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August 28, 2007 • KR Blog • Uncategorized

Ashbery to be named mtvU Poet Laureate

By Tyler Meier

I found this too interesting not to share this morning–you can read an article about Ashbery’s hip new post here, and get the straight stuff from mtvU’s website here. For those who may not know–mtvU is the spin-off channel of mtv, targeted at college-age viewers (who does the other channel hope to reach?) As the Poetry Foundation points out, Ashbery is 80 years old–so this is a bit of a strange marriage. Maybe this is why this seems perfectly in-step with Ashbery’s poems? The perfect mix of content and form between the two?

In most of Ashbery’s poems, I get to some point where I’m laughing hysterically–but he often pairs his humor with some suggested emotional intensity, in the same moment. Laugh and weep. Giggle while you are awed. (Odd?)

I don’t think such moves are easy to pull off–to be in two mutually exclusive emotional spaces at once is a difficult thing to conjure. Most of us have a hard enough time trying to get our writing to deal with one emotional space.

And I can’t help but think about this new position in the same way. I want to laugh and cry.

About the Program

The Kenyon Review Associates Program provides Kenyon students with valuable experience in literary editing, publishing, and programming. KR Associates work closely with Kenyon Review staff, gaining valuable experience in a number of editing, publishing, and programming areas including manuscript evaluation, publicity and marketing, copy editing, developing web site and social media content, outreach programming, event planning and promotion, and other creative and editorial projects

KR Associates attend regular seminars conducted by Kenyon Review editorial staff, visiting readers, and publishing industry professionals. These seminars cover a wide range of topics including editorial philosophy, evaluation of submissions, print and electronic production, marketing, and design.

KR Associates also enjoy exclusive access to visiting writers and speakers, free issues of The Kenyon Review, and valuable work experience and employment references.

This program is made possible through an initiative of the Kenyon Review, part of the mission of which is to contribute to the enrichment of the academic, cultural, and artistic life of the Kenyon College community.

Requirements and Expectations

  • Submission Evaluation: All Associates are required to read and evaluate eight Kenyon Review submissions per week. Associates who are not able to complete their weekly submission assignments for more than two weeks in a row may not be allowed to continue in the program.
  • Trainings and Seminars: In-person attendance is mandatory at all trainings and seminars. We plan on scheduling six to eight seminars per semester, and most will take place on Thursdays during common hour.
  • Literary Engagement: Associates are expected to participate in literary events on campus and throughout the local community.

Application Details

Applications for the Associates Program are accepted each fall. Kenyon students will receive more information about the program and a link to the application via campus email near the beginning of the fall semester.

Questions? Please contact Jamie Lyn Smith for more information.

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