What is a pub, with someone behind the bar that not only serves but has a great ear. These are the people that make d’Verse happen every week, so that you can show up and show off your verse. Widely talented, both poetically and beyond, here are your pub tenders..
Brian Miller hails from the East Coast of America. He is a writer, poet, father, husband, counselor, key lime pie eater, friend, side street walker, who doesn’t mind mucking and getting his hands dirty or standing in a cherry blossom rain. “Everyone has a story and everything a poem, once you look at it long enough.” He doesn’t take himself seriously (especially when talking in first person) but has been published. Oh and in case you have not heard, love wins.
Twitter: @bmiller007
Claudia Schoenfeld lives in Germany, works in Switzerland and lives close enough to France to have a front row seat, watching their “quatorze juillet” fireworks. So she’s used to cross borders and finds it easy to see beauty in other cultures. She loves thunderstorms, improvising on her Alto Sax, biking and in warm summer nights you sometimes find her sitting on the pavement with a glass of red wine and the mad desire to fly with the passing clouds.. She’s married, mom of three teenage kids and yep.. published..
Twitter: @cmschoenfeld
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FormForAll and Meeting the Bar: Critique and Craft
Gay Cannon is a Published poet, (she majored in English Lit.) author of children’s stories, musician and lover of music, artist and lover of art, figure skating judge,- covetous of dancers, founder of Stars FSC in Dallas (she minored in Political Science) supporter of the arts, an aesthete but not an atheist She’s a loyal friend, mother of three, grandmother of eleven. She loves to travel, meet people, go to museums; She loves good food and good conversations. She trys to find the music in people’s voices and the poetry in their souls.
Twitter: @beachanny
Charles Miller (aka Chazinator) was born in Bible-belt PA, spent his adolescence on Long Island, and finally made his way to the Southwest where he set down roots. He has five children, whom he loves dearly. After the economic downturn around 1999 he got back on the road seeking employment and love via NYC, Minneapolis and Duluth. He’s presently back in PA via NYC where he lives with his second wife, Suvi, and Chihuahua, Faustus. He’s written poetry since a teenage infatuation turned serious and led to reading Eliot. Unfortunately, he’s never looked back. He has several volumes of unpublished poetry, drama, and stories he’s never found time to publish, although it’s rumored an upcoming anthology will contain some of his poems. He does have a published article on Wittgenstein and dreams. He currently slaves away in the belly of the Beast as a Technical Communicator.
Twitter: @shrale
Victoria Ceretto-Slotto is spent many years working as an RN in the field of death and dying. In retirement, Victoria pursues the creative life as a novelist and poet. Her first novel, Winter is Past, was published by Lucky Bat Books in 2011. A second, The Sin of His Father and a Poetry Anthology will be forthcoming in the near future. Victoria enjoys life with her husband and two dogs in Reno, NV and Palm Desert, CA. She is happy to pen a monthly article for dVerse’s Meeting the Bar, that deals with the art and craft of poetry writing. Twitter: @VCerettoSlotto
Anna Montgomery is a poet, painter, photographer, composer, digital artist, and vocalist. In June 2011 she founded Chromatopia, LLC, an independent publishing house, contemporary art gallery, and record label. As the former Executive Director of The Other Side Arts, a nonprofit community arts center based in Denver and Aurora, she helped bring the arts and art therapy to 65,000 people. Passionate about community service she has clocked more than 8,000 volunteer hours and raised over $350,000 for the arts and scientific research. She has a degree in Biology from Colorado College.
