Raven Interviews Michelle Matthees, author of Complicated Warding

Michelle Matthews: Complicated warding is a type of lock, one with several moving internal pieces. When I first read those words, I suspected that it would be the title of the collection. I wanted the book to ask certain questions. How do we take care of the most vulnerable among us? What are the things we have tried, and how have they worked? How do we hurt those we are trying to help? What else can we try? People’s intentions may be good, but the warding, the power contained in that process is incredibly complicated. Additionally, warding has multiple meanings. Its definitions include keeping watch over something and turning something away. There are inherent tensions contained in that word.

interviewPhoebe BoscheJuly 15, 2023Raven Chroniclesinterviews, artbooks, michelle matthees, poetry, institutionsComment

Larry Crist: recipient of Marion Kimes Memorial Open Mic Award

On July 1, 2016, Larry Crist was awarded the first Marion Kimes Memorial Open Mic Award for his dedication to/and support of the spirit of Open Mic readings. He received a cash award of $100.00.

“I was surprised, shocked, flabbergasted to be the first recipient of the Marion Kimes Open Mic Award.

I met Ms. Kimes, in 1992, at Red Sky Poetry Theatre, one of the first people to welcome me to Seattle. I had moved here for theatre with a handful of poems and stories. I had taken a few writing classes, though I had never read my own out loud, nor had sent much out.”

acceptance speech, interviewSarah SalcedoJuly 21, 2016larry crist, marion kimes, marion kimes memorial open mic award, prizes, nominations, interviews, acceptance speech

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