Luna+poetry moves.
How to Submit:
Type “Poetry Moves Submission 2017” into the subject line of the email.Include in the body of the email: The title(s) of your poem(s). Contact information: name, address, email, and best phone contact number. For previously published poems, indicate the publication name, date, poem title, and whether you own the publication rights. Include your poem(s) as a separate attachment.
EMAIL SUBMISSIONS UNTIL 11:59PM PST ON OCTOBER 27, 2017 TO: printedmattervancouver@gmail. com
POETRY MOVES is a program of Arts of Clark County in partnership with C-Tran and Printed Matter Vancouver
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO RESIDENTS OF CLARK COUNTY, WA
Printed Matter Vancouver is proud to announce the submission period for
POETRY MOVES SEASON 5 featuring poetry by Clark County Residents on
C-Tran Buses beginning January 2018.
Submission Guidelines:
What You Need To Know:
Deadline: Poems will be accepted until 11:59pm PST on September 23, 2017.
Submissions: By email only.
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Clark County, Washington.
What to Submit: a maximum of two (2) poems. Poems should be no longer than seven (7) lines. The poem can be a complete poem or an excerpt from a longer poem. If the poem is an excerpt, please indicate this and give the poem title. Previously published poems may be accepted subject to the discretion of the editors. Indicate the publication name, date, poem title, and publication rights in the body of the submission email. Only one poem per person will be selected and a total of ten poems will be chosen for this phase of the project.
If accepted: If your poem is accepted for use in this project, the editors may have suggestions for edits or format changes to prepare the work for display. Whenever possible the editors will work with the author to review suggested changes. Authors will have the final decision on the edits. The editors are unable to guarantee publication of your work if they feel the edits are necessary and the author disapproves of the changes.
Author agreements: Authors agree to public use of their poem and photo. The Poetry Moves project and C-Tran retain first rights to use and display the poems. From there, rights revert back to the author. Authors agree to have their work and photo appear online or in other publicity/promotions by Poetry Moves, C-Tran, Arts of Clark County, and Printed Matter Vancouver.
Poem Format (please pay close attention to these directions):
Format your poem(s) in Times New Roman, 12 point font/one inch margins in onedocument.
Include your name, address, best phone contact, and email at the top left of the page.
Include the poem’s title in bold with one blank line between the title and the body of the poem.
Poems should be single-spaced with one blank line between stanzas.
Poems may not exceed seven (7) lines and must be your original work.
Seven (7) lines may be excerpted from a longer poem, if indicated as such.
Poems must be saved as a Microsoft Word document with this extension: your last name+poetry moves. Example: Luna+poetry moves.
How to Submit:
Type “Poetry Moves Submission 2017” into the subject line of the email.
Include in the body of the email:
The title(s) of your poem(s).
Contact information: name, address, email, and best phone contact number.
For previously published poems, indicate the publication name, date, poem title, and whether you own the publication rights.
Follow your bliss this Fall. Take a writing workshop with Christopher Luna. Christopher has an MFA in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, where he trained with Jack Collom, and nearly two decades of teaching experience. He has served as the Poet Laureate of Clark County, WA since 2013. In 2004 he founded the popular Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic, which he co-hosts with his wife Toni Partington. Christopher and Toni co-founded Printed Matter Vancouver, which publishes local poetry and provides various services to Northwest writers. Christopher is also available for writing coaching and editing.
Below you will find several creative writing workshops throughout the region sponsored by Clark College, Multnomah Arts Center, Niche Wine Bar, Angst Gallery, and The Green House. Hope you can join us.
Contact printedmattervancouver@gmail.com or christopherjluna@gmail.com for more information.
Clark College
Downtown Campus
500 Broadway Street, Suite 200
Vancouver, WA 98660
Metered Parking Available
Memoir Writing
Everyone has a story to tell. Each person’s life is filled with adventure, mystery, trouble, and triumph. Memoir is a powerful way to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all human beings. This course, facilitated by Christopher Luna, Poet Laureate of Clark County, will encourage you to begin to see yourself as a part of history, with value documenting the story of your life.
Memoir Writing student Susan Starkey wears a jacket with buttons from her days in the civil rights movement
Multnomah Arts Center
7688 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97219
Poetry Writing
Poetry as a means of expression, exploration, and experience is available to everyone. Write poetry in response to prompts and read a variety of published poems that you can use as inspiration. Read and respond to one another’s work in this supportive setting, paying close attention to revision.
