"Big Island Beatnik" Press Kit 🌋

"James has a way of bringing words that marry both Amish and the later experiences in life as a non-practicing Amish together. He marries the two off in a unique way that display his own heritage and culture as well as assimilation into dominant culture." 

- Mary Byler, Author of Jezebel's Justice: Poetry and prayers for rebellious and disobedient folks 

Check back for updates and more reviews  

 

 "Big Island Beatnik: Poetry & Photography from the Lower East Rift Zone" BOOK REVIEWS 

James’ poetry spins through time and space like liquid gold, moving you on a dizzying journey of lush dreams and spare realities. They show you places that you’ve never imagined even as they let you open to your own creations. Seeing the world through his eyes, and his emotions has always been a pleasure, as well as an education. So plan to be amazed and amused as you embark on his new work, you will be richly rewarded!

- Sharna Eberlein, Author of Pele's Tears 


"James has a way of bringing words that marry both Amish and the later experiences in life as a non-practicing Amish together. He marries the two off in a unique way that display his own heritage and culture as well as assimilation into dominant culture."

- Mary Byler, Author of Jezebel's Justice: Poetry and Prayers for Rebellious and Disobedient Folks 

Big Island Beatnik Dropping 5.2.25! 🌋

 Big Island Beatnik: Poetry & Photography from the Lower East Rift Zone (Alien Buddha Press) will be published May 2! Stay tuned for book party news!

Happy National Poetry Month!


I'm attending Detroit’s Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore's inaugural address titled “The G.O.A.T City: How Love, Resilience & 17 Syllables Can Amplify the Heart of Our City" to launch National Poetry Month

Big Island Beatnik: Poetry & Photography from the Lower East Rift Zone 🌋

 I am STOKED! to announce my new book Big Island Beatnik: Poetry & Photography from the Lower East Rift Zone, will be dropping soon from Alien Buddha Press! Includes a Foreword by Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson

Publication date / details TBA!

Alien Buddha 7in5

 I'm happy to have new and recent poetry and photography in Alien Buddha Zine #75 (Milestone Edition) - The 7in5 will drop in June! 

"Amish Road Trip"



My 2014 short story AMISH ROAD TRIP will be featured in the forthcoming Alien Buddha Press SUMMER SUCKS! anthology dropping in May!

Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans anthology

Now available! - Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans anthology! Includes my recent collab with poet Joshua Merchant!

“And then they have cans of soup. Soup. And they throw the cans of soup. That’s better than a brick because you can’t throw a brick; it’s too heavy. But a can of soup, you can really put some power into that, right? [...] And then, when they get caught, they say, “No, this is soup for my family.” They’re so innocent. “This is soup for my family.” It’s incredible. And you have people coming over with bags of soup — big bags of soup. And they lay it on the ground, and the anarchists take it and they start throwing it at our cops, at our police. And if it hits you, that’s worse than a brick because that’s got force. It’s the perfect size. It’s, like, made perfect.”

-- tRump


The Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans: Soup For Our Families (Malcontent Poems)


Alien Buddha Press exhibits a fearless collection of poetry that amplifies voices of the displaced, the rebellious, and the grieving. The Alien Buddha’s Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans (Soup for Our Families): Malcontent Poems is an anthology of resistance, sorrow, and persistence, featuring 34 poets from across this burning planet, challenging the cruelties of the world we live in with turbulent honesty.

This collection is a scream against injustice, a meditation on the sacred and the profane, a remembrance of those we’ve lost, and a witness to the strength of those who survived.

Alien Buddha Zine #72 - Now Available!


You will find 2 sonnets of mine (PhosphoresceWinter Beds that haven't been in print in a decade and a half plus my Detroit photography in the March issue of Alien Buddha Zine #72, now available (in b&w / color)! 

Happy 2025! 🥂

 


Blessing up a Little Free Library with my book! Out with the old, in with the new! Happy (almost) NYE 2025!

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas! The decorations in Detroit are beautiful and oh look the former house of Mark Twain's daughter where he stayed at and even wrote!

Book News

 Happy Holidays from Detroit! Thank you for your support and for purchasing copies of SELECTED POEMS 2004-2024 this year!


In book related news I'm happy to have poetry included in Alien Buddha's Best of 2024 anthology, Alien Buddha Zine #72 and in The Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans anthology! 



The "Best of 2024" anthology features a selection from SELECTED POEMS 2004-2024!

"Alien Buddha Zine #72" (March 2025) features several sonnets.

"The Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans" anthology (duet-poem with @Denji_Moon) dropping in 2025! 

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! 🦇



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

#libraryappreciationmonth 📚


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! ☕️📚🍁🍂

 

#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   

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