Contribute Your Verse
93 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsCreativity, community, & pursuing a career in arts.
Through conversations, audio essays, & wild digressions, host Derek Berry explores what it means to develop artistic habits, succeed in creative business, & live a creative life.
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Episodes
The Poetry Society of South Carolina w/ Jim Lundy
February 01, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBIn this episode, Evelyn chats with the current President of the Poetry Society of South Carolina about his new book "The History of the Poetry Society of South Carolina: 1920-2021." Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/History-Poetry-Society-South-Carolina/dp/B09C389Q7Y Learn more about The Poetry Society of South Carolina here: https://www.poetrysocietysc.org/ Learn more about the guest here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1325971.James_J_Lundy_Jr_ Learn more about the podca...
Discovering And Creating Community w/ Daphne Maysonet
January 11, 2022 12:40 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBIn the first episode of Season 3, host Evelyn Berry chats with Daphne Maysonet about writing poetry, building community, & composing a column on love and dating. Find Daphne Maysonet on Instagram at https://instagram.com/daphne_d_maysonet Read her column in the Memphis Flyer at: https://www.memphisflyer.com/author/dmaysonet Find Contribute Your Verse at Instagram.com/ContributeYourVerse You can support us financially at Patreon.com/ContributeYourVerse You can learn more about this podcas...
Short Update About Season 3
December 27, 2021 16:35 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBSeason 3 is coming in Jan 2022! Major changes: 1.) The podcast host is transitioning to become a woman. 2.) We'll be releasing episodes once a month with interviews from writers and other creatives 3.) Our educational content is now in short-form videos on TikTok, Instagram, & Youtube!
Social Media Tips For Writers
October 14, 2021 15:23 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this final part of a three-part series of social media, Derek offers a few practical tips. For Accessibility Resources: https://digital.gov/resources/federal-social-media-accessibility-toolkit-hackpad/ For Content Scheduling Resources: https://influencermarketinghub.com/social-media-posting-scheduling-tools/ Social Media Design Tool: https://www.canva.com/ Follow the host on Instagram: Instagram.com/derekberrywriter Find the host's work online: derekberrywriter.com Support this podca...
Against Virality: How To Measure Social Media Success
October 06, 2021 21:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBPart 2 of the Social Media for Poets Series Derek talks about how not to go viral and why it's important to provide consistent value to your community rather than constantly seeking out a bigger audience. To learn more about our host, visit derekberrywriter.com To support the show financially, visit Patreon.com/ContributeYourVerse
In Defense of InstaPoets: Social Media As Publishing Platform
September 30, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBMaybe the InstaPoets have something important figured out: how to share poetry with an audience who is already showing up. To learn more about the music creator Tapeloop, check out: tapeloop.bandcamp.com To learn more about host Derek Berry, check out: derekberrywriter.com To give some funds to our little podcast, go to: Patreon.com/ContributeYourVerse
5 Steps to Creating Dynamic Characters in Fiction
September 16, 2021 00:34 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode, we break down FIVE steps to create a dynamic, fully-realized character! We also share some awesome resources for you to check out, which you can do so by clicking these links! - Interview with David Shuriduan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/storytelling-through-games-w-david-schirduan/id1335718095?i=1000486950091 - Between the Covers Podcast: Alexander Chee Tin House Lecture https://tinhouse.com/podcast/tin-house-live-craft-talk-from-first-draft-to-plot-with-alexande...
Thrilling Fiction in the Small Town South w/ Steven Tingle
September 02, 2021 13:40 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBIn this episode, Derek chats with Steven Tingle, author of the debut thriller novel GRAVEYARD FIELDS. "Davis Reed is plagued by the three “A’s”: anger, alcohol, and anxiety. A former Charleston police officer, turned private detective, Davis hopes to gain some respect, self and otherwise, by writing a book. His subject: the true story of a B-25 bomber that crashed on Cold Mountain in western North Carolina just after the end of World War II. From the comfort of a mountain cabin in Cruso, NC,...
