CV

CV of Paul J. WillisBelow are highlights from Paul J. Willis’s CV. Please contact Paul to request more details about his publications, speaking engagements, presentations, and professional accomplishments.

Education

1985: PhD, English, Washington State University, Pullman, WA (Dissertation: The Forest in Shakespeare: Setting as Character)

1980: MA, English, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

1977:  BA, cum laude, Biblical Studies, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL

Experience

1988–2022: Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor of English, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA

1985–88: Assistant Professor of English, Houghton College, Houghton, NY

1982–85: Adjunct Instructor, Whitworth College, Spokane, WA

1974–2015: Instructor, Sierra Treks, Ashland, OR

Honors & Awards

2022: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by Abandoned Mine, for “A Fine Poem”

2022: Finalist, Arlin G. Meyer Prize in Imaginative Literature, Lilly Fellows Program, for Somewhere to Follow

2022: Semi-Finalist, Poetry Society of Virginia North American Book Award, for Somewhere to Follow

2020: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by Light, for “Shakespearean Candidates”

2019: Third Place, Essays Category, ForeWord Magazine 2018 Book of the Year Awards, for To Build a Trail

2018: Finalist, Fiction & Poetry Category, Banff Mountain Book Competition, for Deer at Twilight: Poems from the North Cascades

2018: Bruce and Adaline Bare Outstanding Teacher Award, Humanities, Westmont College

2016: Poet-in-Residence, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA

2016: Jane Higa Award for Academic and Co-Curricular Partnership, Westmont College

2015: Spring Creative Resident, North Cascades Institute, Diablo, WA

2015: Elected to the Chrysostom Society

2014: Autumn Artist-in-Residence, North Cascades National Park, Newhalem, WA

2011–13: Poet Laureate for the City of Santa Barbara

2009 & 2010: “Common Ground” read by Garrison Keillor on The Writer’s Almanac, National Public Radio

2009: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by Askew, for “Little Ruaha River”

2008: Artist of the Month, April, Image Update. Web.

2006: First Place, Essays Category, ForeWord Magazine 2005 Book of the Year Awards, for Bright Shoots of Everlastingness

2005: “Spokane: A Triptych” included in The Best Christian Writing 2006 (Jossey-Bass)

2004: “Spokane: A Triptych” included in The Best American Spiritual Writing 2004 (Houghton Mifflin)

2004: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by Solo, for “Minimum Wage”

2003: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by Small Poetry Press, for “Refugio”

2003: Pushcart Prize Nomination, by The DMQ Review, for “Silliman Creek”

2002: Small Poetry Press Chapbook Winner, for The Deep and Secret Color of Ice (selected by Jane Hirshfield)

1999: “The Wardrobe Wars” included in The Best Spiritual Writing 1999 (HarperSanFrancisco)

1997: Santa Barbara Arts Fund Individual Artist Award in Poetry

1997: Westmont College Faculty Research Award

1996: “Meeting Like This” included in The Best American Poetry 1996 (Scribner)

1993: Christianity Today Critics Choice Award in Fiction for The Stolen River

1992: Evangelical Press Association Fiction Award for “All the World”

Publications

Essay Collections

To Build a Trail: Essays on Curiosity, Love, and Wonder. Seattle: WordFarm, 2018.

Bright Shoots of Everlastingness: Essays on Faith and the American Wild. La Porte, IN: WordFarm, 2005.

Essays

“Poems Lost, Poems Found.” Treasures Lost, Memories Found: Essays from the Santa Barbara Fires. Ed. Melissa Marsted. Silver Dollar Press, forthcoming.

“An Art of Conducting Oneself.” Wilderness Experienced 18 Mar. 2021. Web.

“The Timeless Treasure of a Grandfather Clock.” Cresset 83.1 (2019): 53-54.

“What Shakespeare Taught Me about Ash Wednesday.” Christianity Today 6 Mar. 2019. Web.

“Piano Lessons.” Santa Monica Review 30.1 (2018): 50-51.

“How Are You, My Friend?” Saint Katherine Review 5.4 (2017): 78-81.

“Into the Wilderness.” Cresset 80.4 (2017): 55-56.

“Gumdrops.” Cresset 79.3 (2016): 49-50.

“My Date with Mary Oliver.” Books & Culture 22.2 (2016):34-35.

“Here, Mr. Hoerth.” Books & Culture 21.5 (2015): 28.

“Hitchin’ a Ride.” Cresset 78.4 (2015): 56-57.

“A Century Past ‘The Soldier.'” Books & Culture 21.3 (2015): 38.

“The Shirt on Our Backs.” Cresset 78.3 (2015): 50-51.

“Remembering Those We Forget.” Tahoma Literary Review 2 Sep. 2014. Web.

“John Muir.” Shadow & Light: Literature and the Life of Faith. 3rd ed. Ed. Darryl Tippens and Jeanne Murray Walker. Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian UP, 2013. 71.

“On Robert Herrick.” Antler 9 Feb. 2013. Web.

“An Evening with Two Palestinian Poets.” Books & Culture 19.1 (2013): 8.

“Sonnet 104.” Antler 6 Dec. 2012. Web.

“The Place.” Westmont Summer 2012: 10–14.

“Throwback: George Herbert’s ‘The Dawning.’” Antler 30 July 2012. Web.

“By Any Other Name.” Every Day Poems 21 May 2012. Web.

“In the Midst of Beauty.” Covenant Companion Nov. 2011: 27.

“Longing and Belonging.” The Covenant Home Altar 72.2 (2010): 50–53.

“Nature’s Peace.” ChristianHistory.net 24 Oct. 2009. Westmont 30.1 (2010): 13–14.

“Lesson and the Arts.” Lectionary Homiletics 20.3 (2009): 37–38, 45–46, 54–55.

“Trail Maintenance.” Cresset 70.3 (2007): 49–51.

“Lesson and the Arts.” Lectionary Homiletics: 18.3 (2007): 51–52, 59–60.

“To Build a Trail.” OE Journal 8 (2006): 18–20. Bubble 7 (2012): 35-38. Westmont 38.1 (2019): 22-29.

“Lesson and the Arts.” Lectionary Homiletics 17.6 (2006): 47–48, 56, 62–63, 69–70.

“Where Are the Leaders of Tomorrow?” Stonework 1 (2006). Web.

“Do You Want Some Company?” Cresset 68.1 (2004): 40.

“Favorite Poem: ‘ Tree,’ by Jane Hirshfield.” Christian Century 19 Oct. 2004: 11.

“Spokane: A Triptych.” Image: A Journal of the Arts & Religion 39 (2003): 97–103. The Best American Spiritual Writing 2004. Ed. Philip Zaleski. Boston: Houghton, 2004. 259–66. The Best Christian Writing 2006. Ed. John Wilson. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005. 168–177.

“Hanging by a Thread.” The Redwood Coast Review 5.4 (2003): 5–6.

“But Basney Says.” OE Journal 7 (2003): 13.

“Bright Shoots of Everlastingness.” River Teeth 3.2 (2002): 56–65.

“Development Dreams.” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment 8.1 (2001): 171–73.

“Some Thoughts on ‘All the World.’” OE 6 (2001): 23–24.

“The Wardrobe Wars.” Books & Culture 4.4 (1998): 3–4. Lamp-Post 22.4 (1999): 3–5. The Best Spiritual Writing 1999. Ed. Philip Zaleski. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1999. 310–314.

“Mountaineer.” Word Tastings. Ed. Marilyn Chandler McEntyre. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Review Publications, 1998. 71–75. Rpt. as “On Being and Becoming a Mountaineer.” OE 5 (1999): 32–33. Westmont 25.3 (2005): 10–13.

“New Seeds in California: The Contemplative Journals of John Leax.” OE 2 (1994): 37–38.

“Being ‘on’ the World.” Radix 22.3 (1994): 12.

“The Trouble with Fiction.” Other Side May 1994: 40–41.

“Barabbas.” Other Side Mar. 1991: 26–27.

“Dead Poets, Live Resistance, and the Desires of Your Heart.” La Paz Aug. 1989: 3.

“A Mountaineering Apologia.” Kodon 31.1 (1976): 3–9.

Interviews

Postma, Rose. “Red-Flowering Currant.” The Reformed Journal Podcast 18 Apr. 2023. Web.