twitter: @Chromatopia_LLC
Samuel Peralta has won literary awards worldwide – including a Palanca Award for his manuscript “Pacific”; from the BBC, the UK Poetry Society, the League of Canadian Poets; and, as @Semaphore, a Shorty Award for the Best Poetry on Twitter. His work appears in numerous print and online journals; and he is currently wrestling with a novel. He edits “The Semaphore Anthology“, a journal of poetry he wishes he’d written, but – alas! – didn’t. Twitter: @Semaphore
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.Pretzels & Bullfights
Laurie Kolp is an award-winning poet who has been published worldwide. She lives in Southeast Texas with the beach and Big Thicket at her fingertips (opposite hands, of course). She graduated from Texas A&M University and taught school for twelve years until she became a SAHM of her three children and husband. Laurie likes writing not only poetry, but creative nonfiction and fiction as well. Her two dogs, Snowy and Jake, are her sounding boards and cheerleaders. You can find her at Bird’s-Eye Gemini and Laurie Kolp Poetry. She also maintains a general bog, Conversations with a Cardinal
twitter: @KolpLaurie
Beth Winter, a published prolific writer with a great love for the written word and though she specializes in poetry and prose, she is not shy to embrace anything else her itchy pen decides to scratch. With a huge body of growing work, she has authored over 750 poems, equaled only by as many journals that express her unique thoughts with clarity and sincerity as her muse strives to attain the full potential of the possibilities all around her. She lives and works in the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills and like Dorothy Gale before her, she’ll always dream of somewhere over the rainbow. Her poetry, prose and journals can be viewed on her blog, Eclipsing Winter. Beth is also a published photographer who dreams of trapping detail in images beyond what others take time to notice. Some of her shots can be viewed on her poetry blog, Sights of Winter.
twitter: @Beth_Winter
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Poetics
Kelvin S.M. is a self-proclaimed poet, a former stage actor, a crayon-artist, a mythical sleuth, a Filipino (with a bit mixture of Spanish blood) and a chess enthusiast. He finished college in 2011 and currently working as a corporate accountant in a local Real Estate Co. He started writing poems at age 15 upon introduction to Haiku forms and Sonnets by the Brownings and Shakespeare. He finds inspiration from the works of Mary Oliver, Confucius, Pablo Neruda, Shakespeare, e.e. cummings, Jose Garcia Villa, Robert Frost, Wang Wei and many others. When he is not writing he enjoys: the company of the forest, chirping of birds, computing of taxes & financial reports, dancing of the clouds, listening to crickets, chatting to frogs, and laughter of a friend.
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Karin Gustafson blogs as Manicddaily, where she focuses (sometimes) on the interface 
between creativity and stress. She is a writer and illustrator, having published a collection of poetry, Going on Somewhere, a children’s counting book, 1 Mississippi, and, most recently, Nose Dive, a light-hearted mystery novel about teenagers, Broadway musicals, love, noses, New York. (More information about the books may be found at www.BackStrokeBooks.com and at Amazon.)
She is very thankful to the dVerse Poetry Pub for inspiring a lot of new poetry of her own, and also for introducing her to a group of wonderful online poets. twitter: @ManicDDaily
Mary Kling has always lived in Wisconsin, USA, but has traveled the world. She is the author of three self -published poetry anthologies and co-author of two novels. (Ask her, if interested.) If she leaves any legacy at all, she believes it will be her poetry. Her philosophy of life is “When, if not now?” She shares her life with three small dogs who often guide her along the path; and she learns many life lessons from her grandchildren who give her faith in tomorrow. She knows her next great adventure is right around the corner.
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Fred Rutherford: I’m a Poet/Screenwriter, amateur Philosopher and wannabe Artist 
interested in all things Literature and Language. I’m an avid reader, mainly non-fiction, reference, mythology and comics. I love wordplay, comedy and puzzles. I am constantly thinking and jotting ideas down for future exploration. I’m interested in all genres of music but Metal is what I love. Really enjoy Movies A-LOT and am a glutton for punishment, A.K.A life as a diehard Bills and Sabres fan. twitter: @PoeticalPsyche
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OpenLinkNight
Björn Rudberg lives in Stockholm, Sweden, and has found a new passion in writing short stories and poetry. He opened his blog in 2012, primarily as a mean to expand his writing beyond the 140 character of twitter, where he had been writing micro-poetry and playing word-games for about a year. When not writing he is working within an international high-technology company with strategic procurement. He took a PhD in theoretical physics in 1991. He lives in a relationship since many years back, and together with his wife he explores the outdoors with kayak, skis or by foot, all this a source of inspiration in his writing.