A REAL Writer??
August 18, 2021 20:40 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBJoin our host Derek Berry as they anxiety-spiral about what it means to be a "real writer" Find more about Derek at DerekBerryWriter.com Learn more about the new book by Marcus Amaker (aka Tape Loop) by clicking this link: https://www.postandcourier.com/columnists/charleston-poet-laureate-pens-kids-book-on-black-music-gives-150-free-copies-to-schools/article_a451ffaa-fb71-11eb-a3bb-5f3ba2e60a67.html
Fall In Love with the Work w/ Matt Hampton
July 15, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 98.3 MBThis episode's guest is Matt Hampton, writer of prose, poetry, and plays, and host of the podcast Confessions of a Working Writer. His podcast explores the daily struggles of writing, not-writing, and persevering. In this episode, we chat about falling in love with the work, marketing books authentically, and whether Gargemel deserves redemption from the Smurfs. To find his podcast, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-working-writer/id1465174533 To find Matt onlin...
5 Quick Tips For Writers
July 02, 2021 01:51 - 1 hour - 86 MBIn this episode, Derek shares 5 practical tips about being a writer. To learn more, find us on Instagram Instagram.com/contributeyourverse To support us financially, visit us on Patreon. Patreon.com/contributeyourverse
"Gay As In Happy": Queer Stories of Joy w/ Alex Biscoll
June 25, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBOur guest Alex Biscoll breaks down why it's important to tell queer stories of joy. The importance of queer fluff, how to talk about queer issues with kids, and how seeing healthy queer relationships is important to developing a full understanding of queer lives. Alex Biscoll is a queer nonbinary Youth Services library worker at Richland Library. They studied English and Gender and Sexuality at the University of North Florida. They're currently pursuing their Master's in Library and Informat...
The Queer Merman of British Poetry w/ Serge Neptune
June 17, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBSerge Neptune, from London, UK, and author of "These Queer Merboys," is today's guest! In this episode, we discuss queer spectacle, pop culture, queer resistance against conservativism, the London poetry, and the mythos of mermen-- the danger and desire. Serge ♆ Neptune has been called ‘the little merman of British poetry’. His work has appeared in Fourteen Poems, Impossible Archetype, Magma, Queerlings, Finished Creatures, perverse, whynow, Harana Poetry, Lighthouse, Banshee, Spontaneous P...
Ecoqueer Poetics w/ Aidan Forster
June 09, 2021 15:42 - 1 hour - 101 MBDerek talks with queer poet Aidan Forster, author of the chapbooks Exit Pastoral (YesYes Books, 2019) and Wrong June (Honeysuckle Press, 2021). They discuss growing up in South Carolina, the possibilities of queer poetry, multidisciplinary studies, the history of ecopoetics in queer writing, scifi fiction, the future of queerness, ruralness, and so much more! Find Aidan's books here! Exit Pastoral: https://www.yesyesbooks.com/product-page/exit-pastoral-by-aidan-forster Wrong June: https:/...
Pride, Protest, & Poetry
June 02, 2021 02:13 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, Derek talks about the history of Pride celebrations, the controversy around the poem "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg, and how queer stories shaped their life. Find High Vibr, whose music is featured in this episode, here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/71JQdUHB8xcUzh6u6xA3Vi To learn more about Derek Berry, follow them on social media: http://instagram.com/derekberrywriter https://twitter.com/DerekBerryWrite Links to works discussed in this episode: "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg ...
Singing The Blues W/ Georgia Moon
May 26, 2021 15:30 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBGeorgia Hertz is a queer writer, musician, and artist from North Carolina. She has a B.A. in History from the College of Charleston, and is an MFA candidate in Creative Nonfiction from Carlow University. Her poems have previously appeared in Homology Lit and several are forthcoming in The Swamp and peculiar. When she's not following her creative pursuits she can be found teaching her dog how to swim. Follow her on all social media @thegeorgiamoon In this episode, Derek and Georgia discuss ...
