I'm thinking about a blog facelift.
Unlike plastic surgery, blogastic surgery is free and does not require medication or being shot with rat poison. But, like plastic surgery, I have to consider how much I want the blog to look like its old self.
What has me hankering for a new look? Last week, I had a conversation with poet Barbara Morrison. We were discussing CityLit Project (my publisher) and the experience of putting together a poetry chapbook. The interview is going to be on JMWW Journal's website soon.
Barbara said she didn't get the whole "Author Amok" vibe. The name, the frenzied tag -- they don't fit my work.
I'd like to tackle the name issue first, then work on the visuals.
So, word surgeons, give me your best consultation. Comment on the ideas I've come up with, or post an original title for the toned and tightened blog. I'll send two of you (chosen at random) a copy of my award-winning chapbook, Mountain, Log, Salt and Stone.
Here are my "namelift" ideas, with some points to consider:
1) 13 Ways of Looking
This one suits the variety of work I do as a poet and teacher. But, much as I like "13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," I'm not a Stevens nut. It's also the name of an artist's website.
2) This Is Just to Say
3) The Red Wheelbarrow
I love & adore WCW -- who is a fellow New Jerseyan -- but I don't write like him. "The Red Wheelbarrow" feels kid-lit friendly. There is a blog called "Is Just to Say" and a Red Wheelbarrow bookstore, but no blog.
4) Eat a Peach
Love the poem and this particular line's call to creative action. Still, I don't write like Eliot.
5) In Uffish Thought
I admit, this one makes me sound like an Alice-geek. Which I am. But is it too much of an in-joke? Surprisingly not, as there are quite a few blogs with this name.
6) Mrs. Poems
I was given the nickname by an elementary student with Aspergers who couldn't remember "Mrs. Shovan." Is it too cute for anyone but primary graders and their teachers?
I'm going away for a week, so let's make July 31 the deadline for comments/contest.
Help me, Jedi Poets... you're my only hope!
Please insert new blog-face below.