Twitter: @brudberg
Joe Hesch is a writer and poet from Albany, New York. After 30 years in the newsbusiness and institutional and government public affairs, a brush with his mortality convinced him to try rediscovering the writer he once thought he was. Five years ago, he began to write short fiction. Three years ago, in a serendipitous response to a blinding case of writer’s block, he wrote his first poem…ever. He hasn’t looked back. His poems and stories have appeared in many literary publications since then. A chance encounter with Claudia sparked a trans-Atlantic friendship and convinced him to enter the blogosphere. Now, he posts poems and stories-in-progress on his blog, A Thing For Words.
Twitter: @JAHesch
Tony Maude was born in Hannover, Germany, raised in various locations across the world and now calls Edinburgh, Scotland his home. In a varied working life he has been a lifeguard, barman, research chemist, pastor, multi-drop delivery driver and, most recently, a proof-reader. More important than any of those, he has been a husband for 17½ years – and still counting happily. The first poem he remembers writing was when, aged 7, he wrote one about autumn leaves. He doesn’t remember writing another one for 38 years but, once restarted, he hasn’t stopped writing since then – apart from during a major illness in 2012. To date Tony has not been published, but who knows what the future might hold? You can follow Tony on Twitter @RadBeliever
Mary Grace Guevara is a late bloomer in writing and blogging (since winter 2010). She is self-taught in writing poetry and prose, relying on poetry communities like D’verse to sharpen and enhance the craft and appreciation for words. When she is not writing, she is mom to 4 children (including the devoted hubby) and currently works as Financial Analyst for an insurance company in Toronto, Canada. Her academic and professional background is business management, specifically insurance and financial services for more than 20 years. ”Writing is my creative corner, an outlet outside of work and real life challenges.” She started seeing her poems published late 2012, and continues to submit her writing to literary journals for publication credits. She runs two blogs – as Grace in Everyday Amazing, and as Heaven in Sweet Lust
Twitter: asweetlust
Nice to meet you all.
as good looking as this team is…i am afraid a bit for the hits we will get…smiles.
I found this very interesting and read every single one! I’m not a writer or poet but thinks its totally awesome how you have all come together! I love to read all of your works!
wow did not realise Tash had a fan club…do you have any T-shirts? smiles.
Thank you, we do have a pretty amazing team.
now seriously, about that t-shirt…
I want one – size M, please (ok, ok, I mean L, please)
I’m not the only one but I am one! Count me in!!
Hi! Brian, Claudia, and d’Verse team…
Great looking team Brian!
Thanks, for sharing!
deedee
How fun to read about each of you and your truly dVerse backgrounds! I think you make a great team and will reach many other poets out there searching for an encouraging community to share their words.
How fun to read about each of you and your truly dVerse backgrounds! I think you make a great team and will reach many other poets out there searching for an encouraging community to share their words.
Hello dVerse team.
Nice to meet you all.
nice to meet you, too, Andy, and everyone coming to the Pub. Good times…good times….
Nice to read about you all. I thank you for creating this platform so I can share my rambling jibberinsh in an environment that does not snub their nose at attempts to be creative and fresh. I also always appreciate your feedback.
Best of luck on your journey,
Henry C.
Henry, you’ve brought new ideas, and fresh concepts to the pub. It’s always a joy!
great lineup, snazzy site!
:waves at group:
:hugs @bmiller007, @beachanny, @Tashtoo, @Hedge_witch:
i’ll be back.
xo
@jtwhitaker
Hey you J.T. We’ve been hangin on twitter almost from the first!
Great site….. Love poetry, love the time and effort that you all are putting into this passion. That’s so wonderful. I hope to get to know you all…. John
Welcome aboard Chris!!!! I LOVE Pretzels
Hey Chris! *smiling &waving like a nerd*
wow! what a group! glad i found this
Thak you all. I’m loving dVerse.