Phinney, Nancy. “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Westmont 41.2 (2022): 34-35.

Wolfe, Gregory. “Mountains and Muses: Q&A with Paul J. Willis.” Slant Books 5 July 2021. Web.

Wilson, Dean. Good Life. GLTV 20 July 2020.

Wolfe, Gregory. “A Window of New Feeling: Q&A with Paul J. Willis.” Slant Books 13 July 2020. Web.

Bastian, Jonathan. The 805. KCRW 6 Sep. 2019.

Tanguay, Brian. “Paul J. Willis Interviewed: Westmont Professor Ponders Love and Wonder in Essay Collection.” Santa Barbara Independent 29 Aug. 2019. 45.

Wolfe, Gregory. “Paul Willis, Poet of the Wild.” The Image Podcast. Episode 7. 4 Oct. 2017. Web.

Starkey, David. “Poet Professor Paul Willis Pens New Book.” Santa Barbara Independent 22 Dec. 2016. 45.

Bunting, Joe. “Only You Can Write Your Poem.” The Write Practice 7 Oct. 2011. Web.

Crookston, Mary. “A Chat with Paul J. Willis: Santa Barbara’s New Poet Laureate on His Past, His Craft, and Community Issues.” Santa Barbara Independent 1 Apr. 2011. Web.

Phinney, Nancy. “Finding Resurrection in the Midst of Loss.” Westmont 29.4 (2009): 8.

Taylor-Schott, Beth. “Better Late: Paul Willis Publishes New Book of Poems.” Santa Barbara Independent 22.124 (2008): 82.

Mattingly, Terry. “Shadows of the Wardrobe.” Scripps Howard News Service Religion Column. 28 Mar. 2007.

Crook, Becky. “Creatures of Place: An Interview with Poet Paul Willis.” The Other Journal 8 (2006). Web.

Fike, Francis. “Dialogue: Editor and Poet.” Perspectives 12.2 (1997): 18–20.

Scholarly Articles

“Why Read Spenser at a Time Like This?” New Thoughts on Old Books: Why Read Homer, Milton, or a Medieval Nun at a Time Like This? Ed. Marilyn Chandler McEntyre and Seth C. Hawkins. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars, 2022. 56-67.

“‘He Hath Builded the Mountains’: John Muir’s God of Glaciers.” Christianity and Literature 65.3 (2016): 298-309.

“‘Now Am I in Arden’: The Power of Place in Shakespeare’s Wilderness Settings.” Selected Comedies and Late Romances of Shakespeare from a Christian Perspective. Ed. E. Beatrice Batson. Lewiston, NY: Mellen, 2002. 41–57.

“‘Tongues in Trees’: The Book of Nature in As You Like It.” Modern Language Studies 18.3 (1988): 65–74. Shakespeare Criticism. v. 69. Ed. Lynn M. Zott. Detroit: Gale, 2003.

“Sermons on Houyhnhnms.” Arts and Letters 1.2 (1987): 19–23.

“The Weight of Sin in the York Crucifixio.Leeds Studies in English ns 15 (1984): 109–16.

Book Reviews

Rev. of A Poetics of Orthodoxy: Christian Truth as Aesthetic Foundation. By Benjamin P. Meyers. Christianity and Literature 71.4 (2022): 623-626.

“Fresh Look.” Rev. of The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims’ Progress, by Mark Twain. California Review of Books 30 Apr. 2021. Web.

“New and Noteworthy Fiction.” Rev. of Mysterium, by Susan Froderberg; The Overstory, by Richard Powers; and Wendell Berry: Port William Novels & Stories: The Civil War to World War II, ed. by Jack Shoemaker. Christianity Today Sep. 2019: 75.

Rev. of Light When It Comes: Trusting Joy, Facing Darkness & Seeing God in Everything, by Chris Anderson. Ruminate 29 Aug. 2017. Web.

“A Contrarian Friendship.” Rev. of Distant Neighbors: The Selected Letters of Wendell Berry and Gary Snyder, ed. by Chad Wriglesworth. Education & Culture June 2017. Web.

“Naming & Knowing.” Rev. of Trees of Western North America, by Richard Spellenberg, Christopher J. Earle, and Gil Nelson. Books & Culture 21.6 (2015): 18-19.

Rev. of I Watched You Disappear, by Anya Krugovoy Silver; Particular Scandals, by Julie L. Moore; and The Pastor’s Wife Considers Pinball, by Nola Garrett. Christianity and Literature 64.3 (2015): 337-341.

Rev. of Happy in an Ordinary Thing, by John Ridland. Anglican Theological Review 96.2 (2014): 419-421.

“In the Forest with David Douglas.” Rev. of The Collector: David Douglas and the Natural History of the Northwest and David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work, by Jack Nisbet. Books & Culture 19.6 (2013): 41–42.

Rev. of Saint Sinatra and Other Poems, by Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, and The Garbage Eater, by Brett Foster. Christianity and Literature 62.3 (2013): 458–462.

“We Few Dreamers.” Rev. of Another World Instead: The Early Poems of William Stafford 1937–1947, ed. by Fred Marchant. Books & Culture 15.6 (2009): 22–23.

Rev. of A Pentecost of Finches: New and Selected Poems, by Robert Siegel. Christianity and Literature 58.4 (2009): 777–780.

“From Wyclif to Babel: Some First Books of Poetry.” Rev. of Babel’s Stair, by Rhoda Janzen; Motherhouse, by Kathleen Jesme; Dark Alphabet, by Jennifer Maier; Half Wild, by Mary Rose O’Reilley; and Burning Wyclif, by Thom Satterlee. Christianity and Literature 57.2 (2008): 269–280.

Rev. of Catherine Wheels, by Leif Peterson. Christianity and Literature 56.3 (2007): 539–541.

“On Foot.” Rev. of Wanderlust: A History of Walking, by Rebecca Solnit; Out Walking: Reflections on Our Place in the Natural World, by John Leax; and Poets on the Peaks: Gary Snyder, Philip Whalen, and Jack Kerouac in the North Cascades, by John Suiter. Books & Culture 8.5 (2002): 18–19.

“Radio Theater Revival.” Rev. of Child of Promise: The First Chapter of The Luke Reports and Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe (Focus on the Family Audio Dramas). Moody May 2002: 64–66.

Rev. of Polemics, by Anselm Hollo, Anne Waldman, and Jack Collom. Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment 7.2 (2000): 306–7.

“Secular Saint.” Rev. of Wallace Stegner: His Life and Work, by Jackson J. Benson. Books & Culture 4.1 (1998): 36–37.

“Twilight Zone.” Rev. of The Chess Garden, or The Twilight Letters of Gustav Uyterhoeven, by Brooks Hansen. Books & Culture 2.5 (1996): 10.

Rev. of Christian Fantasy: From 1200 to the Present, by Colin Manlove. Lamp-Post 18.2 (1994): 33–35.

Novels

All in a Garden Green. Eugene, OR: Slant, 2020.

The Alpine Tales. Seattle: WordFarm, 2010.

The Stolen River. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1992. New York: Avon, 1993.

No Clock in the Forest. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991. New York: Avon, 1993. (Adapted for the stage by John Blondell and performed Mar. 9–18, 1995, by the Westmont Classical Repertory Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA.)

Short Narratives

“Whitney at Forty: An Alzheimer’s Expedition.” Climbing Art 29 (1996): 58–61.

“Fire Man.” Image: A Journal of the Arts & Religion 10 (1995): 18–27.

“The Next Generation.” Summit Summer 1994: 26–29.

“A Rebuker Rebuked.” Moody May 1992: 22–23.

“All the World.” Other Side Jan. 1992: 20–26 (Evangelical Press Association 1992 Fiction Award). OE 6 (2001): 20–22.

“All the Way Down.” Moody Dec. 1991: 24–25.

“Lattice Bridge Road.” Houghton Milieu Jan. 1988: 3–4.

“Care to Dance?” Other Side Oct. 1986: 38–39.

“One Fine Morning.” Wind Row 3.1 (1984): 3–6.

“Epiphany at Patsy Clark’s.” Other Side Dec. 1984: 7.

