RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_ccf87f4b-2dff-4450-b819-33e770bae501 -- Rendered At Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:58:53 +0000 Paper Knives https://redcircle.com/shows/paper-knives en-US All rights reserved. Poetry Interviews The Poetry Movement Join poets from the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor & southern Lake Michigan region of the mid(we)st as they share poems, reflect on the writing craft, and discuss the communities involved in publishing, performing and promoting their poetry. A project of The Poetry Movement, these conversations with emerging and established authors from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan build Chiwaukee literary infrastructure where poetry and place meet in our shared poetic community. We interview traditionally published and self-published poets, performers of spoken word and slam poetry, and hybrid text writers. Some write for a living, some teach for a living, some have other day jobs. Some don't pursue publication at all. The mid(we)st is where we're in the midst. Learn more about The Poetry Movement's public poetry contests, access Paper Knives' pipelines to publication, and connect with our regional poetry database at thepoetrymovement.org ccf87f4b-2dff-4450-b819-33e770bae501 Join poets from the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor & southern Lake Michigan region of the mid(we)st as they share poems, reflect on the writing craft, and discuss the communities involved in publishing, performing and promoting their poetry. A project of The Poetry Movement, these conversations with emerging and established authors from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan build Chiwaukee literary infrastructure where poetry and place meet in our shared poetic community. We interview traditionally published and self-published poets, performers of spoken word and slam poetry, and hybrid text writers. Some write for a living, some teach for a living, some have other day jobs. Some don't pursue publication at all. The mid(we)st is where we're in the midst. Learn more about The Poetry Movement's public poetry contests, access Paper Knives' pipelines to publication, and connect with our regional poetry database at thepoetrymovement.org

]]> episodic no The Poetry Movement paper.knives@thepoetrymovement.org false full Writing Calluses: Debra Hall on finding the Sacred Ordinary through Writing Poetry Writing Calluses: Debra Hall on finding the Sacred Ordinary through Writing Poetry The Poetry Movement Bridging the gap between personal trauma and the written page can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Racine-based poet Debra Hall shares her regimented writing routine, as well as how she's processed trauma. She is the author of the debut chapbook, What the Current Cannot Swallow (2026), and currently serves as the president of the Kenosha-Racine Poet Laureate committee. Hall is an advocate for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and serves as the chair of the Kenosha-Racine Poets Laureate committee.

In this interview, she describes her rigorous writing practice. She discusses how her poetry has served as as a therapeutic tool, applying metaphors to navigate grief and trauma as she developed the emotional resilience. This conversation offers a look at how metaphors can help us navigate challenging emotional landscapes.

She mentioned a book that she couldn't remember the name of: The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop by Diane Lockward. We've linked it below in the Resources section.

Debra shared her '7-minute meditation + two part free-write routine. Do you structure your writing routine? to describe your current writing practice (or the one you wish you had), what would it be? Let us know below!

Support the Channel

💸 Keep Paper Knives & the Poetry Movement going with a donation: https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews

👀 Check out our affiliate links below timestamps & show notes 👇


⏰ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Guest Background & What the Current Cannot Swallow

01:21 – Reading: "The Orange Weight of Wings"

06:02 – The 7-Minute Meditation & 10-Minute Cold Prompt Routine

09:51 – Editing & Submissions: Advice for Emerging Writers

25:45 – Metaphor as a Cognitive Tool & Influences (Nick Flynn)

31:50 – Regional Leadership: The Kenosha-Racine Poet Laureate Committee

43:50 – Writing as a Tool for Grief & The "Callus Metaphor"


🔍 Transparency & Disclosure

Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up through these links, our nonprofit may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely value, or which our guests have referenced. Your support through these links helps fund our mission and allows us to continue producing this podcast. Thank you!


