John Alspaugh’s book of poetry EVERYTHING DARK IS A DOORWAY was up for a Pulitzer Prize and nominated for the Jerusalem Prize for the Freedom of the Individual in Society. He received the National Society of Arts & Letters Award for Poetry, judged by the late John Ciardi.
His short fiction was selected for the New Virginia Review Award, and he was runner-up for the New Letters Award in Fiction.
Shortlisted for the Peter Taylor Prize, one of Alspaugh’s early novel manuscripts reflects his Southern roots yet remains unpublished.
Alspaugh’s writing has appeared in various literary journals including The Virginia Quarterly Review, New Letters, Gargoyle, Cold Mountain Review, and in the short story anthology AMERICAN FICTION #3.
THE LOST PARADE — a limited edition collection of short fiction, poetry, & original artwork — was nominated for The Story Prize and was shortlisted for the Library of Virginia 12th Annual Literary Awards.
John is at work on two new novels and a collection of short stories.
We create to enrich our minds with what appeals aesthetically. At its best, art exists not only to better our lives, but to foster a future to which we can look forward. Carl Jung said that all art intuitively apprehends coming changes in the collective unconsciousness. I like to believe that art gives rise to these changes.
To be creative – to write, to paint, to sculpt, to make furniture, make films, make song, dance, to dream, to ‘make believe’ – provides us with a more stimulating place in which we can better live and love and think.
John Alspaugh
A huddle of gulls
lifts effortlessly in wind
I trudge bent against.