Community And Inheritance W/ Dena Rod
May 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 79.5 MBConversation with Dena Rod, author of the forthcoming poetry collection "Scattered Arils." In this conversation, we talk about writing from the archive, queer Iranian experiences, connecting with inheritance, writing hard poems, writing communities, Bay Area gentrification, publishing, and much more! Find Dena's book "Scattered Arils" here: https://milkandcakepress.com/product/coming-may-2021-scattered-arils-by-dena-rod/ Find Dena's website here: https://www.denarod.com/ Dena Rod is a writ...
Eric Tran And The Sacred Text
April 21, 2021 16:22 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBEric Tran is queer Vietnamese writer and a resident physician in psychiatry in Asheville, NC, where he is also an associate editor at Orison Books. His debut book of poems, The Gutter Spread Guide to Prayer, won the Autumn House Press Emerging Writer's contest. He is also the author of the chapbooks Revisions and Affairs with Men in Suits. His work has been featured in Poetry Daily and Best of the Net and appears in Missouri Review Poem of the Week, Iowa Review, 32 Poems, and elsewhere. He ca...
Why Inspiration Is Not Enough
March 25, 2021 13:58 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBDerek shares an unpopular opinion about Inspiration. They think you should give The Muse the pink slip. Here's why... Links: Matt Hampton's Confessions of a Working Writer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-working-writer/id1465174533 Derek Berry: Derekberrywriter.com Patreon: Patreon.com/contributeyourverse
3 Ways To Recycle Sh*tty Writing
March 17, 2021 13:11 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBWe all write shitty sentences, shitty poems, and shitty novels sometimes... instead of giving up on these projects, how might be recycle them to create something new? Derek discusses... To find Contribute Your Verse on Instagram: instagram.com/contributeyourverse To find Carolina Muse on Instagram: instagram.com/carolina.muse To find Derek Berry: instagram.com/derekberrwriter
Making Comics w/ Jacob Boland (WholeBolaFun)
March 03, 2021 17:02 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBDerek chats with cartoonist Jacob Boland about his process, his career, & his collection of non-sequential art "Heavy Ink" Jacob Boland, local artist/cartoonist, has lived in Augusta since 2003. Grew up as an army brat and traveled to Europe, Asia, and all of America as a kid. Joined the army at 22 and served 4 years as a combat medic primarily with infantry battalions at Ft Benning and Ft Knox. After leaving the armed forces he used his GI Bill to further his experience in the field of comm...
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost
February 24, 2021 16:14 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBDerek has suddenly lost all of their work from the past year. What do you do when you lose your work? How do we grapple with the loss of art, personally and historically? In this episode, Derek explores this question. To learn more about the host, visit derekberrywriter.com To support Contribute Your Verse, visit patreon.com/contributeyourverse
The Queer Poetry Of Time w/ Ed Madden
February 05, 2021 21:03 - 1 hour - 92 MBDerek Berry chats with Columbia Poet Laureate Ed Madden about writing retreats, queer time, naming flowers, his tenor as poet laureate, & more. Ed Madden is a poet, activist, and Director of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina in the USA. He grew up in Newport, Arkansas, got his B.A. from nearby Harding University, and received his Ph.D. in literature from the University of Texas, Austin. He is the author of four poetry collections, most recently Ark (Sibling Riva...
