Author: Brook Bhagat

Zen fabulist surrealist womanist writer, artist, professor, editor. Leftie. Bob Ross junkie. Author of Only Flying, a collection of surreal poetry and fiction from Unsolicited Press.
Brook Bhagat, M.R. Hyde, and Maddie van Batum

Poetry Play Day at the Castle Rock Writers Conference

Brook Bhagat

The inspiration and community at the Castle Rock Writers’ Conference on Saturday was delicious! I went with  M.R. Hyde, Maddie Van Batum, and Lisa Macedo from my amazing writers’ group, the Nearby Universe. Poetry track presenters included brice maiurro (ecopoetics) and Poet Laureate Marissa Forbes (historical poetry), who were both fantastic. The icing on the cake was a book swap: Only Flying and Pen and Pulse for Marissa’s exquisite, eye-opening collections, Surviving Peter Pan and Brief and Bleeding Margins. Score! I also walked out with two new poems in my pocket, and my fingers crossed for getting a cool indie bookstore to carry Only Flying. Fiction/creative nonfiction workshops were courtesy of the Gemini Writers’ Studio, and there was a panel on publishing for everyone. Thank you, PPSC, for sponsoring our attendance — we learned so much and had so much fun. Photos courtesy of Castle Rock Writers.

Brook Bhagat, Maddie van Batum, and Lisa Macedo
The poetry track
The fiction track
Poet Laureate Marissa Forbes (historical poetry)
brice maiurro (ecopoetics)
Nearby Universe Members Brook Bhagat, M.R. Hyde, and Maddie van Batum

The Journey of “Collarbone Jones”: Art and Love

Brook Bhagat
Clay bust of a man's shoulders, neck, and head with mouth slightly open and brow lifted
“Collarbone Jones,” clay, Brook Bhagat

“Cracking Collarbone Jones,” previously published in the Unsolicited Press anthology Pen and Pulse: Essays on Writing, Craft, and the Writer’s Journey, is the true story of why I went to India almost 25 years ago. It’s the story of falling in love with a dream, and a piece of clay, and a man. It’s the story of how art winds through us, and through life, an echo of the heart at times. Other times, a guide.

I am so grateful to share that this intimate creative nonfiction piece is featured this month in Osho News. The layout includes a photo of my sculpture, a main character in the piece. It means so much to see them published together, and in the context they were born in! “Cracking Collarbone Jones” in Osho News

“Ghazal for Osho” published in Osho News

Brook Bhagat
With Ullas at my sanyas celebration, Nainital, 2002

I’m thrilled to share that “Ghazal for Osho” has been published in Osho News. Some poems are tough; this love poem for Osho nearly wrote itself. It’s such a joy to see it find a home where my fellow sanyasins will find it. Ghazal for Osho

Mama got Merch: Stickers, T-shirts, Tanks, and Oh My

Brook Bhagat

For the lover of Only Flying who wishes they could wear my beautiful book after reading it, I’m stoked to share that the fabulous Unsolicited Press has created an author store just for me! T-shirts, a tank, a holographic sticker and a few NSFW shirts too (I’m gonna have to start doing “Jump Magic Pants” at readings again). Thank you Unsolicited Press! Everybody, check out these and lots of other Only Flying swag HERE.

Literary Reading and Grand Opening Celebration for the PPSC Authors Collection Features Poet Laureate

Brook Bhagat

A lovely time was had by all at the literary reading and grand opening of the Pikes Peak State College Authors Collection, a special collection in the college library of books by PPSC students, staff, and faculty. I was honored to read alongside Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre and PPSC authors Michelle Harris, M.R. Hyde, and Jason Dias. Special thanks to artist Connor Dias and librarian Larissa Powers, who made this unique collection and memorable event possible!