The New Verse News: "Amish Golden Age"


 My new poem "Amish Golden Age" on the 2024 election and Amish vote is up at The New Verse News

Several previous poems published in the New Verse News are available via Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That: Selected Poems 2004-2024 (Alien Buddha Press). 

Shunning panel discussion


Join Plain Rainbows co-host Mary Byler and friends for a panel discussion on Mennonite / Amish shunning: https://www.youtube.com/live/t58z6gBzdrg?si=XfPMVWCMReXiwNaF 

Happy Halloween! πŸ¦‡



Happy Halloween! Dropping a new poem to celebrate, check out Dark Academia via Feversofthemind.com! 

#libraryappreciationmonth πŸ“š


Dear Readers,

Happy autumn! Thank you to everyone who purchased a copy of my book Selected Poems 2004-2024 and came out for my Detroit readings this past  summer - I'm truly grateful and honored by your support. 

October is #libraryappreciationmonth so I would like to thank Detroit library for housing a copy of my book which can be checked out via the interlibrary loan by any Michigan branch, FYI. 



Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That: Selected Poems 2004-2024 (Alien Buddha Press)

Eccentric Orbits 5 anthology (Dimensionfold Publishing)

Eccentric Orbits 5 Amazon link



Eccentric Orbits 5 is now available via Amazon!

Science fiction poetry holds a special place in our cultural landscape. It invites us to stretch the boundaries of our imaginations, offering glimpses into worlds that are both different from our own and yet relatable through today's values. The genre of speculative fiction pushes the limits of possibility, allowing us to explore diverse societies and realities.

The poems in this anthology weave complex ethical and moral dilemmas. They tackle themes like the impact of technology on our lives, the potential dangers of AI, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress. These verses remind us that our choices shape the future and challenge us to think about the kind of world we want to build for ourselves and future generations.

In this collection, you'll find a rich mix of voices from all corners of the globe and different cultures. Included are some of the finest poets in the speculative community, as well as a few newcomers making their debut. I hope their words intrigue you and open your mind to new possibilities, both fantastical and futuristic.

Signed copies of SELECTED POEMS 2004-2024 @ Hazel Perk Cafe! ☕️πŸ“šπŸπŸ‚

 

#capote100

 

So many writers have shaped or inspired me but none more so than Truman Capote! Read his short stories and travel writings! ♥️ Happy 100! #capote100 #trumancapote   

Eccentric Orbits 5 πŸ›Έ

 Eccentric Orbits (Dimensionfold Publishing, available soon via Amazon) is an anthology of Science Fiction poetry highlighting sci-fi poets from around the globe, celebrating the diversity and unity of the poetic form.

 (Includes my Night Portrait of Kalapana

Featuring:

Angela Acosta

Andrew Burton

Stewart C Baker

Stephanie Barr

Catherine Brogdon

Kayla-Jane Barrie

Erin J. Bauman

Peter Cashorali

Christopher Collingwood

Jennifer Crow

Thomas Easton

Gary Every

Paul A. Freeman

Lee Garratt

Robin Rose Graves

Ken Goudsward

Alex Hernandez

Rikki Holland

Juleigh Howard-Hobson

Michael Hoffman

Deborah L. Kelly

Ngo Binh Anh Khoa

Deborah P Kolodji

Peter J. King

Blaise Langlois

Gerri Leen

Tumelo Michael Magadlela

Kyle A. Massa

Jennifer Moraca

William Mullins

Kimberly Nugent

Aminath Neena

Chrome Oxide

Michelle Oucharek-Deo

Juan Perez

Fiona Perry

Nick Romeo

Ryfkah

James Schwartz

Fariel Shafee

Joshua St. Claire

Rex Sweeny

R.C. Thomas

G.M.H. Thompson

Mary Turzillo

Rehka Valliappan

Thomas Van Horn

Mike Van Horn

Wendy Van Camp

Lynn White

Pooja Arshanapally

Allen Ashley

January Bain 

Robert Beveridge

Dan Brook

Faruk Buzhala

Dale Champlin

Linda M. Crate

Binod Dawadi

Billie Dee

Melissa Ridley Elmes

Kendall Evans

Mark A. Fisher

Erik Garske

Jean-Paul L. Garnier

John Grey

Fin Hall

Bradley Earle Hoge

Akua Lezli Hope

Jane Jago

Erin Jamieson

Alshaad Kara

David C. Kopaska-Merkel

Goran Lowie

R. C. Larlham

Richard Magahiz

Jack Massa

Mike McCormick

Michele Mekel

Gerald D. Nordley

Allene Nichols

Roxana Negut

Ramona Ridgewell

Negut Roxana

RK Rugg

Adriana Rocha

Joshua St. Claire

J. J. Steinfeld

Fabrice Stephan

Justin Sloane

Sean Stubblefield

Lisa Timpf

Liz Tuckwell

DJ Tyrer

Lamont Turner

Yulia Vereta

TD Walker

Ruth E. Walker

Ella Walsworth-Bell

M. Weigel

Jeff Young

“Fabulous science fiction poetry and scifaiku by a very talented international group of poets. There’s robots, there’s aliens, there’s intergalactic war, there’s the eternal quest for peace, there’s love found and love lost. Underneath it all, is the quest, the truth, and the realization of humanity.” – from the editor


Free "Waltzin Through Rusty Cages" eBook!

 


Free pdf for a limited time " Waltzin' Through Rusty Cages" inspired by Elliott Smith and Chris Cornell

* Includes my photography from Kurt Cobain Memorial Park (Aberdeen, WA)! 

  https://feversofthemind.com/2024/08/29/free-pdf-for-a-limited-time-waltzin-through-rusty-cages-inspired-by-elliott-smith-and-chris-cornell/

Selected Poems 2004-2024

 The highlight of 2024 is the publication of my "greatest hits" collection "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That (Selected Poems 2004-2024)" from Alien Buddha Press!  

Thank you for sharing this journey with me! 

*

James Schwartz's collection of selected poems, "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That," offers readers a compelling journey through the intersections of identity, society, and personal experience. Spanning two decades of poetic exploration from 2004 to 2024, Schwartz's work delves into themes of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural heritage, societal norms, and the human condition with a raw and unflinching honesty.

One of the most striking aspects of Schwartz's poetry is his ability to blend personal narratives with broader social commentary seamlessly. Through his keen observation and introspection, he crafts verses that resonate deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.


The collection showcases Schwartz's versatility as a poet, ranging from poignant reflections on his Amish upbringing to powerful expressions of queer pride and resilience. His use of imagery and metaphor creates vivid landscapes that transport readers to the heart of his experiences, whether he's navigating the complexities of love and relationships or grappling with societal injustices.


In addition to his thematic depth, Schwartz's poetic craftsmanship shines through in his attention to language and form. Each poem is meticulously crafted, with every word and line contributing to the overall impact of the piece. From free verse to structured forms, Schwartz demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique that enhances the emotional resonance of his work. 

Now Available - Psalms of The Alien Buddha 3: The Final Track!

 Psalms of the Alien Buddha 3: The Final Track just dropped on Amazon!

Psalms of The Alien Buddha 3: The Final Track a final, frenzied jam session.

Each piece in this collection is a track on an album that you didn’t know you needed until you pressed play. It’s like being handed a mixtape from a friend who understands your mind—the tracks that aren’t played on the radio, the ones you find stoned at 2 AM.

This final track isn’t a fade-out—it’s an explosion, a cacophony of sound and fury. The Alien Buddha plays conductor, bringing together these voices to create something that is more than the sum of its parts. Psalms of The Alien Buddha 3: The Final Track will stay with you like a hook caught in your head.

 Read a preview here

#Baldwin100



Happy 100th birthday James Baldwin! I encourage you to check out his work if you haven't. 

Selected Poems 2004-2024


SOME ARE AND MOST AREN'T AND IT'S ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THAT: SELECTED POEMS 2004-2024 by JamesSchwartz (Alien Buddha Press) 

2 POEM EXCERPT  via Fevers of the Mind 

James Schwartz's collection of selected poems, "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That," offers readers a compelling journey through the intersections of identity, society, and personal experience. Spanning two decades of poetic exploration from 2004 to 2024, Schwartz's work delves into themes of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural heritage, societal norms, and the human condition with a raw and unflinching honesty.