My Favorite Book (& What It Might Teach Aspiring Writers)
January 18, 2021 14:35 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBDerek shares thoughts about their favorite book & what it means to have a favorite book. Derek thinks a lot about books and how they are written or not written or almost-written. This episode is an ~experiment~ in lyric essay, so enjoy. To support Contribute Your Verse, visit patreon.com/contributeyourverse Find Derek Berry on Instagram at instagram.com/derekberrywriter or find their work at derekberrywriter.com
Sucking At Something Is The First Step
January 11, 2021 23:59 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB"Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being kind of good at something." - Jake the Dog Derek talks about why everyone sucks at art & why that's not a terrible thing after all. Support the podcast here: patreon.com/contributeyourverse Find Derek Berry's work here: derekberrywriter.com
I Am Going To Make It Through This Year, If It Kills Me
December 28, 2020 02:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBDerek reflects on a long, tough year & the creative lessons they learned about rest, forgiveness, and sustainable creative practice. They also discuss briefly the song "This Year" by The Mountain Goats. The CYV hiatus is officially over!
Writing the Brutal South w/ Paul Bowers
October 19, 2020 22:17 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBPaul Bowers is a writer, podcaster, & father living in North Charleston, SC. He's the curator of the weekly newsletter The Brutal South, as well as the podcast The Brutal South. You can subscribe the newsletter here: brutalsouth.substack.com/ You can learn more about Paul's writing here: paulmbowers.tumblr.com/ To learn more about Derek Berry: derekberrywriter.com/ Support our Contribute Your Verse Patreon here: www.patreon.com/contributeyourverse
What Pokemon Can Teach Us About Creativity
October 04, 2020 18:12 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBDerek talks about 5 lessons we can learn as creatives from the wonderful world of Pokemon. If you dig the episode, rate us 5 stars & leave a review. Maybe tell us your favorite writer & what topics you'd like to hear discussed on the show! Links: Derek's books! derekberrywriter.com Contribute Your Verse Patreon: Patreon.com/contributeyourverse Derek's recommendations: Madness, Rack, & Honey by Mary Reufle-- Collected Lectures https://www.wavepoetry.com/products/madness-rack-and-hon...
Comics, Creative Pratice & The Art Of The Gimmick w/ Jason Allen Walter
September 25, 2020 21:59 - 2 hours - 155 MBIn this second part of our interview with Jason Allen Walter, we chat about marketing, pop culture, comics, & more! Check out Jason's new collaborative album: https://pizzahellstudios.bandcamp.com/album/the-lucid-reset You can find Jason's animated series Post Punk Mutant Musicians here: https://www.postpunkmutantmusicians.com/ You can find info about Derek, the host at: derekberrywriter.com You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/contributeyourverse
Collaboration Is Punk w/ Jason Allen Walter
September 20, 2020 18:20 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBIn this two-part series, Derek converses with Jason Allen Walter's about his creative work making comics, hosting collaborative punk festivals, animating cartoons, making albums, & playing in bands. Topics this episode include: - Books about Punk Bands - Post Punk Mutant Musician Fest - The Importance of Grit - 10,000 Hours - Performance Art - Power point as Animation Took - Writing as the Bedrock of Creative Practice Some links! To watch Post Punk Mutant Musicians: https://www.postpunkmut...
What Kirby Teaches Us About The Writer's Voice
September 07, 2020 19:02 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBDerek talks about how writers & other creatives develop a "voice," and what we might learn from Nintendo's favorite pink friend Kirby. To join our Patreon, visit Patreon.com/contributeyourverse To purchase the first zine in the micro-chap series, visit https://gumroad.com/l/IkASg To learn more about the book "Steal Like an Artist," visit Austin Kleon's website: https://austinkleon.com/ To learn more about Derek Berry (the host), visit derekberrywriter.com
The Music Of Protest w/ High Vibr
August 30, 2020 22:46 - 1 hour - 57 MBDerek sits down with emerging music producer Tanner Kirk to talk about his new song "Wear Your Colors on Your Face," a single from his forthcoming EP "Here's to the Warrior." They discuss music-making, LGBT protests, musical influences, art education, finding creative mentors, & the lowdown on his new album. Learn more about his music here: https://highvibr.com/ Join the CYV Patreon: patreon.com/contributeyourverse From dance to industrial, stadium bangers to heartfelt ballads, High Vibr en...