“The Kahiltna Open.” Ascent: The Mountaineering Experience in Word and Image. Ed. Steve Roper and Allen Steck. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1984. 33–41. The Freshman Writer as Artist: A Reader, Rhetoric, and Stylebook. Ed. James Prothero. San Diego, CA: University Readers, 2010. 235–244.

“The Parable of the Forests.” Other Side May 1984: 34.

Anthologies

Fields, Leslie Leyland, and Paul J. Willis, eds. A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season. Westmont, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023.

Starkey, David, and Paul J. Willis, eds. In a Fine Frenzy: Poets Respond to Shakespeare. Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa Press, 2005.

Poetry Collections

Losing Streak. American Fork, UT: White Violet Press, forthcoming.

Somewhere to Follow. Eugene, OR: Slant, 2021.

Little Rhymes for Lowly Plants. American Fork, UT: White Violet Press, 2019.

Deer at Twilight: Poems from the North Cascades. Nacogdoches, TX: Stephen F. Austin State University Press, 2018.

Getting to Gardisky Lake. Nacogdoches, TX: Stephen F. Austin State University Press, 2016.

Say This Prayer into the Past. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2013.

Rosing from the Dead. Seattle, WA: WordFarm, 2009.

Visiting Home. San Antonio, TX: Pecan Grove Press, 2008.

Poetry Chapbooks

How to Get There. Georgetown, KY: Finishing Line Press, 2004.

The Deep and Secret Color of Ice. Concord, CA: Small Poetry Press, 2003.

Poison Oak. Santa Barbara, CA: Mille Grazie Press, 1999.

Genesis Poems. Santa Barbara, CA: Pretty Good Press, 1994.

Frog at Midnight. Santa Barbara, CA: Pretty Good Press, 1992.

Poems in Journals

The 55 Project, Abandoned Mine, Academic Medicine, Acorn, Alba, Amethyst Review, Anchovy Review, Ancient Paths, Anglican Theological Review, Appalachia, Archaeopteryx, Art & Theology, ARTLIFE, ArtWord Quarterly, Ascent, Askew, Asses of Parnassus, Avocet, Banyan Review, Bark, Better than Starbucks, Biola Lenten Project, Blueline, Bluepepper, Blue Unicorn, Books & Culture, Bubble, Cafe Solo, California State Poetry Quarterly, Camas, Canary, Carquinez Poetry Review, Casa, Cascade Review, Catamaran Literary Reader, Cathexis Northwest Press, Chattermarks, Christian Century, Christian Living, Christianity and Literature, Cider Press Review, Circuit Rider, Clackamas Literary Review, Climbing Art, Cloudbank, Cold Mountain Review, Comstock Review, Condor Call, Conversations, Cotyledon, Covenant Companion, Cresset, Curator, Deep Wild, DMQ Review, Dream International Quarterly, Earth Letter, Earthlight, EcoTheo Review, Edge City Review, Ekphrasis, Ekstasis, English Journal, Event Horizon, Every Day Poems, Explorations, Fare Forward, First Things, Forbidden Peak Press, Friends Journal, Friends of English, Friends of William Stafford, From the Ashes, Green Fuse, Hawaii Pacific Review, Hummingbird, Iambs & Trochees, In the Grove, Inklings, Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, Into the Teeth of the Wind, JuxtaProse, Kentucky Review, Kerf, Kinesis, King Log, La Paz, Lamp-Post, Leaping Clear, Letters, Light, Lighten Up, Literature and Belief, Literature Today, Los Angeles Review, Louisville Review, Lucid Stone, Lyric, Magical Teaching, Manzanita, Mars Hill Review, The Matthew’s House Project, Mediphors, Miramar, Mobius, New Song, Nine Cloud Journal, Noon, North Central Review, Nourish, Oak, OE Journal, Open Spaces, The Other Journal, Packinghouse Review, PeaceLines, Penwood Review, Perspectives, Petroglyph, Phantasm, Phase and Cycle, Phoenix, Pilgrimage, Pinyon Review, Poems for Ephesians, Poetry, Poetry Depth Quarterly, Poetry Moment, Poets On:, Potato Eyes, Presbyterian Record, Presence, Rabid Oak, Radix, Raintown Review, Red Rock Review, Reflections, Reformed Journal, Relief, Rivertalk, Road Not Taken, Rock & Sling, Rolling Coulter, Ruminate, Sage Trail, Saint Katherine Review, Salt, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara Literary Journal, Santa Barbara Magazine, Santa Barbara News-Press, Santa Barbara Review, Santa Barbara Seasons, Santa Fe Literary Review, Santa Maria Sun, Sehnsucht, Semi-Dwarf Review, Sidney Newsletter and Journal, Sierra Nevada College Review, Sierra Heritage, Slant, Snowy Egret, Solo, Solo Novo, Soundings Review, South Coast Poetry Journal, Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, Spectrum, Spillway, Spiritus, SPMS&H, Suisun Valley Review, Sunstone, Tahoma Literary Review, TAPJoE, Teleios, Terrene, Time of Singing, Triggerfish Critical Review, Troubadour, Tucumcari Literary Review, Turtle Island Quarterly, Uprising, U.S. Catholic, Ventura Star, Verse Daily, Verve, Vineyards, Voices de la Luna, Weber, Weber Studies, West Wind Review, Westmont, Westmont Campus Biodiversity, Whale Road Review, Wild Duck Review, Wilderness, Willawaw, Windfall, Windhover, Writer’s Almanac, Written River, You Are Here, Zocalo Public Square.

Poems in Anthologies and Textbooks

Best of Light. Ed. Melissa Balmain. Forthcoming.

25 Poems for People Who Don’t Read Poetry. Ed. Jasen Chistensen and Robert Grant. Albuquerque, NM: Abandoned Mine, forthcoming.

We Are All God’s Poems: An Anthology of Hope. Ed. Shann Ray. Forthcoming.

Thin Spaces and Sacred Places. Ed. Sarah Law. Amethyst Press, forthcoming.

The Power of the Feminine I: Poems from the Female Perspective, Vol. 1. Ed. Donna Biffar and Christal Ann Rice Cooper. ThreshPress Midwest, 2024.

Ecoflourishing and Virtue: Christian Perspectives across the Disciplines. Ed. Steven Bouma-Prediger and Nathan P. Carson. London and New York: Routledge, 2024.

Out of the Ground: Poems Inspired by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Ed. David Starkey and Chryss Yost. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2023.

Solo Voyage. Ed. Marsha de la O et al. Solo Press, 2023.

Taking Root in the Heart. Ed. Jill Pelaez Baumgaertner. Orleans, MA: Paraclete Press, 2023.

43 Poems for People Who Don’t Read Poetry. Ed. Jasen Chistensen and Robert Grant (Albuquerque, NM: Abandoned Mine, 2023).

Big Enough for Words: Poems and Vintage Photographs from California’s Central Coast. Ed. Chryss Yost et al. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2021. Web.

While You Wait. Ed. Laure-Anne Bosselaar. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2021.

Final Exam. Ed. Barry Koops. Laguna Beach, CA: Brooks Street Books, 2020.

Awake in the World. Vol. 2. Ed. Daniel J. Rice. Bemidji, MN: Riverfeet Press, 2019.

Psalms of Cinder and Silt. Ed. Mary Kay Rummel et al. Carpinteria, CA: Solo Press, 2019.

Moving Forward, Looking Back: Poems Celebrating Nature. Ed. Luke J. Swetland. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2018.

Adam, Eve, & the Riders of the Apocalypse. Ed. D. S. Martin. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2017.

To Give Life a Shape: Poems Inspired by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Ed. David Starkey and Chryss Yost. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2017.

Library Book: Writers on Libraries. Ed. Steven Gilbar. Santa Barbara, CA: Kieran Publishing, 2017.

The Barricades of Heaven: A Literary Field Guide to Orange County, California. Ed. Lisa Alvarez and Andrew Tonkovich. Berkeley, CA: Heyday Books, 2017.

The Turning Aside: The Kingdom Poets Book of Contemporary Christian Poetry. Ed. D. S. Martin. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2016.

What Breathes Us: Santa Barbara Poets Laureate 2005-2015. Ed. David Starkey. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2016.

Between Midnight and Dawn: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Lent, Holy Week, and Eastertide. Ed. Sarah Arthur. Orleans, MA: Paraclete Press, 2016.

