Going Ape (For You)

Greetings from Gott Press Headquarters here in sunny Highland Square, Akron's hipsterest (and hippest) neighborhood -- home of PorchRokr, Annabell's Punk Night, and the Zub's girl.

Today is March 31st, or as I look to think of it, April Fools Eve. It's also the last day of my Akron Soul Train Fellowship. It went by extremely quickly, and I attribute that to the fact that it was extremely fucking fun and I enjoyed pretty much every moment of it. I would call it a success, at any rate. Here are my final numbers, as far as creative output, if you're curious:

Free Verse Poems: 18

Blackout Poems: 16

total: 34

That's right, I averaged more than a poem a day, which definitely meets the goal that I set for myself before I started. I have also designed the cover of the chapbook, and I have a solid draft of the interior. I am still working through selecting and editing the poems that I will include in the chapbook, but I hope to order a proof this week -- if everything goes according to plan.

There's a few people who I need to thank, for without whom this would not only not have been a success, but it wouldn't have happened at all.

First, I have to thank my wife, partner in crime, and muse, Sarah, who held me to my word and made me finish that application at 8 p.m. the night that it was due. I love you!

I would like to also thank the 2017-2018 Fellowship Selection Committee and everyone at Akron Soul Train, particularly Natalie Grieshammer, who went above and beyond in her role to make this a great experience. She made things possible that would have been impossible without her help. I would also like to thank Amy Mothersbaugh, Nancy Brennan, Danielle Thompson, and Arnold Tunstall, who have all been extremely supportive and helpful.

Finally, thank you Adam Searl, JT Barnett, Mila Susnjar, Toni Billick, Sheepy, Roxy & Marc, The Dreemers, Sage Lewis, Elly Dallas, Rubber City Prints, Chris Miller/The Akronist, Yoly Miller, everyone who came to my Happening, everyone who came to my Blackout Poetry workshop, Compass Coffee, and everyone who has supported me over the years. I could go on and on here, and my apologies to anyone who deserves credit who I may have forgotten, but I can't thank you all enough!

Be sure to mark your calendars for May 12, from 6-8 p.m. for my Idiot Parade book release party so you can see for yourself the end result of all of this hard work (and maybe buy a copy ;-)).