How To Keep Creating In Dark Times
August 16, 2020 22:12 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB2020 is more than halfway over, so Derek checks in on the creative goals you set in January. No worries, no judgement here. Derek shares some ways to think through those goals & how to adjust them to your new life, as well as gives advice for how to move forward. How do we keep making art when the world's falling apart? Join the Contribute Your Verse Patreon: Patreon.com/contributeyourverse Check out Derek's work at: derekberrywriter.com
Storytelling Through Games W/ David Schirduan
August 03, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBDavid Schirduan is an indie role playing game writer, designer, & publisher. During the day, he writes software and during the evenings, he writes & plays games. In this episode, Derek sits down with David to discuss the possibilities of ttrpgs, collaborative storytelling, the ethics of game design, safety tools at the table, & more. To learn more about David, visit https://www.technicalgrimoire.com/ For David's discussion of playing games online: https://www.technicalgrimoire.com/david/2...
Coffee & Writers: A Brief History
July 19, 2020 16:35 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, Derek explores the history and science of coffee, and tries to answer why coffee consumption is popular among writers. PATREON: Patreon.com/contributeyourverse DEREK'S NEW POEM: https://zingarapoet.net/2020/06/24/the-fruit-archive-by-derek-berry/ Submissions for EMRYS JOURNAL: https://www.emrys.org/emrys-journal-1 Resources: Michael Pollan's Book "Coffee" https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/02/10/803394030/michael-pollan-explains-caffeine-cravings-and-why-...
The Birth Of New Poems w/ Marcus Amaker
July 07, 2020 00:16 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBIn this latest episode, Derek chats with Marcus Amaker about leveling up his poetry game, Charleston's history, how becoming a father has changed his art and changed his life, starting his own publishing company Free Verse Press, & his newest book "The Birth of All Things." You can order the book (and find other cool Marcus stuff) here: https://marcusamakerstore.com/ newpoetrybook.com If you dig the podcast, subscribe & share with a friend. & if you like the podcast & want to help fund us ...
Story Engines: Conflict & Character Agency in Fiction
June 25, 2020 01:51 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBFiction has been on my mind a lot lately (I've been editing & writing a lot of fiction!), so I wanted to share an episode about the two most common issues in early drafts of novels & short stories. In this episode, we talk about that DIRTY WORD "Plot." If you like this episode & can't get enough CYV, check out our Patreon, where you can get BONUS CONTENT-- like poetry prompts, Craft Bootcamp Episodes, & even sometimes exclusive original poetry? Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/co...
Mario Warp Whistles & Creative Careers
June 14, 2020 14:14 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this special bonus episode, Derek discusses creative career opportunities through the metaphor of the video game Super Mario Bros. 3. How do you take advantage of your career "warp whistles" that allow you skip levels & bound forward in your creative journey? And what are the drawbacks of "skipping levels" too early in the game? For more Career Bootcamp or Craft Bootcamp, join our Patreon at Patreon.com/contributeyourverse. This month's Patreon proceeds are being donated to Charleston's ...
Dispatch From CYV: Black Lives Matter
June 07, 2020 19:34 - 13 minutes - 12 MBJust wanted to quickly check in & share resources & perspective. Resources discussed in the episode can be found here. BLM Petitions: https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/resources-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement-creative-industry-010620 Petition to Arrest Officers for Murder of Breonna Taylor: https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor Petition to Defund the Police in USA: https://action.aclu.org/petition/divest-police-invest-black-and-brown-communities The Bai...
