If you haven't already heard the news, my first book was accepted a little more than a week ago by Aquarius Press, as part of their poetry imprint Willow Books.  Some of the poets who will be joining me on the press in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 are Antoinette Brim, Curtis Crisler and Lita Hooper.  I almost couldn't believe it, but I have secured a stellar Chicago-based sister for the cover art and blurbs from writers I really love.  I'm also plotting on ways to promote this book that recalls my b-girl/freelance journalist days. 

Other than that, I'm finishing up my semester with my students at Rutgers.  I have readings in New York in March and April.  Click here for the info and other updates.

I'm also excited that some poems will be appearing in the upcoming issue of Black Renaissance Noire edited by Quincy Troupe, the debut issue of Mythium, Hanging Loose and Reverie.

So, I'm being a busy Betts and trying to think of topical things to share with you all soon. Lately, I've been listening to Charlie Wilson, formerly the lead singer of The Gap Band. If you don't know, find out. I was just thinking how I don't hear enough songs where the men are talking about taking care of women, not in a golddigger sort of way. Just making a sister feel all loved up. Charlie Wilson was around at the verge of my boy-crazyness tipping into grade school because The Gap Band was a staple on the jukebox at my grandparents' tavern. Now, I hear him and I know why a grown woman would love to hear him sing. He still sounds like a strong singer, unlike K-Ci and Jo-Jo of Jodeci (so sad).

So, feel free to drop a note, I'm hoping to start an official blog at some point when my semester ends, but I will update with shows, photos and musings here too.