Wednesday evening, I was in attendance at the Rio Review Publication Celebration where I read my poem [Four. Oh, Nine…]
It was a nice small black-box theater, complete with spotlights and microphones. I believe my reading went amazingly well, and there were some other interesting performances. I was a bit nervous, as this was my first public reading. A few deep breaths, a round of applause, no turning back. And this was no golf clap, mind you. It was a soulful shower of encouragement. It was, overall, a good experience.
Except….in the back of the book there is a ‘Writer’s Biography’ section; I realized about half way through the Celebration there is a typo? Here’s an excerpt:
“Blair is from Port Arthur, Texas and a second-year student at Austin Community College majoring in Radio/Television/Film. He is currently enrolled in a poetry workshop, and wishes to continue the development of his craft as a creative writer.”
Notice anything…strange? >.<
I am a female. Not a HE or HIM. Was it a typo? Or did they really think I was male? Are my poems shrouded in masculinity? I’d have to disagree, although it gives me some encouragement to explore a more feminine style of writing. I had previously communicated with the editor through e-mail only, so I wonder if she was expecting a guy to walk in? Oh, but this isn’t the first instance. Last week in the Austin Poetry Society Newsletter, they mentioned the Rio Review Publication Poets and again referred to me as a male. Both editors apologized. My mother says it’s because she spelled my name the masculine way, Blair, as opposed to the feminine way, Blaire. So, should I change the spelling of my name now? I don’t think so.
I really wish this error of mistaken identity wasn’t existing in my first ever publication. I didn’t find it amusing, and it kinda makes me feel discouraged to submit any writing for a while. But hey, isn’t that what this blog is for?