Barbizon, Realism, and Impressionism in France. Ed. Judy L. Larson. Santa Barbara, CA: Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, 2016.

How to Write a Poem. Ed. Tania Runyan. Ossining, NY: T. S. Poetry Press, 2015.

Buzz: Poets Respond to SWARM. Ed. Nancy Gifford and Chryss Yost. Santa Barbara, CA: Gunpowder Press, 2014.

Corners of the Mouth: A Celebration of Thirty Years at the Annual San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival. Ed. Kevin Patrick Sullivan and Patti Sullivan. San Luis Obispo, CA: Deer Tree Press, 2014.

Light upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Ed. Sarah Arthur. Orleans, MA: Paraclete Press, 2014.

A Ritual to Read Together: Poems in Conversation with William Stafford. Ed. Becca J. R. Lachman. Topeka, KS: Woodley Press, 2014.

Creative Writing: An Introduction to Poetry and Fiction. Ed. David Starkey. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013.

Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief. 2nd ed. Ed. David Starkey. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013.

Gratitude Prayers: Prayers, Poems & Prose for Everyday Thankfulness. Ed. June Cotner. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McNeel, 2013.

An Even Dozen. Ed. Frank Goss and Barry Spacks. Santa Barbara, CA: Sullivan Goss, 2013.

Acceptable Words: Prayers for Writers. Ed. Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012.

One for the Money: The Sentence as a Poetic Form. Ed. Christopher Buckley and Gary Young. Spokane, WA: Lynx House Press, 2012.

Imago Dei: Poems from Christianity and Literature Ed. Jill Baumgaertner. Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian UP, 2012.

From Glory to Glory: An Anthology by Poetry in the Cathedral. Ed. Christopher Carstens. San Diego: Poetry in the Cathedral, 2012.

At the Still Point: A Literary Guide to Prayer in Ordinary Time. Ed. Sarah Arthur. Orleans, MA: Paraclete Press, 2011.

Remembering the Future: A Collection of Essays, Interviews, and Poetry at the Intersection of Theology and Culture—The Other Journal 2004–2007. Ed. Chris Keller and Andrew David. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2009.

Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief. Ed. David Starkey. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009.

Dog Blessings. Ed. June Cotner. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2008. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2017.

Rough Places Plain: Poems of the Mountains. Ed. Margot Wizansky. Dartmouth, MA: Salt Marsh Pottery Press, 2005.

Imagine a World: Poetry for Peacemakers. Ed. Peggy Rosenthal. Erie, PA: Pax Christi USA, 2005.

Tree Magic: Nature’s Antennas. Ed. Jackie Hofer. Longmont, CO: Sunshine Press, 2005. CD.

Mercy of Tides: Poems for a Beach House. Ed. Margot Wizansky. Dartmouth, MA: Salt Marsh Pottery Press, 2003.

So Luminous the Wildflowers: An Anthology of California Poets. Ed. Paul Suntup. Huntington Beach, CA: Tebot Bach, 2003.

Glass Work: Art Glass, Windows, Marbles, Bottles, and Jars. Ed. Jennifer Bosveld. Johnstown, OH: Pudding House Publications, 2003.

Fresh Water: Poems from the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. Ed. Jennifer Bosveld. Johnstown, OH: Pudding House Publications, 2002.

A Christmas Collection. Ed. Gay Baines and Mary Ann Eichelberger. Buffalo, NY: July Literary Press, 2001.

Grrrrr: A Collection of Poems about Bears. Ed. Carolyn B. Follett. Sausalito, CA: Arctos Press, 2000.

And What Rough Beast: Poems at the End of the Century. Ed. Robert McGovern and Stephen Haven. Ashland, OH: Ashland Poetry Press, 1999.

Beyond the Valley of the Contemporary Poets. Ed. Robert Arroyo, Jr., Brendan Constantine, and Robert Wynne. Woodland Hills, CA: Valley Contemporary Poets, 1999.

The Practice of Peace. Ed. Judith Rafaela and Nancy Fay. Santa Fe, NM: Sherman Asher, 1998.

Of Frogs and Toads: Poems and Short Prose Featuring Amphibians. Ed. Jill Carpenter. Sewanee, TN: Ione Press, 1998.

Wild Song: Poems of the Natural World. Ed. John Daniel. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 1998.

Where Icarus Falls. Ed. Marilyn Chandler McEntyre. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Review Publications, 1998.

The Best American Poetry 1996. Ed. Adrienne Rich. New York: Scribner, 1996.

The Soul Unearthed: Celebrating Wildness and Personal Transformation Through Nature. Ed. Cass Adams. New York: Putnam, 1996.

The Flutes of Power: Poetics of the Wild. Ed. Walt Franklin. Rexville, NY: Great Elm Press, 1995.

Witnessing Earth: Poems of Nature and the Sacred. Ed. Georgette Perry. Huntsville, AL: Catamount Press, 1994.

Reviews of Publications

No Clock in the Forest

Bookstore Journal Feb. 1991: 148.

“Editors’ Choice.” The Other Side May–Jun. 1991: 43.

“Alpine Adventure.” Moody Jul./Aug. 1991: 42.

Schoenkopf, Rebecca. “A Mighty Forest Is Our God.” Santa Barbara Independent 12 Sep. 1991: 34–35.

Lauer, Jonathan. “Popular Fiction for the Faithful.” Library Journal 1 Nov. 1991: 65–68.

Winkler, Andrea. “Sure and Deft Sense of Faerie.” SFRA Newsletter 192 (1991): 80–81.

Olson, Enid. Lutheran Libraries Spring 1992: 41.

Mazel, David. The Climbing Art 25 (1993) or 26 (1994).

Hart, John. “Tales of the Mountain-Drawn: Fantasy Novels for Questing into the Other World.” Summit Fall 1994: 72–74.

Prothero, James. The Lamp-Post: A Literary Review of Lewis Studies 18.4 (1994): 36–37.

Foreman, Dave. Books of the Big Outside Fall 1995: 31.

C., Elizabeth. Extensive Reading 28 July 2008. Web.

The Stolen River

Hart, John. “Tales of the Mountain-Drawn: Fantasy Novels for Questing into the Other World.” Summit Fall 1994: 72–74.

Prothero, James. The Lamp-Post: A Literary Review of Lewis Studies 18.4 (1994): 36–37.

Frog at Midnight

Jolliff, William. Phase and Cycle 8.2 (1995): 42–43.

The Deep and Secret Color of Ice

Williams, M. L. Solo 7 (2004): 151–152.

How to Get There

Sarracino, Carmine. Prairie Schooner 80.1 (2006): 209–211.

In a Fine Frenzy: Poets Respond to Shakespeare

Spacks, Barry. “21st-Century Shakespeare.” Santa Barbara Independent 8 Sep. 2005: 71.

Rolens, Lin. “Poets and the Bard: A Mixed Lot.” Santa Barbara News-Press 18 Dec. 2005: D5+.

Shillock, Larry T. The Bloomsbury Review Mar./Apr. 2006: 9.

Cassidy, Mary LeDonne. Magill’s Literary Annual 2006. 374–377.

Innes, Charlotte. Poetry International 11 (2007): 173–175.

Bright Shoots of Everlastingness: Essays on Faith and the American Wild

Image Update 92 (2006). Web.

Rolens, Lin. “Surprising Pleasures and Lessons.” Santa Barbara News-Press 19 Feb. 2006: D5+.

Christman, Phil, Jr. The Banner Jan. 2007.

Out Walking Aug. 2007. Web.

Withrow, Mindy. mindywithrow.com 15 May 2009.

Visiting Home

Image Update 153 (2008). Web.

Selles, Otto. The Banner Nov. 2008.

Tyler, Anthony O. Blueline 30 (2009): 126–127.

Struloeff, John. Christianity and Literature 58.4 (2009): 790–795.

Rosing from the Dead

Wilson, John. “Stranger in a Strange Land.” Books & Culture 16.1 (2010): 5.

Smith, Chris. “A Story of Mystery, Much Larger Than We Are.” Englewood Review of Books 3.23 (2010). Web.

Image Update 202 (2010). Web.

Cranston, Pamela. Anglican Theological Review 92.4 (2010): 872–73.

Potter, Eric. The Quad 3.3 (2010): 15–16.