🔗 Links to Books & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Debra’s website: https://www.poetdebra.com

What the Current Cannot Swallow by Debra Hall (Debut Chapbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4HQJ5CH?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop by Diane Lockward: https://www.terrapinbooks.com/the-crafty-poet-a-portable-workshop.html

Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff: https://www.amazon.com/Metaphors-We-Live-George-Lakoff/dp/0226468011

Eros the Bittersweet by Anne Carson: https://www.amazon.com/Eros-Bittersweet-Essay-Princeton-Classics/dp/0691250626

Kenosha-Racine Poets Laureate: https://krpoets.weebly.com/about.html

Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets: https://www.wfop.org/

Shake Rag Alley (Mineral Point, WI): https://shakeragalley.org/

]]> <p>Bridging the gap between personal trauma and the written page can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Racine-based poet Debra Hall shares her regimented writing routine, as well as how she&#39;s processed trauma. She is the author of the debut chapbook, What the Current Cannot Swallow (2026), and currently serves as the president of the Kenosha-Racine Poet Laureate committee. Hall is an advocate for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and serves as the chair of the Kenosha-Racine Poets Laureate committee. </p><p>In this interview, she describes her rigorous writing practice. She discusses how her poetry has served as as a therapeutic tool, applying metaphors to navigate grief and trauma as she developed the emotional resilience. This conversation offers a look at how metaphors can help us navigate challenging emotional landscapes.</p><p>She mentioned a book that she couldn&#39;t remember the name of: The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop by Diane Lockward. We&#39;ve linked it below in the Resources section. </p><p>Debra shared her &#39;7-minute meditation + two part free-write routine. Do you structure your writing routine? to describe your current writing practice (or the one you wish you had), what would it be? Let us know below!</p><p><strong>Support the Channel</strong></p><p>💸 Keep Paper Knives &amp; the Poetry Movement going with a donation: https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews</p><p>👀 Check out our affiliate links below timestamps &amp; show notes 👇</p><p><br></p><p>⏰ <strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00 – Intro: Guest Background &amp; What the Current Cannot Swallow</p><p>01:21 – Reading: &#34;The Orange Weight of Wings&#34;</p><p>06:02 – The 7-Minute Meditation &amp; 10-Minute Cold Prompt Routine</p><p>09:51 – Editing &amp; Submissions: Advice for Emerging Writers</p><p>25:45 – Metaphor as a Cognitive Tool &amp; Influences (Nick Flynn)</p><p>31:50 – Regional Leadership: The Kenosha-Racine Poet Laureate Committee</p><p>43:50 – Writing as a Tool for Grief &amp; The &#34;Callus Metaphor&#34;</p><p><br></p><p>🔍 <strong>Transparency &amp; Disclosure</strong></p><p>Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up through these links, our nonprofit may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely value, or which our guests have referenced. Your support through these links helps fund our mission and allows us to continue producing this podcast. Thank you!</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 <strong>Links to Books &amp; Resources Mentioned in this Episode</strong></p><p>Debra’s website: https://www.poetdebra.com </p><p>What the Current Cannot Swallow by Debra Hall (Debut Chapbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4HQJ5CH?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback</p><p>The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop by Diane Lockward: https://www.terrapinbooks.com/the-crafty-poet-a-portable-workshop.html</p><p>Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff: https://www.amazon.com/Metaphors-We-Live-George-Lakoff/dp/0226468011 </p><p>Eros the Bittersweet by Anne Carson: https://www.amazon.com/Eros-Bittersweet-Essay-Princeton-Classics/dp/0691250626</p><p>Kenosha-Racine Poets Laureate: https://krpoets.weebly.com/about.html</p><p>Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets: https://www.wfop.org/</p><p>Shake Rag Alley (Mineral Point, WI): https://shakeragalley.org/</p> 3e4fd3f4-bdf5-445c-9cb4-490c44aa8888 https://www.thepoetrymovement.org Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:00:20 +0000 3621 false full Falling in public: Tips from former poet laureate Angela Trudell Vasquez on poetic craft & identity Falling in public: Tips from former poet laureate Angela Trudell Vasquez on poetic craft & identity The Poetry Movement This conversation with former Madison Poet Laureate Angie Trudell Vasquez explores the unique creative landscape of the Midwest. Considering the power of land stewardship in eco-poetics, this episode uncovers how regional identity shapes art and why writers must prioritize connecting with humanity over chasing external acclaim, encouraging all of us to take a creative role in our community.

