if words could save us by Anthony S. Abbott (broadcast 10-24-2011) Both personal and universal Abbott’s stunning use of language and poetic form reaches deep into the reader’s psyche and heart. He shares with us the rich, moving thrust of life, filled with a consideration of pleasure, puzzlement and pain that captures the emotions. The effect is that of sitting with a thoughtful friend who quietly, and with grace, opens a world of experience to you. A generous addition to the collection is a CD with the poet’s own rendition of his words.
This conversation also introduces a very freshly printed volume, What Writer’s Do, volume editor Anthony Abbott and Series Editor Rand Brandes. “Anyone who loves to read will want to own this collection documenting Lenoir-Rhyne University’s remarkable Visiting Writers Series. From Julia Alvarez’s explanation about why her haiku-a-month project failed to Abigail DeWitt’s confession that all her characters are versions of herself, this book is a treasure trove.” Shannon Ravenal Find out more about both of these works at http://www.thegirlintheyellowraincoat.com/