Wheeler, Shanna Powlus. Christianity and Literature 61.1 (2011): 158–62.

DeCanio, Carol. “A Gift for Giving.” Casa 23 Dec. 2011: 5.

Wilson, John. “The Rose of Sharon.” First Things 10 Jan. 2020. Web.

Garrison, Jeff. The Pulpit and the Pen 11 June 2020. Web.

The Alpine Tales

Neds-Fox, Joshua. “Love of Nature and Love of Language.” Englewood Review of Books 4.8.5 (2011). Web.

Siegel, Robert. “The Brush of a Wing.” Books & Culture 17.3 (2011): 20–21.

Wilson, John. “Wilson’s Bookmarks.” Christianity Today May 2011: 76.

Image Update 225 (2011). Web.

WashingtonState Winter 2011/12: 55.

Walker, Jeanne Murray. Christianity and Literature 62.3 (2013): 470–474.

Say This Prayer into the Past

DeCanio, Carol. “What Passes Through.” Casa 8 November 2013: 7.

Zoutendam, Philip. “Fishing for Poems.” Englewood Review of Books 18 Apr. 2014. Web.

Getting to Gardisky Lake

Martin, D. S. Kingdom Poets 23 Jan. 2017. Web.

Anderson, Paul. “Uncontainable Poems.” Image Update 28 Jan. 2017. Web.

McNutt, Donald J. Blueline 38 (2017): 155-61.

Munro, Rita. Ruminate 21 Dec. 2017. Web.

Maddox, Marjorie. “Poetry Grounded in Place.” Christian Century 3 Jan. 2018: 41-43.

Gardner, Thomas. Anglican Theological Review 100.4 (2018): 860-862.

Bilbro, Jeffrey. Christianity and Literature 68.2 (2019): 340-44.

Deer at Twilight: Poems from the North Cascades

Phillips, Rebecca. Washington State Fall 2018: 40.

Pruis, Sarah. Image Update 18 Oct. 2018. Web.

McCann, Janet. Christianity & Literature 69.4 (2020): 591-594.

To Build a Trail: Essays on Curiosity, Love & Wonder

Wilson, John. “Art Rethought.” First Things 31 Aug. 2018. Web.

Little Rhymes for Lowly Plants

Martin, D. S. Kingdom Poets 4 Mar. 2019. Web.

McMahon, Marilyn. “Plant Poetry.” Santa Barbara News-Press 23 Mar. 2019: A6.

Willome, Megan. “Reader, Come Home.” Tweetspeak 5 Apr. 2019. Web.

McCann, Janet. Christianity & Literature 69.4 (2020): 591-594.

All in a Garden Green

Touhey, John. “Novel Takes Teens to a Time When Catholics Were Persecuted.” Aleteia 19 Sep. 2023. Web.

Somewhere to Follow

Young, Glynn. “Paul Willis and the Sense of the Sacred.” Tweetspeak 13 July 2021. Web.

Komara, Edward. Blueline 43 (2022): 156-158.

Bennion, Mark D. Christianity & Literature 71.4 (2022): 620-623.

Moore, T. M. “Knowing God Through Well-Crafted Words.” Englewood Review of Books 8 Mar. 2023. Web.

Davis, Brad. Presence 2023: 185-186.

Presentations

Papers

“Poems from the Pacific Wild: Mountains and Rivers That Just Might End.” Western Regional Conference on Christianity and Literature. Biola University, La Mirada, CA. 8 Apr. 2022.

“What’s a Laureate to Do? Writing to and for Community.” Western Regional Conference on Christianity and Literature. Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. 17 May 2013.

“‘He Hath Builded the Mountains’: John Muir’s God of Glaciers.” Christian Scholars Conference. Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. 17 June 2011.

“Ophelia, You’re Breaking Our Heart: The American Appeal of Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroine.” Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Lecture. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 7 Mar. 2005.

“Ophelia in Ekphrasis: Contemporary American Poets and Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroine.” Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature. Santa Barbara, CA. 22 Jan. 2005.

“On Reading The Faerie Queene Entire.” Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature. Abilene, TX. 1 Oct. 1999.

“David James Duncan and the Impulse of Community.” Festival of Faith and Writing. Grand Rapids, MI. 6 Apr. 1998.

“On Being and Becoming a Mountaineer.” North American Interdisciplinary Conference on Environment and Community. Reno, NV. 19 Feb. 1998.

“‘These Trees Shall Be My Books’: Marring the Text in the Forest of Arden.” Wheaton Shakespeare Institute. Wheaton, IL. 31 May 1996.

“New Seeds in California: The Contemplative Journals of John Leax.” Christian Writers and Their Communities. Grand Rapids, MI. 22 Apr. 1994.

“Chaparral Wordsworth: Feeling Our Oats in the San Rafael Wilderness.” Second North American Interdisciplinary Wilderness Conference. Ogden, UT. 9 Feb. 1990.

“Power of Place in Shakespeare’s Wilderness Settings.” First North American Interdisciplinary Wilderness Conference. Ogden, UT. 10 Feb. 1989.

“Confessions of an Evangelical Reader.” Midwest Conference on Christianity and Literature. Grand Rapids, MI. 16 Oct. 1987.

“The Book of Nature in As You Like It.” Southwest Regional Conference on Christianity and Literature. La Mirada, CA. 7 June 1985.

“Marvell’s ‘Appleton House’: Art and Nature in Sly Debate.” Pacific Northwest Renaissance Conference. Edmonton. 26 Mar. 1983.

Readings and Recordings

Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK (with David Starkey). 13 Oct. 2023.

Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK (with David Starkey). 12 Oct. 2023.

Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK (with David Starkey). 10 Oct. 2023.

Edinburgh Writers Club, Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh, UK (with David Starkey). 9 Oct. 2023.

St. Mungo’s Mirrorball, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow, UK (with David Starkey). 6 Oct. 2023.

University of Worcester, Worcester, UK (with David Starkey). 4 Oct. 2023.

Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK (with David Starkey). 3 Oct. 2023.

London School of Economics, London, UK (with David Starkey). 2 Oct. 2023.

Milwaukie Poetry Series, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR. 12 July 2023.

Westmont College Chapel, Santa Barbara, CA. 17 Apr. 2023.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, CA (with Gudrun Bortman, Mary Brown, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, and Emma Trelles). 8 Apr. 2023.

Seven and One Books, Abilene, TX. 2 Apr. 2023.

Chrysostom Society. Laity Lodge, Leakey, TX. 31 Mar. 2023.

Liberal Arts in the Age of Climate Change. Gaede Institute, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 3 Mar. 2023.

Music & Poetry Cafe. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 19 Nov. 2022.

Hollister House, Hollister Ranch, CA. 22 Oct. 2022.

PCOM Podcast. Presbyterian Church of the Master, Mission Viejo, CA. 7 June 2022.

Chrysostom Society. Laity Lodge, Leakey, TX. 30 Apr. 2022.

Santa Barbara Poets Laureate Night. Chaucer’s Books, Santa Barbara, CA. 21 Apr. 2022.

E. P. Foster Library, Ventura, CA. 17 Feb. 2022. Zoom.

Gordon in Orvieto. Convent of Santa Maria dei Servi, Orvieto, Italy. 15 Nov. 2021.

Chaucer’s Books (with David Starkey), Santa Barbara, CA. 5 Oct. 2021. YouTube.

Westmont College (with Simeon Michelson and Abigail Pak), Santa Barbara, CA. 2 Sep. 2021.

Poetry for Pandemics. 29 Sep. 2020. YouTube.

Holiday Memories. Center Stage Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 & 12 Dec. 2019.

Westmont Downtown. University Club, Santa Barbara, CA. 15 Oct. 2019.

September 11 Concert (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost). Santa Barbara Sister Cities Board, Santa Barbara Public Library, Santa Barbara, CA. 11 Sep. 2019.

E. P. Foster Library, Ventura, CA. 5 Sep. 2019.

Blue Whale Poetry Series (with Kevin Patrick Sullivan). Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, CA. 21 July 2019.

Poetry by the Sea (with Caron Perkal and Ruby Simpkins). United Methodist Church, Malibu, CA. 23 June 2019.

The Creative Community. TVSB, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 June 2019.

Chaucer’s Books (with Laure-Anne Bosselaar), Santa Barbara, CA. 17 Apr. 2017.