One of the most striking aspects of Schwartz's poetry is his ability to blend personal narratives with broader social commentary seamlessly. Through his keen observation and introspection, he crafts verses that resonate deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.


The collection showcases Schwartz's versatility as a poet, ranging from poignant reflections on his Amish upbringing to powerful expressions of queer pride and resilience. His use of imagery and metaphor creates vivid landscapes that transport readers to the heart of his experiences, whether he's navigating the complexities of love and relationships or grappling with societal injustices.


In addition to his thematic depth, Schwartz's poetic craftsmanship shines through in his attention to language and form. Each poem is meticulously crafted, with every word and line contributing to the overall impact of the piece. From free verse to structured forms, Schwartz demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique that enhances the emotional resonance of his work. 

Alien Buddha zine #65

This summer Alien Buddha Press published my "greatest hits" in Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That:  Selected Poems 2004-2024.
Selections from the book are included in Alien Buddha zine #65, now available in black and white / color


This edition features previews of new releases from Shaun Rouser, Jeremy Nathan Marks, JD Clapp, Linda M. Crate, Taylor Dibbert, Sean Lynch, Jessica Harman, Amrita Valan, Walden Quinn Caesar, Jason Fisk, Sarah R New, Alex Grehy, Jim Meirose, Jay Rafferty, Gonzalo F. Mendez, James Schwartz, Ahmad Al-Shahawy, and Salwa Gouda; and additional work from Tommy Today, Jennifer Lemming, Casey Renee Kiser, and many more.

Open Letter from the Old Order Amish

 


An open letter from the Old Order Amish Church. 

Could this be leading to either a mass exodus of Old Order Amish churches and/or a church split? 

Amish Book Society 2024 - The Misfit Amish blog breaks down what this all means. 

Eat The Storms Pride Poetry podcast


 

Eat The Storms Pride Poetry podcast drops Friday! I'll be reading from my latest book, Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That: Selected Poems 2004-2024 (Alien Buddha Press)! 

A 2 poem excerpt and short Q & A is up today at Fevers of the Mind!

Plain Rainbows Pride 2024 🌈

 A truly historic day for the Amish and Anabaptist communities as LGBTQ Amish and Anabaptist marched in Pikes Peak LGBTQ Pride parade today! For more photos visit Plain Rainbows podcast on FB! 

Plain Rainbows 

"Some Are..." Book launch / Poetry Reading

πŸ“Έ by dollartospare 

 "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That: Selected Poems 2004-2024" book launch and poetry reading 5-27-24 at the Hazel Perk Cafe! 

Set List:

* Night Portrait of The Fisher Building 

* Electric Dreams 

* Work Poem

* Divinity  

* Kalapana Meditation 

* The Italian Bed 

* Midnight 

* @dollartospare set 

* Kyle set 

* open mic 


πŸ“Έ by Hazel Perk Cafe 

Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That

 Amazon link 

Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That Selected Poems 2004-2024 by James Schwartz (Alien Buddha Press) 


James Schwartz's collection of selected poems, "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That," offers readers a compelling journey through the intersections of identity, society, and personal experience. Spanning two decades of poetic exploration from 2004 to 2024, Schwartz's work delves into themes of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural heritage, societal norms, and the human condition with a raw and unflinching honesty.

One of the most striking aspects of Schwartz's poetry is his ability to blend personal narratives with broader social commentary seamlessly. Through his keen observation and introspection, he crafts verses that resonate deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

The collection showcases Schwartz's versatility as a poet, ranging from poignant reflections on his Amish upbringing to powerful expressions of queer pride and resilience. His use of imagery and metaphor creates vivid landscapes that transport readers to the heart of his experiences, whether he's navigating the complexities of love and relationships or grappling with societal injustices.

In addition to his thematic depth, Schwartz's poetic craftsmanship shines through in his attention to language and form. Each poem is meticulously crafted, with every word and line contributing to the overall impact of the piece. From free verse to structured forms, Schwartz demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique that enhances the emotional resonance of his work.

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THE LITERARY PARTY: GROWING UP GAY AND AMISH IN AMERICA  (EBOOK)   BOOK REVIEWS:   As a country boy in Kentucky, I’m acquainted with the Ami...