Angela talks about the practical realities of a literary life and how to balance demanding professional obligations with a disciplined, edited writing practice. She shares her insights on the vital importance of "literary citizenship" in showing up for other writers, and she offers advice on staying vulnerable and allowing your work to "fail" in public as part of the creative process. She talks about how to develop a long-term relationship with your writing. 

🙋Let us know: Angie shared how attending open mics was key to building her creative network. What local event, group, or venue in your area has helped you feel part of your poetic community?

• • Join Our Email List: https://thepoetrymovement.org/paper-knives

💸Support / Donate: https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews 

⏰ Timestamps

  • 00:00 – Intro: Career Highlights & Poetic Background
  • 06:29 – "What in That?": Poem Reading & Inspiration
  • 12:02 – From Organic to Disciplined: Evolving Your Writing Practice
  • 18:08 – The Midwest Identity: Eco-Poetics & Land Stewardship
  • 32:40 – Literary Citizenship: The Essential Power of Open Mics
  • 39:40 – Persistence: Balancing Career, Family, and Craft
  • 52:00 – Closing Advice & "The Land Speaks" Reading


🔗 Links & resources

Web: https://thepoetrymovement.org 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@paper_knives_poetry 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.poetry.movement 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Poetry-Movement-61563800433322/ 


📣 Mentioned in this episode: 

Angela’s Website: https://angietrudellvasquez.com/about/ 

Books by Angela Trudell Vasquez: In Light, Always Light, My People Redux  

Venues/Organizations: ArtLitLab (Madison, WI), Woodland Pattern (Milwaukee, WI), The Poetry Foundation (Chicago, IL), Printers Row Book Fair (Chicago, IL), Macondo Writers Workshop (Founded by Sandra Cisneros), Art Night Books (Independent press founded by Vasquez)

Influences & Mentors: Caroline Forche, Stanley Kunitz, Allen Ginsberg, Joy Harjo, Sherwin Bitsui, Ada Limon.