Personal Stories. Center Stage Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 & 27 Feb. 2019.

E. P. Foster Library, Ventura, CA. 6 Dec. 2018.

San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival (with Mira Rosenthal and Hiram Sims). San Luis Obispo Public Library, San Luis Obispo, CA. 17 Nov. 2018.

Nature of Writing Series. Village Books, Bellingham, WA. 29 Sep. 2018.

Edmonds Bookshop, Edmonds, WA. 29 Sep. 2018.

Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA. 27 Sep. 2018.

Live from the CORE (with Garland Thompson). CORE Winery, Orcutt, CA. 8 Sep. 2018.

To Build a Trail (with Gabe Grabowski and Emily Mata). Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 4 Sep. 2018.

Sadako Peace Ceremony. Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 Aug. 2018.

Tread Softly Festival (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Sligo City Hall, Co. Sligo, Ireland. 26 July 2018.

Ó Bhéal Group (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Long Valley Bar, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland. 23 July 2018.

Modwords (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms, Waterford, Co. Waterford, Ireland. 22 July 2018.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland. 21 July 2018.

Fermanagh Writers (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Blakes of the Hollow Pub, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. 19 July 2018.

Earagail Arts Festival (with David Starkey and Chryss Yost), Florence Food Co., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland. 17 July 2018.

Tuesday Poets (with Daniel Thomas). Santa Barbara Public Library, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 July 2018.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (with Steve Braff and David Starkey), Santa Barbara, CA. 2 June 2018.

Chrysostom Society. Laity Lodge, Leakey, TX. 29 Apr. 2018.

Corners of the Mouth (with Michael McLaughlin). Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obisbo, CA. 17 Sep. 2017.

The Lives of Statues (with Enid Osborn and David Starkey). La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 Sep. 2017.

The Best of Westmont. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 Aug. 2017.

Montecito Rotary Club. Montecito Wine Bistro, Santa Barbara, CA. 13 June 2017.

E.P. Foster Library, Ventura, CA. 25 May 2017.

Chrysostom Society. Laity Lodge, Leakey, TX. 12 May 2017.

Bibliocracy Radio. KPFK, Los Angeles, CA. 4 Apr. 2017.

Famous (with Naomi Shihab Nye). Preservation Hall, Racine, WI. 25 Mar. 2017.

Liberal Arts for a Fragile Planet (with Kristin George Bagdanov). Gaede Institute, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 23 Mar. 2017.

Literary Gumbo. SBTV, Santa Barbara, CA. 8 Mar. 2017.

Orange County: A Literary Field Guide (with Chris Davidson and Mitsuye Yamada). Cypress Library, Cypress, CA. 5 Mar. 2017.

Getting to Gardisky Lake. Kerrwood Hall. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 11 Jan. 2017.

Poet Laureate Capstone Reading (with Perie Longo, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, David Starkey, and Chryss Yost). Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA. 13 Dec. 2016.

Lowell Thomas Awards Dinner. The Explorers Club, Santa Barbara, CA. 15 Oct. 2016.

Poetry of Nature (with Jodie Hollander and Teddy Macker). Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA. 2 Oct. 2016.

Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society, UCSB Sedgwick Reserve, Santa Ynez, CA. 23 Apr. 2016

North Cascades Institute, North Cascades National Park Headquarters, Sedro-Woolley, WA. 3 June 2015.

North Cascades Institute, Environmental Learning Center, Diablo, WA. 29 May 2015.

Poetry in the Galleries. Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 16 Apr. 2015.

Literature Symposium. College of Creative Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara. 15 Apr. 2015.

Chrysostom Society (with Sara Zarr). Laity Lodge, Leakey, TX. 30 Jan. 2015.

Arcade at the Carnegie Poetry Series (with Mary Kay Rummel). Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard, CA. 17 Jan. 2015.

Montecito Poetry Club. Montecito Public Library, Santa Barbara, CA. 4 Dec. 2014.

Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara, CA. 3 Dec. 2014.

Requiem for the Bibliophile. Museum of Contemporary Art, Santa Barbara, CA. 21 Nov. 2014.

Seattle University, Seattle, WA. 8 Oct. 2014.

North Cascades National Park Headquarters, Sedro-Woolley, WA. 7 Oct. 2014.

Harvester Island Wilderness Workshop. Kodiak, AK. 1 Sep. 2014.

Poets on the Edge (with Rosemary Wilvert). Los Osos Public Library, Los Osos, CA. 24 Apr. 2014.

Dallas Baptist University, Dallas TX. 5 Apr. 2014.

Westmont Alumni Reading (with Hannah Faith Notess). Green Bean Coffeehouse, Seattle, WA. 1 Mar. 2014.

Corners of the Mouth Series (with Don Wallis). Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA. 19 Jan. 2014.

Surprised by Shakespeare: Pop-Up Performances (with David Starkey).  Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara, CA.  9 Jan. 2014.

Writers’ Café. KCSB, Santa Barbara, CA. 24 Dec. 2013.

E.P. Foster Library, Ventura, CA. 12 Dec. 2013.

Westmont College (with Riley Hall and Katie Shara). Santa Barbara, CA. 21 Nov. 2013.

Granada Books, Santa Barbara, CA. 20 Nov. 2013.

Laureate Lollapalooza! Art City, Ventura, CA. 28 Sep. 2013.

Literary Gumbo TV. Santa Barbara, CA. 11 Sep. 2013.

Sadako Peace Ceremony. Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 Aug. 2013.

Santa Barbara Poet Laureates (with Barry Spacks, Perie Longo, David Starkey, and Chryss Yost). Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA. 19 Apr. 2013.

Library Radio. KCSB, Santa Barbara, CA. 1 Apr. 2013.

Santa Barbara Laureates (with Barry Spacks, Perie Longo, and David Starkey). Vista del Monte Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA. 7 Nov. 2012.

75th Anniversary Gala. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 26 Oct. 2012.

Peter Meller Exhibit. Jane Deering Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 Sep. 2012.

Sadako Peace Ceremony. Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 Aug. 2012.

California Poet Laureates. Benicia, CA. 5 Aug. 2012.

The Creative Community. TVSB, Santa Barbara, CA. 3 July 2012.

Poetry in the Cathedral. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, San Diego, CA. 9 June 2012.

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hastings, MI. 18 Apr. 2012.

Westmont Downtown. University Club, Santa Barbara, CA. 12 Apr. 2012.

California Native Plant Society. San Diego, CA. 12 Jan. 2012.

St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara, CA. 14 Dec. 2011.

Santa Barbara Poetry Series (with Jeff Aflier, Dorothy Barresi, and Frances Pettey Davis). Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara, CA. 12 Nov. 2011.

Grace Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara, CA. 30 Oct. 2011.

Clunie House, San Francisco, CA. 2 Oct. 2011.

Simpson University, Redding, CA. 29–30 Sep. 2011.

The Mission Poetry Series (with Carol DeCanio and Mary Natwick). Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA. 24 Sep. 2011.

The Poetry Zone. Karpeles Manuscript Museum, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 Sep. 2011.

Santa Barbara Poet Laureates (with Perie Longo, Barry Spacks, and David Starkey). Vista del Monte Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA. 29 June 2011.

The Creative Community. KCTV, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 May 2011.

Monthly Poems on KDB Radio, Santa Barbara, CA. Apr. 2011 to Apr. 2013.

Jean and Louis Janzen Visiting Writers Series. Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA. 14 Mar. 2011.

Windhover Writers Festival. University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, TX. 18 Feb. 2011.

George Fox University, Newberg, OR. 4 Nov. 2010.

Concordia University, Irvine, CA. 12 Oct. 2010.

Providence Hall, Santa Barbara, CA. 6 Oct. 2010.

Missouri State Poetry Society. Wallace House, Cuba, MO. 24 Sep. 2010.

Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series. Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO. 23 Sep. 2010.

Ruminate Benefit Reading (with Chris Ransick). The Bookery Nook, Denver, CO. 21 Aug. 2010.

Friends of William Stafford (with Lex Runciman). Portland, OR. 27 June 2010.

Corners of the Mouth Series (with Lisa Coffman). Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA. 16 May 2010.

Writing in the Intersections (with Debra Rienstra). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 16 Apr. 2010.

The Creative Community. KCTV, Santa Barbara, CA. 14 Jan. 2010.

