A chat with Kirsten Porter, editor of the upcoming The Collected Poems of E. Ethelbert Miller

Ethelbert. Who is this man really? As a son, brother, husband, father, friend? As poet, writer, literary activist?

I am standing in front of yet another first year college composition class. Most of my twenty students just graduated from high school and are learning lessons that are crucial to their survival in college and life beyond: Yes, ramen noodles can explode in the microwave. No, it is not a good idea to wash a red t-shirt with a load of whites. This is a time of information overload. How can I explain all the details of their first essay assignment and still convey to them that writing can be enjoyable.

I go over the essay requirements. I talk about thesis statements and supports, tense-switching, using parenthetical citations. I repeat the sentence “your essay must be at least 5 pages” in case they missed it the first time because they were texting under their desk. And then I throw in a warning:

“Plagiarizing is punishable by death in my classroom.”

“Any questions?”

Silence. Even the girl texting heart emoticons to her boyfriend has stopped to look up. I am instantly aware that I have failed to be encouraging and inspiring. I change tactics.

“I know it seems overwhelming, but I promise the writing process can be fun. If you follow a few basic steps, your paper won’t feel like something you have to do, but rather something you enjoy doing. Start by doing some research so that you get to know the topic you have chosen. Next, join the conversation—what can you say about your topic that hasn’t been said before? Finally, write your paper by blending the research you found with your own unique insight.”

I decided to take my own advice when I signed on as editor of The Collected Poems of E. Ethelbert Miller.

1. Do some preliminary research. This was two-fold for me. I began by researching other books of collected poems. I was especially interested in looking at the arrangement of the collections. Just a few of my considerations: What parts of the book (preface, intro, bib, etc.) did the editor include? Regarding ordering, should I put acknowledgements at the beginning or end? Should the poems come in the order they were written; should I include the dates? On structure, should I create chapters or sections, or should the poems have no containment? I quickly realized there really was no prescribed method for editing a poetry collection. So many choices to make, most of which were simply left to the editor’s discretion. I heard Ethelbert’s voice echo in my ear: “What do you think? You’re the editor.”

Then there was the research on my specific topic—Ethelbert. Who is this man really? As a son, brother, husband, father, friend? As poet, writer, literary activist? I needed to read his eleven books of poetry, his two memoirs, his essays, articles, speeches, and daily blog posts. It was important that I listen to his talks, readings, and interviews. I became familiar with the articles, essays, and literary criticism surrounding his work. At times it was overwhelming; after over 40 years on the literary scene, Ethelbert’s name is everywhere! (Note to self: write a future post on an editor’s challenge to cope with stress and maintain balance.)

2. Join the conversation. What can I say? Part of my research is based on my experience with Ethelbert as his editor, as his friend. I bring to the job my memories, my stories, my knowledge of the craft, my own perceptions. I knew Ethelbert years before this current project, and we have been in daily email communication for the year-long editing process of the collection. I have talked with him at length about each of the sections of our book, probing the origins of his poems, his beliefs, his language. I have interviewed many of his friends, family, and colleagues. I have a lot to say.

3. Blend research with your own insight. Ah, this can be tricky, but so much fun. And this is the step I’m currently working on in the project as I write the introduction to the book. Balancing what is known with what I know.

As the editor, I am collector, organizer, proofreader, and reviser. I am researcher and writer. I am storyteller.

Thanks for reading. Next month I’ll tell you the specific choices I made on the structure of the book. How many sections of the book did I create? Hint: more than the number of innings in a standard baseball game!

*Coming Spring 2016: The Collected Poems of E. Ethelbert Miller