Ken Waldman

Poet, Fiction Writer

Anchorage, AK
Alaska US

Author's Bio

Ken Waldman combines old-time Appalachian-style fiddling, original poetry, and Alaska-set storytelling for a performance uniquely his. He has sixteen full-length poetry collections, a memoir about his life as a touring artist, a kids' book, a creative writing manual, a novel, and twelve CDs. Since 1995, he has appeared at all manner of reading series, and has been a headliner at numerous concert series, performing arts series, festivals, and clubs. He's also been a visiting artist at over 250 schools in 35 states. In addition to leading writing workshops, he leads workshops on how to live a more creative life. "Like a Ken Burns movie . . . Always recommended" --Austin Chronicle. One of his current project is a series of books about Donald Trump, all published by Ridgeway Press. See www.trumpsonnets.com for more information.

Publications & Prizes

Poetry

Anthologies:
Crosscurrents North (University of Alaska Press, 2008)
,
100 Poets Against the War (Salt Books, 2003)
Books:
Sports Page (Lamar University Literary Press, 2020)
,
Trump Sonnets, Volume 3 (Ridgeway Press, 2019)
,
And Shadow Remained (Pavement Saw Press, 2006)
,
As the World Burns (Ridgeway Press, 2006)
,
Conditions and Cures (Steel Toe Books, 2006)
,
The Secret Visitor's Guide (Wings Press, 2006)
,
To Live On This Earth (West End Press, 2002)
,
Nome Poems (West End Press, 2000)
Prizes won: 

6 Pushcart Prize nominations. Fellowship from Virginia Center for Creative Arts. 4 Puffin Foundation grants.

Personal Favorites

What I'm reading now: 
Paddy on the Hardwood by Rus Bradburd, Notions: A Jim Clark Miscellany by Jim Clark, Vertebrae Rosaries: 50 Sonnets by Philip Dacey, A Brief History of Time by Shaindel Beers

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
White
Prefers to work with: 
Any
Fluent in: 
English
Born in: 
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania
Raised in: 
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania
Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.
Last update: May 31, 2023