Tag: Publication of the Month

Voting for Spillwords Press April 2025 Awards ends April 29

On By Mike U.In Poetry28 Comments

Hey, everyone. Just a quick reminder in case you missed it. I’m honored to be nominated for Author of the Month for April 2025 for my poem “The Bonfire” at Spillwords Press. I’m grateful to editor Dagmara K. for this wonderful surprise, and just wanted to post a brief reminder that voting ends April 29 in case anyone would like to check out my poem and lend a vote. Also, my good friend and absolutely brilliant poet Maggie Watson has a poem nominated for Publication of the Month titled “The Forest.” It’s sublime poetry from an amazingly talented writer. So, please cast a vote and support Maggie, too. She’s very much deserving of this award. You may find links to Maggie’s poem, my poem and the Spillwords Press voting page here:

“The Forest” by Maggie Watson

“The Bonfire” by Michael L. Utley

https://spillwords.com/vote/

Also, do visit Maggie’s blog if you can. Her poetry is poignant, intense and deeply moving:

Ephemeral Encounters by Maggie Watson

Your kind support would be greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy the poems.

I’ve Been Nominated for Author of the Month at Spillwords Press for My Poem “The Bonfire”

On By Mike U.In Poetry49 Comments

Hey, everyone. I’m excited to let you know I’ve been nominated for Author of the Month for April 2025 at Spillwords Press for my poem “The Bonfire.”  Many thanks to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and for this wonderful honor and opportunity.

I’m especially thrilled as this poem speaks out against fascism and censorship, which have now taken over our government here in America as right-wing extremists tear our democratic institutions apart and kidnap and deport citizens who exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. It’s one of the most important pieces I’ve ever written, and it would mean a lot to me to expand the reach of this poem so more folks could read its crucial message. As writers, our words are our swords in our fight against fascism and tyranny, and we must not remain silent against this existential threat to our democracy and our way of life.

If you’d care to cast your vote for my poem, all you need to do is register at Spillwords Press (it’s free and takes only a couple of minutes). Voting is open from April 26th-29th. You may cast your vote by following this link:  

https://spillwords.com/vote/

Self-promotion is not my strong point, and I don’t have any social media accounts to solicit votes, so this sort of thing is a bit awkward for me. It’s my sincere hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote. I’d be beyond delighted to have your support. I’ve always believed my poetry should do the talking, not me, so if you find my poem worthy of your vote, I’d appreciate it so much.

Congratulations and all the best to the other nominees. 

My Poem “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” Nominated for Publication of the Month for October 2024 at Spillwords Press

On By Mike U.In Poetry53 Comments

Hey, everyone. I’m excited to announce my poem “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” has been nominated for Publication of the Month for October 2024 at Spillwords Press. To be nominated along with so many other talented writers is both an incredible honor and deeply humbling. I’m grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and for this wonderful opportunity.

If you’d care to cast your vote for my poem, all you need to do is register at Spillwords Press (it’s free and takes only a couple of minutes). Voting concludes October 30, 2024. You may cast your vote by following this link:  https://spillwords.com/vote/

People who know me understand that self-promotion is not my forte so this sort of thing is a bit awkward for me. It’s my sincere hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote. I’d be beyond delighted to have your support. I’ve always believed my poetry should do the talking, not me, so if you find my poem worthy of your vote, I’d appreciate it so much.

Congratulations and all the best to the other nominees. 

My Poem “This World is Yours” Nominated for Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press

On By Mike U.In Poetry64 Comments

I’m so excited to announce my poem “This World is Yours” has been nominated for Publication of the Month for January and February 2024 at Spillwords Press. To be nominated along with so many other amazing writers is both an incredible honor and deeply humbling. I’m grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and for this wonderful opportunity.

If you’d care to cast your vote for my poem, all you need to do is register at Spillwords Press (it’s free and takes only a couple of minutes). Voting begins February 26 and ends February 29, 2024. You may cast your vote by following this link: https://spillwords.com/vote/

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not very good at self-promotion, so this is new territory for me. It’s my sincere hope y0u’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote. I’d be beyond delighted to have your support. I’ve always believed my poetry should do the talking, not me, so if you find my poem worthy of your vote, I’d appreciate it so much.

Congratulations and best of luck to all the other nominees. 😊