News from poet Jared Carter

I received an e-mail from Jared Carter over the weekend sharing the good news that his latest book, Cross this Bridge at a Walk (Wind Publications), is a poetry finalist for "Best Books of Indiana 2007." Poet's Market featured Jared in an Insider Report in the 2005 edition. Not only is he a wonderful poet, he's a lovely gentleman besides, and I loved Cross this Bridge at a Walk.

On the Jared Carter website, the book description says, "Its sixteen narrative poems recount incidents in America's history from the Revolution to the present, with cameo appearances by Mother Ann Lee, Emily Dickinson, Scott Joplin, and Bix Beiderbecke." The site includes sample poems from Cross this Bridge at a Walk, plus a generous selection of some of Jared Carter's earlier poems, not to mention lots of background information on the poet himself. If you're not familiar with Jared Carter's poetry, his website is an ideal introduction.

Regarding the "Best Books of Indiana 2007" awards, Jared says, "A number of books by Indiana authors or about Indiana, published between January 1 and December 31 of 2006, were among this year’s finalists. Categories include poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and children/young adult. Winners in the four categories will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 19 July. If it’s geographically possible for you to attend, Diane and I would be most grateful. We’d love to see you there, and have a chance to say hello…The awards, now in their third year, are still relatively new. A large turn-out would give a considerable boost to contemporary poetry in Indiana, and also to the awards program…if you can’t make it, send us some good vibrations!" More information about the "Best Books of Indiana" awards may be found on their website.

If you're within driving distance of Indianapolis and want to attend, here are the particulars: The event is Thursday, July 19, at 3 p.m. at The Indiana State Library (140 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis 46204, west of the Statehouse); or check the library's website. You can also e-mail Ms. Dawn Lipp, coordinator, or phone her at (317)232-3699.

Congratulations to Jared Carter on a fine book and his "Best Books of Indiana 2007" finalist status--and best wishes for happy news at the awards ceremony.

--Nancy