Westmont College (with Shannon Hickey). Santa Barbara, CA. 18 Nov. 2009.

Corners of the Mouth Series (with George Burns). Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA. 21 June 2009.

Harding University, Searcy, AR. 26 Mar. 2009.

Santa Barbara City College (with Diana Raab). Santa Barbara, CA. 28 Feb. 2009.

Santa Barbara Poetry Series (with Rebecca Foust). Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara, CA. 4 Oct. 2008.

Looking Glass Bookstore, Portland, OR. 22 July 2008.

Wildling Art Museum, Los Olivos, CA. 1 June 2008.

Festival of Faith and Writing (with Thom Satterlee). Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 18 Apr. 2008.

Poetry Zone (with Suzanne Frost). Karpeles Manuscript Museum, Santa Barbara, CA. 8 Mar. 2008

Poetry, Science, Spirit (with Maria Melendez). California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA. 19 September 2007.

Poetry & the Voice of the Earth (group reading). Ojai Poetry Festival. Libbey Bowl, Ojai, CA. 19 May 2007.

Poems of Love, Worldly and Spiritual, Intimate and for the Planet (group reading). Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara, CA. 29 Apr. 2007.

Making Literature (with Sven Birkerts and Judith Kitchen). Undergraduate Conference on Literature and Writing. Taylor University, Upland, IN. 15 Feb. 2007.

Remembering William Stafford: A Community Reading (with Perie Longo and Jackson Wheeler). Los Prietos Ranger Station, Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest, CA. 27 Jan. 2007.

Spoken Word Salon (with Tim Pompey). Zoey’s Café, Ventura, CA. 16 November 2006.

Live from Abilene: Proceedings of the Trilateral Poetry Commission (with Jill Baumgaertner and Anna Stepanek). Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature & Inscription. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX. 28 Sep. 2006.

Eccentric Moon Poetry Series (with Theresa Antonia). Tujunga, CA. 15 Sep. 2006.

Eight Santa Barbara Poets. Santa Barbara, CA: Skillful Media, 2006. CD.

Basney Memorial Reading (with John Leax). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 20 Apr. 2006.

Wildling Art Museum, Los Olivos, CA. 31 July 2005.

“‘Visiting Home’ and Other Poems of Belonging” (with Marilyn Chandler McEntyre). Cloud of Witnesses. Vol. 8. Princeton Theological Seminary, 2005. CD.

Arcade at the Carnegie Poetry Series (with Elena Karina Byrne). Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard, CA. 18 June 2005.

The Creative Community. KCTV, Santa Barbara, CA. 26 May 2005.

Clark Community College, Vancouver, WA. 17 May 2005.

Southwest Oregon Community College, Coos Bay, OR. 12 May 2005.

College of the Redwoods Reading Series. Del Norte County Public Library, Crescent City, CA. 10 May 2005.

Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX. 15 Mar. 2005.

Santa Barbara Poetry Series (with Vail Dinkins). Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 Jan. 2005.

Presidential Scholars Dinner. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 Nov. 2004.

Butterflies Alive! (with Lois Klein, Enid Osborn, Barry Spacks, David Starkey, and Chryss Yost). Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Santa Barbara, CA. 22 July 2004.

Basney Memorial Reading (with Jill Baumgaertner, Jean Janzen, John Leax, and Luci Shaw). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 23 Apr. 2004.

“Poems for the Life of the Mind.” Phi Kappa Phi Banquet. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 27 Mar. 2004.

Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA. 25 Mar. 2004.

Out of Our Minds (with J. P. Dancing Bear). KKUP Radio, Santa Clara, CA. 16 July 2003.

“Contemporary Poems in Response to Shakespeare: Reading from a New Anthology.” The Shakespeare Institute. Wheaton, IL. 6 June 2003.

Valona Deli Poetry Series (with Zack Rogow). Crockett, CA. 11 May 2003.

The Deep and Secret Color of Ice. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 8 Apr. 2003.

Jojo’s Café Series (with Chryss Yost). Santa Barbara, CA. 3 Mar. 2003.

Earth Day Reading. Houghton College, Houghton, NY. 23 Apr. 2002.

Basney Memorial Reading (with John Leax). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 18 Apr. 2002.

Conference on Christianity and Literature. Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. 15 Mar. 2002.

Convocation: A Response of the Arts to 9/11. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 22 Feb. 2002.

Verses from the Wild (with Bob Isaacson). Wildling Art Museum, Los Olivos, CA. 9 Mar. 2001.

Bethel College, St. Paul, MN. 10 Feb. 2001.

Arcade at the Carnegie Poetry Series (with Catherine Hodges). Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard, CA. 11 Nov. 2000.

Image Conference on Art and the Spiritual Ecology of Place. Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA. 20 Oct. 2000.

Santa Barbara News-Press Book and Author Festival. Casa de la Guerra, Santa Barbara, CA. 23 Sep. 2000.

Conference on Christianity, Sport, Leisure and Wellness. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 3 Jun. 2000.

Santa Barbara Poetry Series (with Lorna Dee Cervantes). Center Stage Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA. 20 Nov. 1999.

San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival. Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA. 17 Nov. 1999.

Arcade Poetry Series. The Daily Grind, Ventura, CA. 13 Nov. 1999.

Convocation. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 13 Oct. 1999.

Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX. 2 Oct. 1999.

Samarkand Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA. 15 & 17 Jun. 1999.

Five Poets from The Santa Barbara Review. The Daily Grind, Ventura, CA. 17 Nov. 1998.

The Valley Contemporary Poets Series (with Bruce Williams). Glendale Federal Bank, Canoga Park, CA. 15 Nov. 1998

College of Creative Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara. 16 Jul. 1998.

Arcade Poetry Series. The Performance Studio, Ventura, CA. 13 Sep. 1997.

Santa Barbara Arts Fund Individual Artist Awards in Poetry (with Lynn Dubinsky). Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara, CA. 13 Mar. 1997.

Convocation. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 10 Jan. 1997.

Best American Poetry 1996. Dutton’s Bookstore, Brentwood, CA. 3 Oct. 1996.

Best American Poetry 1996 (with Frank Gaspar and Ramon Garcia). Midnight Special Bookstore, Santa Monica, CA. 22 Sep. 1996.

Corners of the Mouth Series. Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA. 15 Sep. 1996.

Transfer Student Orientation. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 23 Aug. 1996.

Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Ventura, CA. 25 Jun. 1996.

“The Musician in the Chamber.” Western Regional Conference on Christianity and Literature. Santa Barbara, CA. 16 Jun. 1996.

Spring Reading (with Jean Janzen). Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 14 Mar. 1996.

“California Mountain Poems.” Seventh North American Interdisciplinary Wilderness Conference. University of Nevada, Reno. 1 Mar. 1996.

Writers & Artists Connection (with Jackson Wheeler). KCTV, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 Jul. 1995.

Connected to the World: Ventura Poetry Festival. Great Pacific Iron Works, Ventura, CA. 8 Jun. 1994.

Arcade Poetry Series. The Performance Studio, Ventura, CA. 8 Jan. 1994.

Only the Soil. Cabrillo Pavillion Arts Center, Santa Barbara, CA. 13 Apr. 1993.

A Short Reprieve: Westmont in the Village. Montecito Hall, Santa Barbara, CA. 22 Feb. 1993.

Santa Barbara Writers’ Consortium. Earthling Bookshop, Santa Barbara, CA. 21 Dec. 1992.

Santa Barbara Writers’ Consortium. Earthling Bookshop, Santa Barbara, CA. 27 Jul. 1992.

Word Pictures: Scenes of the County. El Montecito Presbyterian Church, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 Oct. 1991.

Voices of Carpinteria. Carpinteria Public Library, Carpinteria, CA. 4 Oct. 1991.

Collage ‘91. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 14 Sep. 1991.

Carpinteria Poetry Workshop. Carpinteria, CA. 12 Aug. 1991.

WinteReading Series (with Anne McClaughery). See’s Coffee Company, Santa Barbara, CA. 5 Mar. 1991.

A Writer’s Gallery. KCSB Radio, Santa Barbara, CA. 15 Jan. 1991.

Fall Poetry Rising (with Perie Longo and Joseph Gallo). Botanic Gardens, Santa Barbara, CA. 3 Nov. 1990.