]]> <p>This conversation with former Madison Poet Laureate Angie Trudell Vasquez explores the unique creative landscape of the Midwest. Considering the power of land stewardship in eco-poetics, this episode uncovers how regional identity shapes art and why writers must prioritize connecting with humanity over chasing external acclaim, encouraging all of us to take a creative role in our community.</p><p>Angela talks about the practical realities of a literary life and how to balance demanding professional obligations with a disciplined, edited writing practice. She shares her insights on the vital importance of &#34;literary citizenship&#34; in showing up for other writers, and she offers advice on staying vulnerable and allowing your work to &#34;fail&#34; in public as part of the creative process. She talks about how to develop a long-term relationship with your writing. </p><p>🙋Let us know: Angie shared how attending open mics was key to building her creative network. What local event, group, or venue in your area has helped you feel part of your poetic community?</p><p>• • Join Our Email List: <a href="http://www.thepoetrymovement.org/paper-knives" rel="nofollow">https://thepoetrymovement.org/paper-knives</a></p><p>💸Support / Donate: <a href="https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews" rel="nofollow">https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews</a> </p><p>⏰ Timestamps</p><ul><li>00:00 – Intro: Career Highlights &amp; Poetic Background</li><li>06:29 – &#34;What in That?&#34;: Poem Reading &amp; Inspiration</li><li>12:02 – From Organic to Disciplined: Evolving Your Writing Practice</li><li>18:08 – The Midwest Identity: Eco-Poetics &amp; Land Stewardship</li><li>32:40 – Literary Citizenship: The Essential Power of Open Mics</li><li>39:40 – Persistence: Balancing Career, Family, and Craft</li><li>52:00 – Closing Advice &amp; &#34;The Land Speaks&#34; Reading</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🔗 <strong>Links &amp; resources</strong></p><p>Web: <a href="https://thepoetrymovement.org" rel="nofollow">https://thepoetrymovement.org</a> </p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://youtube.com/@paper_knives_poetry" rel="nofollow">https://youtube.com/@paper_knives_poetry</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/the.poetry.movement" rel="nofollow">https://instagram.com/the.poetry.movement</a> </p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Poetry-Movement-61563800433322/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Poetry-Movement-61563800433322/</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>📣 Mentioned in this episode: </strong></p><p><strong>Angela’s Website:</strong> <a href="https://angietrudellvasquez.com/about/" rel="nofollow">https://angietrudellvasquez.com/about/</a> </p><p><strong>Books by Angela Trudell Vasquez:</strong> <a href="https://finishinglinepress.com/product/in-light-always-light-by-angela-trudell-vasquez-nwvs-145/" rel="nofollow">In Light, Always Light</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/People-Redux-Angela-Trudell-Vasquez/dp/1646627296/ref=sr_1_1?crid=138DRABJEO96S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Gcd4R5kxIuTdURhjHDCMrQ.h2Beq6iT4p0wlA0BP3HMIUCeQtc4fKJY237tvJWjqS8&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+people+redux+angela+vasquez&qid=1787419943&s=books&sprefix=my+people+redux+angela+vasquez%2Cstripbooks%2C171&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow">My People Redux</a>  </p><p><strong>Venues/Organizations:</strong> <a href="https://artlitlab.org/" rel="nofollow">ArtLitLab</a> (Madison, WI), <a href="https://woodlandpattern.org/" rel="nofollow">Woodland Pattern</a> (Milwaukee, WI), <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow">The Poetry Foundation</a> (Chicago, IL), <a href="https://printersrowbookfair.org/" rel="nofollow">Printers Row Book Fair</a> (Chicago, IL), <a href="https://macondowriters.org/" rel="nofollow">Macondo Writers Workshop</a> (Founded by Sandra Cisneros), <a href="http://www.artnightbooks.com/" rel="nofollow">Art Night Books</a> (Independent press founded by Vasquez)</p><p><strong>Influences &amp; Mentors:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APPFIW" rel="nofollow">Caroline Forche</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Collected-Poems-Stanley-Kunitz/dp/0393322947/ref=sr_1_1?crid=U10P4PZU85DF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TZvIkOH0mO68IMj5xoR-i8MEFeprc9v1fTjYJLES7Q82HQzurZX5ChLSiJrKrUTY7Do9sHJCM6F0jMQu-hoX6kAzOQobR0m53cJdTsvOFb_2kt13GRkU6AinfFkxtreRnUMgbPjUnBMaCMIUBazpt26i9_xL-KiJVOupAhLn8mhVcNqI_7V9BtkJWauIvNmJBeaoWZ2jNxgY2Md6f8KB2-J0izJPMgWNoMjV_oCTTNA.WYKnzSoPhqfOqC5WsGFkhOS9ihzMnxMjUkCbDBHszaA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Stanley+Kunitz&qid=1787422366&s=books&sprefix=stanley+kunitz%2Cstripbooks%2C240&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow">Stanley Kunitz</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?adurl=&ai=DChsSEwjtip-367SWAxW0icIIHV2OE2oYACICCAEQCBoCamY&ase=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&cce=2&cid=CAASZeRojgcXZC01l7T_BTtQAN7-kshRw_-lBLsgWnqbndegUwCBVFqu4ZK3BcNn8u1-_lMnK-49WcqDoIXu39BvKtic-Db9yGKMfdIVk8cQCWkv2rZ-Fci9Oevk0YYO00Aa9O8Ew6rJ&co=1&ctype=5&gclid=CjwKCAjwkaXUBhASEiwAZI3dszOyg7bOZGD9EiMYSVCUaOb0aBfu7103o24psZAa1oi7YPB_gJ_RbBoCCmQQAvD_BwE&nis=4&q=&sa=L&sig=AOD64_2TsLU24-6th7Nl7cSlpr9rgP4CFA&ved=2ahUKEwi85Zi367SWAxXEiisGHfIRHK4Q5bgDKAB6BAgHEBE" rel="nofollow">Allen Ginsberg</a>, <a href="https://www.loc.gov/programs/poetry-and-literature/poet-laureate/poets-laureate/item/n81068743/joy-harjo/" rel="nofollow">Joy Harjo</a>, <a href="https://www.coppercanyonpress.org/authors/sherwin-bitsui/" rel="nofollow">Sherwin Bitsui</a>, <a href="https://adalimon.com/books" rel="nofollow">Ada Limon</a>.</p><p><br></p> 849bf1e8-e05e-4c90-89a8-804be2097f43 https://thepoetrymovement.org/paper-knives Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:21 +0000 3284 false