Category: Microtones

Readings Etc.

Microtones This was a reading for Red Oak Writers, hosted by our fearless director, Kim Suhr, soon after Microtones was published by Cervena Barva Press in 2012. Diptychs This was a reading in Chicago in early 2014 with Meg Tuite and David Tomaloff, hosted by Bill Yarrow. I’m reading from the newly published Diptychs + Triptychs + Lipsticks + Dipshits (Deadly Chaps). My pal Meg’s entire family came (or nearly). It was a blast! A & B I think this was shot at the Seattle AWP#14. Addicts & Basements (Civil Coping Mechanisms) had just been released. Jane Carmen’s “Festival of Language” typically kicks off the AWP Conference with an ambitious line-up on Wednesday (opening day), 5-10 p.m. RIFT And last, but certainly not least, a RIFT (Unknown Press) photo! This was taken by uber-talented Nancy Stohlman at her F-BOMB Flash Fiction Showcase last July in Denver. I was able to read with Kathy Fish, co-author and celebrated writer. I recently returned from this year’s AWP Conference in Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to read in two different readings. The first, States of Terror’s “Creature Features” included many writers whose work I admire. One of them, Gabino Iglesias, wrote a stunning review of RIFT, and upon his return, published this great article about readings at Dead End Follies: http://www.deadendfollies.com/2016/04/essay-why-most-readings-suck-and-how-to.html I sure hope that Gabino was not referring to me! In any case, I took note, Gabino, and thanks for the succinct list. We have a few spots left for our August fiction workshop in Taos at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, August 20-26. Please contact Kathy Fish or me. More info at www.kathy-fish.com. Also, please join us at the Marion Center tomorrow (Thursday, April 14th) night for our Red Oak reading, a mix of writers from several of our roundtables, to honor our years spent at this venerable institution. I will be reading, too! Pot luck starts at 5:30- 5:45 and reading begins at 6:30 p.m.]]>

Robert G. Vaughan Recognized by Strathmore's Who's Who Worldwide Publication – PR.com

Robert G. Vaughan Recognized by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide Publication – PR.com Happy Weekend everyone!]]>

Holidays

Microtones) it all took place over Easter holiday weekend. That Easter Sunday, I sat at the closest Starbucks to my hotel, and wrote the first draft of one of the 24 poems that comprise Microtones: Microtones book cover Turbidity Holidays are hard: I’m going to take a walk, escape the silence of this house   I was never home, home on the range hospital corners are still “beats me?”   Invisible, unlike driftwood tossed ashore, under pewter skies, elephantine clouds where seldom is hear an encouraging word   no slow cookpot solutions while you’re no longer talking and I’m no longer hearing there’s nothing cooking here   There’s something I forgot   I hope you all have a lovely 4th of July. Fireworks, barbecues, or silence. Whatever your choice(s) might be, revel in them! Microtones is at Cervena Barva Press: The Lost Bookshelf-Poetry chapbooks]]>

Microtones review at Necessary Fiction

Microtones for Necessary Fiction. Nancy and I crossed paths at The University of Iowa in 2010-  we were there to attend two different workshops. We walked up to the coffee table that first morning like we had an agenda. And our conversation, easy and intriguing, lead us to side-by-side seats for the main presentation that morning. And that was it! She vanished into her workshop, as did I. But through social media, and the advance of technology, we have maintained contact. I am so grateful for her friendship and support. One of the poems that she mentions in the review, a quieter one that didn’t warrant much attention is “Summer of ’66,” first published in RiverBabble: Robert Vaughan: Summer of ’66. Thanks Leila Rae, editor of River Babble Journal; and Nancy Freund, for your unwavering support and illuminating words.  ]]>

Year End Books Lists

100 Notable Books of 2013 – NYTimes.com I’m always interested to see what makes the list. But then I sigh. And frown. No little presses. No indie guys or gals. (Or so obviously few). So, you can imagine how thrilled I am when I see Microtones added to any year end book list! Just to know your work has been read, or appreciated, is of significant value. And also to be included with the likes of Hosseini, Sartre, and George Saunders makes me, well, a little giddy. Thanks, Alex Pruteanu. I enjoyed reading “Gears,” your exceptional collection of short stories ( Gears: A Collection) as well as Short Lean Cuts: A Novella. Both were fascinating reads! And here is Alex’s list of his year end selections: 2013: Yearly Book Round Up | (S)wine: Fiction…Sometimes As Alex mentioned, the ratings (stars) mentioned on Goodreads do help to get attention for one’s book. So, if you have read Microtones, please feel free to give stars, or a review. That would be a wonderful holiday gift from my friends. On behalf of Cervena Barva Press, and Microtones, thanks for making 2013 a stellar year!  ]]>

