News
Book Release Update
The ship transporting copies of At The Corner Of Fantasy And Main: Disneyland, Midlife And Churros has FINALLY been cleared to unload this Saturday at the Long Beach/San Pedro Port! There can still be delays, of course, but it’s moving. And I promise it’s worth the wait for those of you who pre-ordered!
To help pass the time, here is a sort-of B-Side. In my research, I found this quote by Krushchev when he wasn’t allowed to visit Disneyland in 1959 (and he was miffed!). I still haven’t written the poem for it:
“And I say, I would very much like to go and see Disneyland. But then, we cannot guarantee your security, they say. Then what must I do? Commit suicide? What is it? Is there an epidemic of cholera there or something? Or have gangsters taken hold of the place that can destroy me?”
Nikita Khrushchev, 9/19/1959
Two More Podcasts
I’m interviewed on 2 more podcasts this week, so check out The Skull Rock Podcast and the All About The Mouse Disney Podcast to hear a few poems and good talk about poetry.
DLWeekly Podcast Interview
I’m on the DLWeekly podcast today, with my interview starting at the 59:50 mark (after a deep dive into the week’s Disneyland news).
Herein, find out more about how when one starts writing a book they think is about Disneyland, they end up writing about a whole lot more. Plus, how it’s good to entertain the hosts so much that they order your book mid-interview.
Click here for the podcast:
https://www.dlweekly.net/231
On the Notably Disney Podcast
As we wait for my book to get through the LA Port, I’m on a bunch of Disney podcasts the next few weeks… let’s get it started:
https://notablydisney.podbean.com/e/matt-mason-nebraska-state-poet-discusses-disney-poetry-book-at-the-corner-of-fantasy-and-main/
New Press on Book Release Day!
With today being the official release date for my new book, there’s a lot of press out now! The book may be delayed by supply chain issues, but it’s coming!
- You can catch a video interview with me at Phil Machi’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/tbveiIiVwqA
- There’s also a new interview up today on TheLaughingPlace.com
- And the Tishomingo, Mississippi Arts Council has a video where I read the opening poem from the book on Their Facebook Page!
National Poetry Month Readings
Happy National Poetry Month! Come out and catch a reading if you can. I’ll be appearing at:
- 4/6, Noon-1:30pm at UNO in the Community Engagement Center room 209 for a reading, a writing workshop, and some time for Q&A.
- 4/7, 7pm: I read at the Lexington Public Library.
- 4/22, 7pm: I’m featuring at the North Platte Open Mic at the Espresso Shop (419 N Dewey St, North Platte).
- 4/23, Noon: I read at the North Platte Library (120 W 4th St, North Platte)
- 4/25, 6:30pm: I read at the Alliance Public Library (1750 Sweetwater Ave, Alliance).
Reading with Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen
I read with former Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen tomorrow night in Kearney. Read about that and my rants on writing poetry in a pandemic here: kearneyhub.com/news/entertainment/explore-social-emotional-landscape-with-state-poet-matt-mason-at-kearney-public-library/
Three New Poems on Green Mountains Review
I have three new poems up on Green Mountains Review that are sneak previews of my two upcoming books! One is from my book of Eighties rock poems coming in 2023, the others will be in At The Corner of Fantasy and Main!
Pre-Order My New Book
Coming this spring! Pre-Order my new book now from The Old Mill Press!
At the Corner of Fantasy & Main: Disneyland, Midlife and Churros is now available to order. Free shipping, autographed, the works! And don’t just take my word:
“Matt Mason thrives at the crossroads of Disney and Whitman. This is page turning poetry that is Walt-to-Walt nostalgia sprinkled with cinnamon-sugared fairy dust. At the Corner of Fantasy and Main is an E- ticket ride back to an age of cinnamon sugar-coated vacation fantasies seen through the Viewmaster with a poet’s perspective. You will want to get back in line to ride these poems again and again.”
Pat Hazell, host of the podcast Creativity in Captivity
“Matt Mason is a true Disneyland fan which shines through in all of his Disneyland poetry. Memories of the Happiest Place on Earth will come flooding back with these witty and nostalgic poems. A must read for any Disneyland fan!”
Kristen Pfeifer, host of the podcast Mousetalgia
Happy New Year, World!
I’m venturing out for a couple readings this week. Mask up and join us (or catch the 1/20 events via Zoom!):
January 19, 2022 – Oshkosh Public Library, 5:30pm
I’m reading at the Oshkosh Public Library (307 West 1st Street, Oshkosh, NE)
January 20, 2022 – Chadron State College Creative Writing Day
Via Zoom and on campus. Join us for a reading, a writing workshop, and an afternoon of creativity and inspiration–and learn more about English and Humanities opportunities at Chadron State. Events will also be shared via ZOOM (Contact mevertson@csc.edu for log-in information or if you have any questions).
- 3:30-4pm – English and Humanities Meet and Greet in Old Admin 227
- 4-5pm – Creative Writing in the High School Classroom: A Roundtable Discussion in Old Admin 227
- 5:15-6:30pm – Poetry Workshop (For Writers at All Levels) with Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason in Old Admin 227.
- 7-8pm – Special Reading with Matt Mason in the Mari Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium.
See full details at csc-english.org/2022/01/14/join-us-for-creative-writing-day-on-jan-20th/.