A Poetry Harvest. Avocado Festival, Carpinteria, CA. 6 Oct. 1990.

Exhibitions

Poem, “The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island,” Channel Islands Poetry Walk, Santa Barbara, CA. June-July 2022.

Poem, “Technical Condo,” Telepoem Booth, Museum of Exploration and Innovation, Santa Barbara, CA. Nov. 2019 to Jan. 2020.

Poem, “A Likeness,” permanent installation, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA. 2016 to present.

Poem, “Colin Campbell Cooper (1856–1937),” in painting exhibition, An Even Dozen. Sullivan Goss Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA. Jan.–Apr. 2013.

Poem, “Santa Cruz Island,” in photographic exhibition, The Flight of Icarus. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Austin, TX. Oct. 1997 to Apr. 1998.

Poem, “San Rafael Mountain,” in painting exhibition, California Landscapes. Reynolds Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA. 1 Oct. to 13 Nov. 1996.

Invited Addresses

“The Sabbath of the Wild: Tending and Releasing the Garden.” Sustainability Speaker Series. Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. 19 Nov. 2018.

“How to Write Home When You’re Lost in the Wild: Telling the Truth about Suffering.” Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX. 4 Apr. 2014.

“The Exact Word of Consolation: Poetry as Prophetic Comfort.” Keynote Address. Poetry in the Cathedral. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, San Diego, CA. 9 June 2012.

“Making It up Where We Went Along: Scripture and the Personal Essay.” Chapel Address. Staley Visiting Christian Scholar Lecture Series. Taylor University, Upland, IN. 16 Feb. 2007.

“Wise Serpents, Innocent Doves, and the Transcending of Genre.” Keynote Address. Making Literature: Undergraduate Conference on Literature and Writing. Taylor University, Upland, IN. 15 Feb. 2007.

“Pilgrims, Tourists, and Mountaineers: Historic Traditions for Travel of Choice” (with Lisa DeBoer). Westmont Downtown Lecture Series. Santa Barbara, CA. 10 Mar. 2005.

“Romance, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery: Hidden Agendas of Genre Fiction.” Keynote Address. Christian Writers Fellowship of Orange County. Huntington Beach, CA. 9 Oct. 1993.

Workshops, Panels, Interviews, Community Classes

“Writing a YA Time-Travel Novel.” Five Ponds Literary Festival. Gordon College, Wenham, MA. 9 Apr. 2022. Web.

Santa Barbara Summer Poetry Workshop (with Perie Longo). 24 Aug. 2019.

Santa Barbara Summer Poetry Workshop (with Perie Longo). 25 Aug. 2018.

“Writing as Christian Vocation.” Reality LA IKON (with Dean Batali, Diana Glyer, and Ivan Penn). Hollywood Presbyterian Church, Hollywood, CA. 15 May 2018.

Interview of Bill McKibben. Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 14 Apr. 2018.

805 Writers’ Conference. Ventura, CA. 6 Nov. 2016.

The Write Practice Retreat. Ojai, CA. 4 Oct. 2016.

Nature Poetry Workshop. Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA. 17 Sep. 2016.

Anderson Island Writing Retreat. Anderson Island, WA. 24-26 June 2016.

“Wresting a Writer’s Life from Farm, Sea, and Forest” (with Brent Bill and Leslie Leyland Fields). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 15 Apr. 2016.

Interview of Jennifer Maier. Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 15 Apr. 2016.

“Meetings with Remarkable Men and Women” (with John Wilson and Paula Huston). Chrysostom Society. Camp Casey, Whidbey Island, WA. 23 Jan. 2016.

Interview of Gary Snyder. UCSB Arts & Lectures. Santa Barbara, CA. 5 Nov. 2015.

“Writing the Wild: Poems of Encounter with the Natural World.” Newhalem Visitor Center, North Cascades National Park, WA. 20 Sep. 2014. North Cascades Institute, Diablo, WA. 27 Sep. 2014 & 8 May 2015.

Harvester Island Wilderness Workshop. Kodiak, AK (with Leslie Leyland Fields). Aug. 30 to Sep. 6, 2014.

Poetry Workshop. College of Creative Studies, UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA. 11 Feb. 2013.

Literature of Devotion. Montecito Covenant Church, Santa Barbara, CA. Jan.–Apr. 2013.

“Devotional Poetry Past and Present.” Samarkand Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA. 15–16 Nov. 2012.

“What’s Not to Like? Learning to Enjoy Contemporary Poetry.” Vistas. Unity Church, Santa Barbara, CA. 1 Nov. 2012.

Poetry Workshop. The Village, Santa Barbara, CA. 25 July 2012.

“Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” Samarkand Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA. 24 July 2012.

“Community Expectations, Artistic Explorations” (with Julia Kasdorf and Ruben Martinez). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 21 Apr. 2012.

“Mixing It Up: Crossing Modes and Genres.” Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 20 Apr. 2012.

“The Gifts and Claims of the Natural World” (with John Leax and Maurice Manning). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 20 Apr. 2012.

“Responding to Scripture with Poetry.” Grace Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara, CA. 30 Oct. 2011.

Interview of Mary Oliver. UCSB Arts & Lectures. Santa Barbara, CA. 15 Oct. 2011.

“Responding to Scripture with Poetry.” Primrose Studio, Fort Collins, CO. 21 Aug. 2010.

“How Is Poetry Changing in the 21st Century?” (with Suzanne Frost and Sandra Hunter). Ventura Book Festival. Ventura, CA. 17 July 2010.

Interview of Kathleen Dean Moore and Scott Russell Sanders. Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 17 Apr. 2010.

“John Muir, Disciple of Christ?” Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 16 Apr. 2010.

“The Art of Bloodletting: Translating Suffering to the Shared Page” (with Leslie Leyland Fields and Jeanne Murray Walker). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 15 Apr. 2010.

“Light at the End of the Tunnel: Thinking about Metaphors of the Writing Process” (with Leslie Leyland Fields). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 18 Apr. 2008.

“Invisible Books” (with John Wilson and Lil Copan). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 17 Apr. 2008.

Poetry Workshops. Santa Barbara Writers Conference: Imaginary Cities with Real People in Them. Santa Barbara, CA. 28–30 Mar. 2008.

Poetry Workshops. Santa Barbara Writers Conference: Finding Poetry in the Everyday. Santa Barbara, CA. 16–18 Mar. 2007.

Poetry Workshop. Making Literature: Undergraduate Conference on Literature and Writing. Taylor University, Upland, IN. 17 Feb. 2007.

“Wading in Water: Teaching Creative Writing at the Christian University” (with Al Haley and Anna Stepanek). Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature & Inscription. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX. 29 Sep. 2006.

“Writing the Wild” (with Leslie Leyland Fields). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 22 Apr. 2006.

“Trimming the Sails: The Art of the Essay” (with Tim Bascom and Charles D’Ambrosio). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 21 Apr. 2006.

“Teaching and Learning Creative Writing at Christian Schools” (with Thom Satterlee). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 23 Apr. 2004.

Poetry Workshop. Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA. 25 Mar. 2004.

“Chapters into Verse: Writing Poems in Response to Scripture.” Santa Barbara Christian Writers Conference. Santa Barbara, CA. 5 Oct. 2002.

“Writing Poetry in Response to Scripture” (with Debra Rienstra). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 20 Apr. 2002.

“Writing Poetry in Response to Scripture” (with Debra Rienstra). Festival of Faith and Writing. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. 31 Mar. 2000.

“Chapters into Verse: Writing Poems in Response to Scripture.” Santa Barbara Christian Writers Conference. Santa Barbara, CA. 11 Oct. 1997.

Service

Judge, The Lyric Poetry Awards, 2022.

President, Chrysostom Society, 2019-present.

Organizer, Santa Barbara Poetry Series, Museum of Contemporary Art, 2013–2016.

Book Review Editor, Ruminate, 2010–2016.

Member, Advisory Board, Ruminate, 2009–2015.

Organizer, Remembering William Stafford: A Community Reading, Los Padres National Forest, 2007–present.

Member, Advisory Board, Buechner Institute, King College, 2007–2015.

Peer Reviewer, Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, 1996–present.

Organizer, Westmont Reading Series, 1990-2022.

Coordinator, Conference on Christianity and Literature Student Writing Contest, 1988 & 2007.