Microtones Review at PANK Blog

Microtones review by my pal Meg Tuite is finally up at PANK, on their blog. So hugs and thanks to Meg for the support and her visionary writing (and, if you have not yet done so, check out her inspiring stories gathered in Bound By Blue at Sententia Books, or Her Skin is a Costume by Redbird Chaps): [REVIEW] Microtones, by Robert Vaughan | [PANK] Also, thanks Sheila Squillante, who edits the PANK blog. And finally, but most certainly not least, big thanks to Gloria Mindock, editor/ publisher of Microtones and so many other great Cervena Barva Press chaps/ books.]]>

Recap: My recent trip to New York City

RABBITHOLE | 33 Washington Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 The next day, Friday, I met Michael Dickes and Cherise Wolas, two friends I originally met through Fictionaut. Michael edits this amazing journal, which as you can tell from the name, combines multiple methods of conveying artistic expression:Awkword Paper Cut – Poetry Videos – Writing – Podcasts – Music.  Michael and I taped some of my poems, including “What Some Boys Do,” which is included in his November Podcast: Awkword Paper Cut – Podcasts – Poetry, Music, Short Stories, Comedy. My track, #7 is at approximately 15:30 minutes, but listen to the entire show- it’s fantastic! Thanks, Michael, for this poem’s debut. On Friday evening, I got together with none other than Jamez Chang, and we rapped about everything under the sun, including music, poetry, writing, travel, and more. His latest tune, 15 years, is here: ▶ 15 Years – Jamez Chang – YouTube. Go, Jamez, go! More tracks forthcoming!!! On Saturday, I met my pal David, and we ate some shizzle dizzle Indian at our favorite Mitali East. He was off to see Mildred Fierce starring the inimitable Varla Jean Merman. Unfortunately I was too spent to attend: Mildred Fierce On Sunday (did I mention the weather? Nuts it was sooo warm!) I had a chance to see my pal Joseph Quintela, mad cad about town and we met in the very busy Washington Square Park, and wandered over to Bar 6 on 6th Avenue where we shared some wine and beer. (No, that is not us in the photograph). I told Joseph I used to live around the corner on 14th Street, at the Courtney House: </p><br /><br /> <p> I went back to my hotel, changed, put my reading list together for the event that evening: The Sunday Salon! When I arrived outside of Jimmy’s I noticed the sign on the outside with our names! photo 1.JPGphoto 2.JPGJimmy's No. 43 I was really excited. I saw Sara Lippmann, such a sweetheart, and met Nita Noveno and Emily who were also hosts. My pals David Carter and Michael Thompson showed up for support, and I was so grateful they did. Here are the bios of the writers’ who were reading. (Unfortunately, Meg Tuite was not able to make it): NYC | October 20, 2013 | Prose Reading Series & Magazine Photo: Thank you to these four wonderfully talented writers for a beautiful, bountiful evening of readings at Sunday Salon. Hats off to fantastic host Sara! Pics & vids to follow soon. Photo Here are videos of all of us reading from that evening: Video | Prose Reading Series & Magazine It was an amazing event, life-altering and dream fulfilling. Afterwards, Michael, David and I went to Bennie’s Burritos on Avenue A. I felt like it was 1987, and after our meal, we could cross directly through Thompson Square Park, and hit Life Cafe for desserts. Oh how I miss New York City, but as trite and true as it sounds: there really is no place like home! Thanks Kate, Elizabeth, Tina, Michael, Cherise, Jamez, Joseph, David, Michael, Sara, Nita, Emily, Jenny, Celine, Nina (and whoever I forgot to thank) for a memorable trip! I will return! P.S. Mellow Page Library in Brooklyn is now carrying Microtones! Go visit these guys at 56 Bogart Street, 1S in Brooklyn!!! Contact them at mellowpageslibrary@gmail.com http://mellowpageslibrary.tumblr.com    ]]>

Conversation with Gessy Alvarez at Digging Through the Fat

Gessy Alvarez — Fictionaut. Last week, Gessy published our Communcation #8, in a series she hosts at Digging Through the Fat, her blog in which she gives so much of her valuable time back to the writer’s in our community. I am deeply grateful to her for this, for our friendship, her amazing prose, and so much more. Here is our chat: Robert Vaughan – Conversation No. 8 | Digging Through the Fat Thanks a ton, Gessy! You’re simply the best.    ]]>

Microtones review at Sabotage by Ian Chung

truth: it rocked! Our facilitators were amazing: Ellen Bass, Dorianne Laux and Joe Millar. We had daily motivational craft sessions, and prompts. We also were in captivating surroundings at this sensational dwelling, Esalen, which made it all the more sensory heightened. And as far as what I know- there is so much more to learn! I got a great start on three new poems, tentatively called “The Patio,” “Hummingbirds,” and “Passages.” While I was away, a new review of Microtones appeared, magically, by the gracious Ian Chung, who also edits Eunoia Review: Microtones’ by Robert Vaughan | Sabotage I am ever so grateful to Ian for these kind and insightful words. Also to Meg Tuite, my partner in crime, who loves poetry as much as I and wrote some fierce work this week. Great to see you Jeffrey and Pam (also some incredible poems!) and our wonderful neighbor, Dana! And to Joe, Dorianne and Ellen: eternal reverence and love to you all!  ]]>