J.D. Schraffenberger • Next Big Thing Interview

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the North American Review Blog will be hosting several installments of The Next Big Thing Self-Interview Series, in which writers answer the same nine questions about their forthcoming books or works-in-progress!

J.D. Schraffenberger is the associate editor of the North American Review and an associate professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of the book of poems Saint Joe’s Passion, and his other work has appeared in Best Creative Nonfiction, Brevity, Mid-American Review, Natural Bridge, Poetry East, Prairie Schooner, and elsewhere.

Vince Gotera • Next Big Thing Interview

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the North American Review Blog will be hosting several installments of The Next Big Thing Self-Interview Series, in which writers answer the same nine questions about their forthcoming books or works-in-progress!

This week we are thrilled to bring you an interview from Vince Gotera! What can I say? Vince’s work doesn’t simply have heart, it is made of heart. It’s full of play, intrigue, and a devotion to language’s capabilities to display the full spectrum of what poetry has to offer.

Vince Gotera is primarily a poet but also writes fiction, creative nonfiction, and literary criticism. Vince’s books include four poetry collections — Dragonfly, Ghost Wars, Fighting Kite, and the forthcoming Pacific Crossing — and a book of literary criticism, Radical Visions: Poetry by Vietnam Veterans. Vince serves as Editor of the North American Review and also Professor of English in the Languages and Literatures department at the University of Northern Iowa.

Rachel Morgan • Next Big Thing Interview

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the North American Review Blog will be hosting several installments of The Next Big Thing Self-Interview Series, in which writers answer the same nine questions about their forthcoming books or works-in-progress!

This week’s contribution comes from Rachel Morgan, whose work is innovative, curious, intelligent, and imaginative. Be sure to keep an eye out for her work. She will continue to do big things in the literary world!

Originally from Tennessee, Rachel Morgan now lives, teaches, and writes in Iowa. She is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She is a co-editor of Fire Under the Moon: An Anthology of Contemporary Slovene Poetry. A chapbook of her poetry, Things We Lost in the Fire, was published by Flag Pond Press. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in the North American Review, Fence, Denver Quarterly, The Pisgah Review, Volt, Hunger Mountain, and other journals.

Catherine Pritchard Childress • Next Big Thing Interview

As part of our celebration of National Poetry Month, the North American Review Blog will be hosting several installments of The Next Big Thing Self-Interview Series, in which writers answer the same nine questions about their forthcoming books or works-in-progress!

This week I am proud to be presenting Catherine Pritchard Childress’ contribution to the Next Big Thing Self-Interview Series! You can read her stunning poem, “Hush,” in the summer 2012 issue of the North American Review (you totally should do this!)!!

Catherine Pritchard Childress lives in the shadow of Roan Mountain, Tennessee. She is a Masters Candidate in Literature and Creative Writing at East Tennessee State University. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in the North American Review, The Connecticut Review, The Cape Rock, Town Creek Poetry, Still: The Journal, Kaimana, Kudzu Review, Southern Women’s Review, Stoneboat and other journals and have been anthologized in Southern Appalachian Poetry: Tennessee Poets.