Last weekend, I was in Mineral Point, Wisconsin for the Cradle of American Haiku event. It happens every other year (opposite years as Haiku North America) and this is the third year I’ve attended. I might never have thought about attending if I hadn’t met so many great folks from the Midwest at HNA in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2019. While it was mighty humid in Wisconsin for this Oregonian, it was wonderful to see so many haiku friends and acquaintances, and to meet new folks, too. Lots of great presentations (haibun, rengay, haiku on stones, and more), an insightful haiku workshopping session, and so many lovely books and old journals to acquire. Plus lots of time spent wandering downtown Mineral Point and hanging out with good friends. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put on the event! I look forward to returning in two years!
But now I’m back. I finally caught up with logging Kingfisher submissions and now I get to return to sending out replies. What’s that you say? You haven’t sent in your submission yet? Well, there’s still time. You’ve got until August 31 to submit 5-10 of your best haiku/senryu. Full submission guidelines can be found here: https://kingfisherjournal.com/submissions/ To increase your chances of having a poem accepted, please do read and follow the guidelines. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with the journal before submitting to determine whether it might be a good fit for your poems. I have back issues available for order on the website, or if you don’t want to wait for the mail, you can order a digital copy, which I’ll email to you. Every journal has its own aesthetic, and while I have a rather lengthy list of submission guidelines, the best way to figure out what I look for in haiku is to read the journal itself. And to those of you who have supported the journal by buying single issues or subscriptions, thank you for supporting not only Kingfisher, but your fellow poets and the continuing haiku conversation.
I’m excited by the poems I’ve received so far and I look forward to reading yours!
Sound like you had a great time! Welcome home. Patricia
As Mineral Point is only about 20 miles or less from my family, it would’ve been nice to see you there. However, my sister who was in assisted living is now in Hospice. Was hoping to see her in October, but that’s not happening. Too much going on here. Anyway, I think of you OFTEN, and miss you. The trees you gave me as kindergartners are now in junior high-planted and staked. Occasionally, I still scribble off, then contemplate, then fuss over a haiku (even have a few that might pass muster), but so far, even art has taken a seat behind LOTS of gardening, sister, PT for a ruptured tendon, etc. Hope you are well, and “kicking ass” in Oregon! Kim w