Fall 2011

First, some updates on IWWG: The IWWG Conference at Yale University succeeded in attracting new (and old) friends.  Its rave reviews included the quality and variety of workshops and leaders and the facilities of the campus. Yale welcomed the attendees with warmth and hospitality. 

A New Role For EJS:  Founder and former executive director Hannelore Hahn, who has held both positions since the Guild’s inception, has announced her daughter, Elizabeth Julia Stoumen will assume a new position as Associate Director and Network Editor.  Elizabeth writes the dynamic column, “Dolphin’s Den,” for the Guild’s quarterly (available online and in hard copy), which she edits.  FORTHCOMING EVENT:  BIG APPLE CONFERENCE, OCT. 15-16, AT NATIONAL ARTS CLUB.

Reviews, etc.: Another favorable review of Art and Politics / Politics and Art (Syracuse Univ. Press. 2010), this time from Banipal, the elegant British “Magazine of Modern Arab Literature.” The reviewer comments:  “The final section, ‘Wars,’ presents Melhem’s most intense poetry.  On the Gaza War she writes:  ‘Weighted by tear-load/ words can’t go far/ bombs bear steel teeth/ to phosphorous flames/ parsing the wailing/ pages of flesh.’  A work of poetry that flagrantly defends universal human values in difficult times.” 

For other recent commentary, including Midwest Book Review, Al Jadid, and Confrontation, see preceding News & Notes, Summer 2011.

I was interviewed for the 9/11 issue of Phati’tude:  Bridging the Cultural Divide:  Remembering September 11^th--along with several other writers.  The issue will be available this month.  It will also include my poem “September 11, 2001, World Trade Center: Aftermath.”

I can’t resist quoting a brilliant and richly merited review of Philip Appleman’s latest book, Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (Humanity Books, 2011), “a sequel with every bit of the irreverence of Karma, Dharma, Pudding and Pie, but plenty more of the bitterness that distinguished the Roman satirist Juvenal from his more salubrious predecessor Horace. The sarcasm seething in Appleman’s thirty-year retrospective volume, Perfidious Proverbs, suggests that its author, one of America’s foremost wits, has not mellowed but, rather, is now more fed up than ever. . .”   James Reiss, in Gently Read Literature, September  2011.

I wish you all a good season, creatively, healthwise, and buoyed by a Congress that just might find a way to govern intelligently and fairly--prodded, necessarily, by an aroused, if not irate, electorate.  Peace.

Summer 2011

Dear Friends:  Reluctantly, I’ll have to skip the forthcoming 34^th Annual International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) Summer Writing Conference “For Self Discovery and Inspiration” (June 24-July 1, 2011) at historic Yale University—an exciting new venue for the Guild.  “You can join us for a day, a few days, or spend the week immersing yourself in writing with a supportive community of women who write.”  Don’t miss this unique opportunity.  June 24 is almost here!

Reviews and comments regarding Art and Politics / Politics and Art (Syracuse University Press, 2010), continue to surface.  Here’s one from Midwest Book Review, on Amazon.com:

5.0 out of 5 stars, August 9, 2010.  Highly recommended.

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)  

The world of art and politics have a unique history with one another. "Art and Politics, Politics and Art" is a collection of poetry from D. H. Melhem as she presents a unique collection of poetry focusing on this history, presenting many new perspectives and thoughts on these events. "Art and Politics, Politics and Art" is a thoughtful and entertaining read, highly recommended. "Email Surveillance": hops/on my shoulder/looks over it/swims through my gaze/waves from computer screen/floats/on my surfride/dives/into my hard drive.”

Other comments: 

Confrontation, Spring 2011.  Martin Tucker, “Books Received and Recommended”:  “A collection of poems on the inseparable bonds of politics and art.  Melhem, a dedicated activist, looks back at her roots and celebrates the rewarding sacrifices of commitment.” 

Al Jadid, Vol. 16, No. 62 (2010).  Lynne Rogers, “Chariots and Street Corners”:  “In the post 9/11 climate, Melhem’s poetry lends an emotional and intellectual depth to the concerns of Arab Americans, as they witness their own country wage war on other Arabs in distant lands.  Her poems would appeal to any humanistic sensibility.” 

Late-breaking news:  And Then, No. 16, 2011, Robert Roth’s avant-garde annual, is just out!  My new poem, “Iguazú: A Christmas Story,” appears in the issue.  You can order a copy of the magazine by sending a check for $9.00 (includes postage) made out to Robert Roth, 210 West 10th St. Apt. 3D, NYC 10014.

Also, In addition to www.robertagould.net, poet Roberta Gould has a lively, brand-new “blog/poetry website” that’s well worth checking out:  http://robertagould.wordpress.com . 

Have a restful and creative summer! 

Spring 2011

 Hannelore Hahn and D.H. Melhem

After more than 30 years with the International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG), from its kernel of inception in 1976, to serving as a founding Board member, I decided—not without shared reluctance—it was time for me to move on.  I leave, however, with the proud title of First Vice President Emerita, the honorific symbolizing my unshakable connection with the Guild.  I’ve been privileged to serve this unique organization, devoted to “all women connected to the written word,” conceived and directed by IWWG Founder Hannelore Hahn. Her daughter, Elizabeth Julia Stoumen, now serves as Associate Director.

I could not recommend the association more highly.  Its welcoming ambience and supportiveness have developed a membership that often includes generations—daughters wanting to share the fun their mothers have at our summer conferences and other events.  Do check the website, www.iwwg.org  

This year, the IWWG's annual  summer conference, “Remember the Magic,” will be headquartered at Yale University, New Haven, CT.  Dates:  June 24-July 1.   Yale will be an inspiring new venue for the Guild.   Recently held: the first of two exciting IWWG weekends, "Early Spring in California,” Santa Cruz, CA, with Rachel de Baere leading a writing workshop called “The Alchemy of Language:  Turning Simple Words into Shimmering Works.” 

Next month, April 16-17, the renowned “Big Apple Conference” takes place: April 16, a memoir-writing workshop with Susan Tiberghien; April 17, “Meet the Authors/Meet the Agents,” at the National Arts Club, Manhattan, NY.  BTW, the food (lunch, in this case), is delicious!  

New York winter—and the season throughout most of the country--has been capricious and often merciless.  While the Egyptian Revolution seemed (at least temporarily), to be a largely peaceable triumph, the latest news from Japan continues to be dire.  Our hearts—along with real assistance--go out to the country’s entire population in their current suffering and uncertain future.

NOTE:  The photo of Hannelore and me was taken at my first reading from Art and Politics / Politics and Art (Syracuse University Press, 2010), at Barnes and Noble, Manhattan, NY, last August.  (Available in bookstores and from Amazon.com.)