What an inspirational pub to wander into. Perhaps it will entice my closeted poet to reappear?
So excited to find you all. Very impressive troop.
Nice to meet you, talented guys!
Kind regards,
Subhan Zein
dVerse is truly wonderful. Thank you all so much!!!
dVerse is a brilliant idea, thoroughly enjoying reading all the input. Many thanks for a great site.
Great idea! Do you guys havea real pub or is it a cyber crawl ? just askin … i may be daft, but always up for a bit of a crack, and poetry!
nice to see new faces in there!!!
I like the new faces…it gives the pub (renewed) energy and inspiration ~
Thanks for all that you do ~ Smiles ~
Fun to know the story (or in Joy Ann’s case songs) behind all the D’verse tenders–thanks for your brilliance, diligence, and inspiring dedication. A great site!
so very happy to see you all here, listen to what you write, and feel welcomed. bravo on one complete and successful year. cheers to many more.
Thanks one and all for your commitment to this enterprise, which is (easily) the most healthy and helpful experience in writing I’ve known on the web. Happy Birthday!
I”m so grateful to all of you at Dverse. I look up to you as artisits, but also for your generosity of time. I know it takes precious time to contribute as much as you do to this poetic cause. I’m always impressed by your acceptance of beginners like me, and those of us less endowed with talent. All of you are extremely kind and obviously truly dedicated. Thank you so much.
Myrna, me too! Less endowed, also a beginner, I have been treated at dVerse with tender comments, forgiveness unspoken, and a love which permeates not only the ‘Pub, but the Universe
Ain’t it GREAT?
First time I have read who makes up this team, and what a talented bunch you have managed to put together. I am not having a good year writing wise, but I know that if I keep looking long enough, I will find the inspiration again. Seeing who does all the work here helps as I have read some of their work and know how good you all are.
My whole attitude and outlook on dVerse has just changed. You all are REAL PEOPLE! Our acquaintance here is for me a gift, without which I’d have missed a great chunk of life’s treasure. On bended knee…thank you all!
PEACE!
Am checking this space out! Interesting to read about you all.
Great write-up on the team behind this wonderful site. Nice to Mary on board!
Pamela
Wonderful to see you all and welcome new ones to the dVerse team. The entire team is tremendous! Your commitment, excellence and hospitality have helped this poet try harder and write more. I am grateful! for all you do to inspire, stimulate and keep in touch.
What a fantastic staff!!!!! Whu-hoo! You all make dVerse great!
I so needed to see this today. I’ve been feeling discouraged about ever being able to write the way I want to. I read through some of these and Joe Hesch’s bio got me with this: he just started writing a few years ago. So, for me, just cause it’s not there right now doesn’t mean it will never be there.
Never really checked the team out and have been meaning to – impressive and encouraging at the same time … glad to meet you all in a slightly more formal way. You often make my day, or week – so thanks! Looking forward to a continued poetic relationship that feels very real …
Hi Team, Do like the idea of this site and I have enjoyed in the past a try at following the rules and having a go at some of the techniques of poetry. I feel quite stupid now though as a lot of times I have wanted to participate but just can not understand the complexities. I didn’t realise poetry could be so difficult in form. Sometimes I’m caused to wonder why – thinking if only other writers and poets can understand to read it then .. . why am I trying haha. I’ll wait til an easy challenge.
So many good poets here … isn’t that the truth! Thank you each not just for your poetry but also for the hard work that you do here.
just checking out who’s working behind the bar these days. Great group! Way to go, all, and Happy Holidays!
Nice meeting you all. This is a great group.
Revisiting the pub, eighteen months on from when I was first introduced to you guys, makes me feel both proud and very happy to be associated with this team of excellent, supportive and talented human beings aka poets.
I’m intimidated! In a good way
So, these are the great poets behind this lovely website. Keep it up team!
Ummmm Wow. That’s quite the team.