UT associate professor mixes poetry, publishing
Written by Kim Harvey | | news@toledofreepress.com
5Dr. Glenn Sheldon, associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary and Special Programs, is a published poet.
Sheldon’s book, Bird Scarer, recently was published by Červená Barva Press to positive reviews.
“Sheldon has a fresh voice — quirky and disarming, frank and witty,” wrote renowned poet Jim Daniels. “And always precise. I was struck by the consistent use of tight, packaged language, and his careful use of the poetic line.”
Sheldon said Bird Scarer is his first body of creative work to be published. “I’ve always published creative writing in journals,” he said. “This book represents turning back to my first love, which is poetry.”
Bird Scarer was composed over a period of 14 months, but it took about four years for publication. The copy explores Sheldon’s interests in birds, air and flight.
Although he is on sabbatical to compose additional work, participate in poetry readings across the country, and continue his work as co-founder of New Sins Press, Sheldon looks forward to returning to the classroom in August.
“I miss the students terribly,” said Sheldon, who leads academic and creative writing courses. “I’m looking forward to having that body of students in front of me again.”
He is scheduled to teach a class called Television & Rock ’n’ Roll during fall semester, followed by Food & Eating in U.S. Culture in the spring. The courses are offered through the Adult Liberal Studies Program in University College.
Currently, Sheldon has four poetry manuscripts in various stages of composition. He encourages his students, as well as other aspiring writers, to seek their own inspiration, rather than wait for a specific urge to create.
“The best advice I can give is not to wait for inspiration,” Sheldon said. “Some writers I know say they have to wait until they are inspired by a certain situation, but 90 percent of writing is work. Creative writing, as well as all forms of writing, is about the craft.”
New Sins Press, which Sheldon co-founded in the 1980s with Dr. Rane Arroyo, UT professor of English, has been revitalized. The purpose of creating New Sins, according to Sheldon, was to assist authors whose works may not appeal to mainstream publishers. The company published its first book, James Penha’s No Bones to Carry, in 2006.
“Our goal is to publish quality work regardless of content or potential controversy, a way of paying it forward to our colleagues in the writing world,” Sheldon said.
For dates of poetry readings or more information about New Sins Press, see his Web site at www.glennsheldon.com.
