November in West Virginia, and we’ve already seen snow. It’s been cold and wet and here at the home office we’re all a little sad to see the fall getting a beat-down. But not to worry, my East Coast friends, an October snow will lead to an Indian summer. A couple of good weeks of wonderfully warm light sweater weather to take long walks in the golds and reds falling from their perches high above. And the mountain forests here in West Virginia are never better if you ask me. I can’t wait.

I hate to sound in a rush, but we have an outstanding issue this month so let’s get right to it. It’s time to kick this pig and see what it’ll do.

This month’s A Poetry Congeries with John Hoppenthaler is arguably the best of the year. John brings to the table some of the most talented poets from all over the world every month, but this month they are especially outstanding. Hoppenthaler’s Congeries opens with a strong interview followed by three new poems from his larger work in progress, “Labyrinth”, with the always insightful Oliver de la Paz. John then follows that up with new poems by Natasha Trethewey, Stanley Plumly, a string of knock-out poems by one my favorite living American poets, James Harms, Karen An-hwei Lee, Michael Dumanis, Michele Reese, Wally Swist, and Lavonne J. Adams. Great job, John!

From Plate to Palate with Amanda McGuire this month brings you our second episode of SPATULA, starring Amanda and her cohort in crime Sarah Lenz. This month the item on the plate is eggs, and Amanda & Sara whip up two very different but equally divine dishes you will LOVE. And in addition to the new episode of the show, we’ve got recipes for both dishes available for you to enjoy. Thanks, ladies!

The third installment of Ink on the Tracks, with Anna March rocks this month with guest contributors T.R. Hummer & Ben Tanzer. Running 60 minutes with 14 tracks, Anna and the men are working with the theme “California,” and, as Anna is proud to point out, this installment comes complete with not even one Beach Boys song. HA! Enjoy Connotation Press’ own bi-weekly music program Ink on the Tracks.

Travel editor Nicholas Baker takes us to Napa Valley, California this month to Discover Wine Country. Woohoo! Nick opens the column reminding us that grapes have, in fact, been around a lot longer than people, and with that kind of reverence he dives headfirst into as many glasses of the crushed little darlings as he can. I’m kidding, I kid. OK, maybe not entirely kidding. HA! Don’t miss the gorgeous photos and wonderful information available as Nicholas tours wine country. Cheers!

Drama editor Kathleen Dennehy this month delivers a short but strong one-act piece, “Acorn Calf” by playwright and actor Brian Groh. You might recognize Brian. He wrote and starred in the hilarious piece, “First Date Blow Job,” which reached Immortal status on Funny Or Die, one of the best humor websites on the planet. “Acorn Calf” is preceded by a lovely interview. It’s our pleasure to bring this play and interview to you , and to welcome Mr. Groh to Connotation Press. Great job, Kathleen!

Our Fiction and Creative Nonfiction teasers leading to the full column, mid-month post are Philip Krummrich for Fiction and Kevin Ridgeway for Creative Nonfiction.  Both are compelling pieces and the fiction piece with Philip comes with an interview by Editor Meg Tuite. Don’t miss these fine works and come back on the 15^th when we’ll have whole columns of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Book & Movie Review, and Poetry.

Until then, all best my friends.

~k

Connotation Press: November's Cold Chain

This issue of Connotation Press: An Online Artifact is dedicated to sound effects artist extraordinaire Tom Keith. Mr. Keith passed away yesterday of a heart attack. He was just 64 years old. Tom was the otherworldly brilliant Foley artist for the entire run of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. A dynamo of sound energy Mr. Keith painted images in ingenious waves of sound and he could make a listener laugh or gasp or blush at will. He was the guy on the far right of Mr. Keillor who was quite fond of gadgets and he was a blast to see—akin to watching a sculptor sculpt, preferring to work in chainsaws and Red Pine rather than chisel and marble. In a note posted on the Prairie Home Companion website, Mr. Keillor said of Mr. Keith, “His effects were graceful, precise, understated, like the man himself. All of us at the show are shocked by his passing and send our sincere condolences to his family and also to the listeners who enjoyed his work so much.” Rest in Peace, Tom.