I will learn how to insert pictures and stuff like that, right?

Poetry::ideas::structures::publishing::chapbooks::full-length poetry books::?

I've always written. I started dabbling with poetry my sophomore year in high school. I had a wonderful teacher, Paul Ruffin, who became Mississippi's Poet Laureate. He moved to the University of Southern Mississippi and then to Sam Houston State University. One of those rare teachers that shape you without realizing it. I was fortunate enough to work with him on the school's literary magazine, the Sabre. My senior year I was moved back to my junior high, which had been turned into the new high school. Paul Ruffin was moved, too, and I had him for Senior English. He appointed me news editor of the high school newspaper. I said, no, I'm not qualified. He said, "If you don't accept this responsibility, you will never see an A in my class." So, I accepted. More on him later.

Anyway, my dad died from lung cancer in January of my senior year. I wrote through it. Paul Ruffin came to visit me at my house and brought me a book of poetry. (can't recall the title, but I see the cover) I loved that book. Paul had a poem in it. I started writing, mostly for me, but also to see if I could get a nod of approval from him.

By the end of summer I had written a crude chapbook called "Thin Man's Lights." It was about how difficult it was to live up to other peoples' expectations of me. He contacted me to see how I was doing that summer. I showed him my book. He was impressed, I think. That began my travel.