Author: Editorial Staff

PSM Winners in the 2025 NFSPS Annual Contest

Published on by Editorial Staff

Patricia Barnes of Wyandotte MI, PSM Honorary Chancellor:
HM2, Winners Circle Award
HM3, Poetry Society of Indiana Award
HM5, The Robbie Award

Deb Belcher of Tustin MI:
HM4, The Barbara Sykes Memorial Award

Dr. Emory D. Jones of Iuka MS:
HM6, William Stafford Memorial Award
HM3, The Robbie Award

Cynthia Nankee of Canton MI:
3rd Place, Jim Barton, Bard of the Pines Award
HM7, Jim Barton Memorial Award
1st Place, Alabama State Poetry Award
HM2, James C. Saunders Memorial Award
HM3, Wallace Stevens Memorial Award
2nd Place, Mississippi Poetry Society Award
1st Place, Barbara Stevens Memorial Award

Polly Opsahl of Oscoda MI:
3rd Place, Poetry Society of Indiana Award
1st Place, Poetry Society of Oklahoma A

New “Craft” Article by Shutta Crum

Published on by Editorial Staff

In her article, Nailing the Landing, member poet, Shutta Crum writes, “Perhaps the most egregious crime of bad poetry is when the poet tries to summarize the poem for the reader. This usually happens at endings. But the writer must bear in mind that readers bring to the table their own histories. Readers take away what is needful at the moment—to them. And it may be something entirely other than what the writer had in mind while writing the poem.” Read the full article HERE.

Shutta Crum

Shutta Crum is the author of several middle-grade novels, thirteen picture books, many magazine articles and over a hundred and fifty published poems. She is also the winner of nine Royal Palm awards, including gold for her chapbook When You Get Here. (Kelsay Books, 2020). Her latest volume of poetry is Meet Me Out There. She is a well-regarded public speaker and workshop leader. shutta.com

Read the Latest Issue of Peninsula Poets.

Published on by Editorial Staff

New Feature: Anyone can read the latest issue of Peninsula Poets on line for free and share it with friends and family. Just click the cover icon to read now. You can also download it to read later.

At the latest board meeting it was decided to expand our readership and give our poems worldwide exposure.

March Craft Article: Writing Korean Sijo / David Jibson

Published on by Editorial Staff

Our craft article for March is from PSM board member, Dave Jibson, who takes us on a dive into Korean Sijo. First appearing in 14th century Korea, Sijo is longer than Haiku and goes beyond imagery into story telling. We think you’ll like playing around with this one. Maybe you can bring one or two to the Spring meeting. Read the article HERE.

Here’s an excellent example from member Ginny Grush.

Craft Articles (New Feature)

Published on by Editorial Staff

A crucial step in becoming a better writer is getting and reflecting on seasoned advice. At the suggestion of David Jibson, we’ve decided to post a craft/writing article every other month except for April and October, our conference months. Our hope is that these articles motivate you and provide some new ideas for writing. 

Our first article comes from Florida writer and PSM member Shutta Crum (www.shutta.com). She’s published twenty-one books for children and poetry for adults, and we appreciate her letting us re-post her article. Please enjoy “Getting Started: Even with a Not-so-great Idea.” You can read it HERE

David James

Submissions: Peninsula Poets (Member’s Issue)

Published on by Editorial Staff

Call for Submissions
Peninsula Poets Spring 2025 (Members Edition)
Members only! You must be a member in good standing with your dues paid through 2025. Visit poetrysocietyofmichigan.com for full membership details. If you are unsure of your membership status, you can contact me at membership.psm@gmail.com. Submissions accepted from now until February 1, 2025.

By email (preferred): send up to 3 unpublished poems in a single attachment, with one poem per page and your contact information. Due to space constraints, the length must be no more than a maximum of 40 lines (including stanza breaks). Please use Microsoft Word or Word Perfect format. Email to springeditor.psm@gmail.com.

If you don’t have email, send up to three poems, one poem per page, with contact info on eachpage. Due to space constraints, length must be no more than maximum of 40 lines, including spaces. to PSM Spring Edition, PO Box 1035, Cadillac, MI 49601 (Must be postmarked by midnight February 1, 2025).If you have any questions, email me, Debra Belcher, at springeditor.psm@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to reading your work! We are also seeking cover photo submissions. We have become aware of the wealth of artistic talent beyond poetry among our membership. We would love to include your artwork, painting, drawing, pottery, quilting, stained glass, even doodles or simple line drawings for chapter pages! Please send jpg photos of your work so we can make a collage or quilt style cover and headings for chapters. No more than 3 submissions per person please. Email to springeditor.psm@gmail.com