Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform the written word into a piece of published art? Dr. Tara Proper is not just an esteemed assistant professor of English at UT Tyler, but she's also a seasoned poet. Listen as Dr. Propper pulls back the curtain on the often hidden and intricate process of getting published. She brings both personal experience and practical advice for writers and poets who aspire to see their work in print. With Dr. Propper’s insights, you'll learn the essentials of crafting a disciplined writing routine, the art of handling rejection with grace, and the strategic moves to keep your submissions in constant flow. Her wisdom is not just about getting your work "out there," but also doing that with a cultivated resilience that turns the sting of "no" into a stepping stone for improvement.

Dr. Propper also celebrates poetry's power to connect people through common threads of human experience. She shares the journey behind her own poetry collection, "This Body was Never Made," offering a glimpse into how personal trials and the beauty of language intertwine to create relatable and profound works of art. Drawing parallels between the impact of a well-crafted poem and the lasting impression of a masterful painting, Dr. Propper discusses how both can captivate and unite readers. Whether you're a writer, a lover of words, or someone who finds solace in the brushstrokes of language, you'll find this conversation a source of inspiration and guidance in the pursuit of literary success.

Transcripts of all UT Tyler Radio Connects episodes are available at uttylerradioorg.

(Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain phonetic spellings and other spelling and punctuation errors. Grammar errors contained in the original recording are not typically corrected.)