Today we close out our Best of No Extra Words series with the best of 2017, which means we are once again headed out on the road for a poetry field trip and we're bringing some short fiction along for the ride. This episode features all of Episode 79 with a new editor's commentary.

For those who love books, they become almost human beings standing there in their "Dust Jackets." By Samantha Dutton, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read Samantha's bio.

Some things just cannot be escaped, especially "The Curse of the Virgin." By Richard Sensenbrenner, copyright 1992, used with permission. Read Richard's bio.

In the first ever installment of our Poet's Corner segment, Kelli Russell Agodon invited me into her office where she shares poetry and we discuss poetry, small presses, and the importance of finding your voice. Visit Kelli's website or the website for Two Sylvias Press.

For photos of the field trip I took to see Kelli, check out the original post for Episode 79.

All editors are the same, such sticklers about reading the "Guidelines." by T.E. Cowell, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read T.E.'s bio.

The second in a three part series of reruns celebrating No Extra Words history...because if you don't know your No Extra Words history you are doomed to repeat it. Today we revisit Episode 51: Curmudgeons and Incorrigibles.

Witness the creative destruction of “A New Heart.” By Mitchell Krockmalnik Grabois, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read his bio.

Grocery clerks are always the ones who hear your rants in “Blu-Ray/DVD.” By Daniel Maluka, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read his bio.

At what point do you get to call out the ridiculous? “Dean’s Dilemma” is by Paul Beckman, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read his bio.

Did you ever wonder who is reading your submissions? After “The Party,” will you wonder if it had remained a mystery. Written and produced by Adam Kluger, copyright 2016, used with permission. Featuring the voice work of Aesha Waks. Read Adam’s bio.

One more rerun is coming in 2 weeks...see you then

After sharing with you my prep work for this year's madcap novel writing adventure, I had to pop back in and tell you how it went and what happened.

My goal tracker did change over the month. Here's the original version, here's my midmonth edit, and here's what it looked like on the day that I finished.

For highlights of The Great Train Write-in, check out the show notes for this episode.