(Note: this is a letter I sent to the University of Southern Maine to urge them to keep the Stone House. This is a house in Wolf's Neck in Freeport overlooking the ocean. The property is used by the Stonecoast writing program where I received my MFA. The school is considering selling this piece of … Continue reading Letter to the University of Southern Maine: Save the Stone House!
MFA
Word Portland: Come for a Pint, Stay for the Words
Literary readings can be sad affairs. At their worst, they're either quiet and bleached, the audience members every so often making an "Mmmm" sound at appropriate times when an image or phrase brings a slight tremor to their soul. Or, they too often exist at the other end of the literary reading spectrum where audience … Continue reading Word Portland: Come for a Pint, Stay for the Words
Every Writer Needs a Good Bass Kicking
If you've read my Stonecoast MFA graduation speech, you noticed that I took a couple of jabs at the writer and teacher, Rick Bass. If you were in attendance at the graduation ceremony, then maybe you were lucky enough to see Rick flash me the bird as he sat with other faculty members a few … Continue reading Every Writer Needs a Good Bass Kicking
Stonecoast Graduation Speech (1.12.13)
Welcome everyone. I’d like to take a moment to thank Director Finch, Associate Dean Tuchinsky, Aaron, fellow graduates, future graduates, and friends and family. When I first showed up at the Stonehouse, I, maybe like some of the writers in this room, thought all I needed from this program were a few nuanced suggestions from … Continue reading Stonecoast Graduation Speech (1.12.13)
DAVE PATTERSON 