1079083 Mondays 10 am – 12:30 pm Oct. 2 – Dec. 4 $249 [10 classes] Ages 16 & Up
Instructor: Christopher Luna
Registration opens September 5 at 5:30am online, and in person or by phone at 9am.
Register online, in person, or by phone at 503-823-2787.
Niche Wine Bar
1013 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
The Work: Saturday Afternoon Edition
Join us on Saturday, September 9 for The Work, a monthly poetry writing workshop at Niche Wine Bar led by Clark County Poet Laureate Christopher Luna.
Christopher is completely convinced of poetry’s ability to encourage empathy and compassion, and to spark the shifts in consciousness which can lead to healing, personal growth, and an interest in fighting for progressive social change. He would love to share his passion for poetry with you.
We will read and discuss poetry, and write several new poems together from 11:30 until 2:30. Niche is located at 1013 Main Street, right next door to The Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver’s landmark movie house in the Vancouver Arts District.
$20 suggested donation; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Bring a poem to share as a way of saying hello.
Shareable snacks are also welcome and very much appreciated.
Note: The Work takes place on the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Upcoming workshops will take place on October 14, November 11, and December 9.
Angst Gallery
1015 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
The Work: Monday Evening Edition
Christopher Luna and Leah Jackson are excited to announce a new Monday evening edition of The Work, to take place on the last Monday of every month beginning October 30.
Join us on Monday, October 30 for The Work, a monthly poetry writing workshop at Angst Gallery led by Clark County Poet Laureate Christopher Luna.
We will read and discuss poetry, and write several new poems together from 6:00 until 8:30. Angst Gallery is located at 1015 Main Street, two doors north of The Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver’s landmark movie house in the Vancouver Arts District. Food and libation available for purchase at Niche Wine Bar, 1013 Main Street (accessible through a doorway at the rear of the gallery).
$20 suggested donation; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Bring a poem to share as a way of saying hello.
Note: The Work will take place on the last Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Upcoming workshops will take place on November 27 and January 29. There will be no Monday evening workshop in December due to the Christmas holiday.
The Green House
1920 Broadway
Vancouver, WA 98663
Lifted Lit
1pm
Saturday, September 30
The Green House
1920 Broadway
Vancouver, WA
2-hour LIFTED Lit Writing class
Pens and Pencils will be provided. Please bring something to write on or a laptop. Please note that we do not have power for participants to use.
Join us for a writing workshop with Christopher Luna. Christopher spent his late teens and early twenties working in a head shop on Long Island. He believes that mindful use of marijuana can be a powerful tool for consciousness expansion. Christopher is completely turned on by poetry’s ability to encourage empathy and compassion, and to spark the shifts in consciousness which can lead a person to fight for progressive social change. He would love to share his passion for poetry with you.
Space is limited, so be sure to sign up today to #getLIFTED! Tickets are a $20 suggested donation. Online reservation is required to attend the class. 21+, non-refundable/non-transferable. If attendance requirements are not met the class will be canceled 24 hours before the class begins. Tickets will be refunded at that time.
BYOC (Bring Your Own Cannabis)
Valid Photo ID is required for entrance to the event.
Tiffany Burba reads from Meet Me Where I Left You at Another Read Through Books in Portland, OR on February 23, 2017
It is more important than ever to support local, independently-owned bookstores. One of our personal favorites is Another Read Through at 3932 N. Mississippi Ave. in Portland. Owner Elisa Saphier is delightful, personable, and knowledgeable. She allows authors and publishers to hold readings and book launch events in her beautiful second-floor loft, and hosts regular events such as Lesbian Lit Book Group. A generous amount of shelf space is devoted to Northwest authors in all genres.
You can find Ghost Town Poetry volumes one and two, Tiffany Burba’s Meet Me Where I Left You, and Christopher Luna’s Pulitzer Remix chapbook Brutal Glints of Moonlight at Another Read Through.
Printed Matter Vancouver is grateful to Elisa for her service to the literary community, and for carrying our books at her bookstore. We are very proud to be associated with Another Read Through. Show your support by dropping by the store today!
The latest publication from Printed Matter Vancouver.
PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER 