It's public now: my publisher is Glass Lyre. I have been friends with Ami Kaye in the Poetry group for some time, but I didn't know she headed up this literary press, nor that she lives in the Chicago area. But recently I attended a Glass Lyre-sponsored poetry reading in which several of my friends were featured readers. The event was lovely, the books for sale looked wonderful, & Ami herself was a gracious host. I got to chat with the managing editor, who also designs many of the books--very nice guy.

The reading period was open, so I submitted my manuscript forthwith. Communication with Ami has been fantastic. I'll never forget opening the e-mail offering acceptance. I laughed with joy (& cried a little). I've been published before, but each project is a new hurdle, & I've worked on this book far longer & harder than any others. My childhood is in it, & my adolescence, & the solidarity work of recent years, my love of the Spanish language, & especially many stories of Colombians' struggle & suffering & heroism. It is my heart.

We've already identified a couple of possible cover images (one of my own photos is in the running!). There will be other tasks for me in the coming months. And my photographer friend Michael Bracey & I are simultaneously working on another book--images of Afro-Colombians & their communities, his photos & my text. We'll be seeking a publisher for that too. So it's going to be a busy time.

But if all goes well. Soap Is Political will be in print in 2015!