Several poems of mine appear in the Environmental Anthology, now available!
Official site of poet James Schwartz, author of The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
"World Poetry 2026 Anthology" Now Available!
WORLD POETRY 2026 ANTHOLOGY includes my poem East / West Symphony, now available!
New & Forthcoming Releases! 📚
I've been stretching my creativity in new ways from playwright to Detroit techno songwriter!
This year readers can expect several new projects:
Poetry in a Sourav Sarkar anthology!
A new short story next month!
Photography in The Great Lakes Review later this summer!
A new non-fiction essay in IN THE ALIEN BUDDHA'S DREAMS anthology, out in Sept!
ICYMI, POEMS (with Sourav Sarkar) is now available!
2 New Anthologies!
The sequel anthology Great American Poets 2 is now available - Includes my poem City of Refuge! Also the new A Glimpse of Nature Anthology includes my poem Michigan Volcano!
"Poems" with Sourav Sarkar Now Available!
Poems (with Sourav Sarkar) is now available! Our collaborative book (edited and published by Sourav Sarkar) features a selection of my Hawaii / volcano / travel poetry!
'Gay and Amish' Charts on Amazon Gay Poetry Bestseller List!
Congrats to The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America (Kindle, 2011) for reentering the Top 100 Gay Poetry Bestseller list! My Literary debut previously reached #1 in 2011 and in the Top Ten several times over the years.
Amish Alchemy Now Available! 🌹
Amish Alchemy (Alien Buddha Press) is now available in paperback! Read a preview here.
Poet James Schwartz (author of the Lambda Literary Award nominated The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America, 2011) returns to Alien Buddha Press with a sparkling collection of poetry mining his Amish heritage into gold.
Through a raw autobiographical haiku sequence and love sonnets Schwartz confronts homophobic religious intolerance and loss, death and grief transforming to spring, love, freedom and renewal.
Amish Alchemy is a transformation of the Ages, illustrated with stunning images from the Public Domain Image Archive spanning antiquity and offering alternative mirrors of contemplation.
In this Amish themed journey through the Midwest and beyond lies beautiful temples of knowledge, fountains of wisdom and the alchemy of an exquisite artistic endeavor.
Press Release: "Amish Alchemy" by James Schwartz
Press Release: "Amish Alchemy" by James Schwartz
In my fourth decade on this planet I just feel grateful to still be around and still inspired!
A Michigander who happened to grow up in an isolated, high control religious environment and rebelled against the homophobic status quo.
Conform or be shunned. The Amish Closet or the streets. I chose the road less traveled (with a lot of gay bars along the way).
Exotic locations, a few romances, a lot of friends and many adventures later I have not forgotten about the youngsters in similar situations, this act of alchemy is for them.
My new poetry collection Amish Alchemy also raises awareness for The Misfit Amish org. I am honored to serve as an Art Ambassador!
"The Misfit Amish delivers secular insights into Amish, Mennonite and Plain communities, striving to bridge the gap between Amish and English cultures, offering resources authored by former members of these communities and developing presentations to enhance awareness and promote understanding."
Amish Alchemy (Alien Buddha Press) available via Amazon Feb. 18th!
Amish Alchemy POEMS 🌹 2/18
Poet James Schwartz (author of the Lambda Literary Award nominated The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America, 2011) returns to Alien Buddha Press with a sparkling collection of poetry mining his Amish heritage into gold.
Through a raw autobiographical haiku sequence and love sonnets Schwartz confronts homophobic religious intolerance and loss, death and grief transforming to spring, love, freedom and renewal.
Amish Alchemy is a transformation of the Ages, illustrated with stunning images from the Public Domain Image Archive spanning antiquity and offering alternative mirrors of contemplation.
In this Amish themed journey through the Midwest and beyond lies beautiful temples of knowledge, fountains of wisdom and the alchemy of an exquisite artistic endeavor.
Release date: Feb. 18th!