How To Revise Fiction
May 25, 2020 18:54 - 42 minutes - 39 MBIn this episode, Derek explores revising fiction: approaches, techniques, & common mistakes. Revision is the most important part of writing, so make sure to invest time into learning how to do it well! For Dorothy Allison's craft talk on dialogue, visit https://tinhouse.com/podcast/tin-house-live-craft-talk-on-dialogue-with-dorothy-allison/
How To Revise A Poem
May 20, 2020 18:55 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, Derek discusses how to revise a poem. They share methods and approaches to revision, as well as explore why revision is more than just line editing. For May's revision prompts, subscribe to our Patreon at Patreon.com/contributeyourverse To find Marcus Amaker's music and new book, visit marcusamaker.com
The Art of Ekphrastic w/ Ray McManus
May 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Ray McManus, poet, teacher, & writer-in-residence at the Columbia Museum of Art. Ray is the author of three books of poetry, most recently "Punch" (Hub City Press, 2014). We discuss approaches to ekphrastic poetry & his series at the Columbia Museum of Art Write Around, in which poets are asked to respond to the artwork in galleries and read those pieces aloud. We also discussed the challenges and joys of literary programming, as well as the evolution of ...
Craft Boot Camp - Shabby Ecstatic
April 19, 2020 16:39 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBA peek at Patreon-exclusive content! We explore the ecstatic tradition & how we might bring its transcendent notions into contemporary poetics. This episode includes poems, prompts, & more! For further reading: Suggested Reading “Ode to Shea Butter” by Angel Nafis “Owed to the Durag” by Joshua Bennett “Wild Geese,” by Mary Oliver “Antilamitation” by Dorianne Laux “Ode to the Hymen,” Sharon Olds “How Can Black People White About Flowers at a Time Like This,” Hanif Abdurraqib “Catalogue of U...
The Myth Of The Tortured Artist w/ Matthew Foley
April 13, 2020 00:01 - 2 hours - 121 MBDerek Berry sits down with life coach, writer, & former CYV co-host Matthew Foley to talk about "The Myth of the Tortured Artist." Where does the idea that artists should be miserable come from & how do we revise that narrative? You can learn more about Matthew's podcast A Path to Call Your Own on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/apathtocallyourown & you can support his Patreon at Patreon.com/apathtocallyourown To find Contribute Your Verse on Patreon, visit Patreon.com/contrib...
No, You Don't Have To Write An Entire Book During A Pandemic
April 08, 2020 23:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBNo, you don't have to be peak productive during a pandemic. In this episode, Derek talks about mental health & their own struggles with the American work ethic. Why tying your self-worth to art you create is a recipe for disaster.
Patreon, Poetry Month Challenge, & Other Announcements
March 30, 2020 22:01 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MBWe are live on Patreon (Patreon.com/contributeyourverse) with 2 monthly bonus episodes: Craft Bootcamp-- a deep dive into poetic concepts Our Verses-- readings from our hosts & guests We're also launching a 30/30 Poetry Writing Challenge for National Poetry Month in April. To share poems, join our online community at Contribute Your Verse: Online Community--https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595884527193049
2.8- Three Practices To Deepen Creativty Durign Social Distancing
March 23, 2020 03:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBDerek discusses methods we might use to deepen our creativity, engage with creative community & continue to pursue our artistic careers even as the world crumbles around us. Trigger Warning: Some discussion of sickness & death.
2.8- Three Practices To Deepen Creativity During Social Distancing
March 23, 2020 03:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBDerek discusses methods we might use to deepen our creativity, engage with creative community & continue to pursue our artistic careers even as the world crumbles around us. Trigger Warning: Some discussion of sickness & death.
2.7 - 3 Acting Techniques To Help Deepen Character
March 08, 2020 21:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBDerek talks about characterization in fiction writing & how 3 acting methods can help you deepen your characters. With conversations about Emotional Recall, dialogue, simultaneous actions, deep writing analysis, & more.
2.6 - Get Personal!
February 25, 2020 01:01 - 26 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, we ask what it means to make creative work that delves into the personal. How can being personal in our creative efforts deepen it and do we keep ourselves safe when discussing possibly traumatic topics?