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FREE PRINTABLE BOOKMARK!
Literary Parties: Authors, Poets, Artists
Over the course of 2 decades I have met numerous authors, poets, artists and creatives! Here are a few highlights from the poetry slam circuit to book parties etc. in no particular order. I have linked to their books / works for you to learn more. Enjoy!
#NationalPoetryMonth
My last copy of Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That: Selected Poems 2004-2024 (Alien Buddha Press) at Hazel Perk Cafe!
#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 🛸
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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)
“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
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.
"Some Are..." Book launch / Poetry Reading
📸 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
📸 by Hazel Perk Cafe
Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That
Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That Selected Poems 2004-2024 by James Schwartz (Alien Buddha Press)
"Long Lost Friend" Book Party
Thank you to everyone who came out for our hybrid Long Lost Friend book release party, Peter Werbe reading and open mic night! It was magical!
"SUNSET IN ROME" PRESS KIT
by James Schwartz (author of "The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America", "Motor City Mix" Alien Buddha Press) is an homage to literary muse Denham Fouts and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and satirical queer coming of age micro-novella following Jakob, a young male hustler returning home to the Midwest and his Amish family.
"This is a story about beautiful anomalies in the Matrix."
Including a bonus selection of recent poems by the author.
Mary Byler (with her beautiful art) and copy of SUNSET IN ROME!
EXCERPT:
"This book begins as a story/play that displays in words the feelings of having to be told to keep secrets. Not only are you discouraged to be yourself. You are abandoned and rendered almost obsolete to those that supposed to have cared for you. So a strong sense of rebellion just to be yourself is born. This unfortunately isn’t the safest path for the character “Jakob” in this novella as he finds himself in a dire situation with some shady characters looking to take advantage of him. So, “Jakob” is always searching for a new way to get to a “home” and to be accepted since the old home isn’t accepting of him. Jakob however, is looking to change the dynamic and expose that there is more like him out there, even in the shadows of secrecies.
The poetry is outstanding from James in the book. “American Linden” which I posted on here as well a month or so ago
Poetry Preview “American Linden” from “Sunset in Rome” from James Schwartz “Limbs intertwine, with whisky breath, in rites of splendor, as ancient as, the forest-fawn….”
There are so many wonderful sad stanzas in “The Ninth Garden (9 vs The Garden of Night) “My step falters in the garden of night. I have not the strength left to fight.” “The night is old: I scream, I scream. I am youth: I dream, I dream” “I seek shelter in the beauty of night. I seek sanctuary by autumn orb’s light” “A ribbon of wheat the moonlight paves. Illuminating the garden of forgotten graves” “Leaving behind her heart with mine. Buried in the box of pine.”
There is a sleepcast poem (an audio/visual presentation) which includes lines such “I met a guru by chance, as one does at Kehena Beach…he wore flowing robes & flowers & told me Shiva was the god of both marijuana & tobacco”
Please read more about James and his book “Sunset in Rome” with Alien Buddha Press and please purchase yourself a copy of a very unique style of writers out there. James has got the spirit of many writers flowing inside his blood."
SUNSET MIX
A playlist inspired by SUNSET IN ROME (ALIEN BUDDHA PRESS) 9.22!
What All Sex Workers Want You to Know
Male Escort EXPOSES Vatican Secrets
10 Famous
Gay of the Day
Total Eclipse
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"The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America" Book Reviews + Media Highlights
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...
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My poem Detroit Dispatch is up today at The New Verse News , read it here ! -
Several poems of mine appear in the Environmental Anthology , now available! -
The Alien Buddha's Got Beef Anthology is now available! Includes 2 poems by me: "Monday in Detroit" and "Amish Hollyw... -
WORLD POETRY 2026 ANTHOLOGY includes my poem East / West Symphony, now available! -
Happy Pride 2026! To celebrate I have a new short story titled The End of the World in The Alien Buddha Pride feature, read it here !