Who’s Michael Jackman?

Hi, Internet rambler. I’m glad you’re here and I hope you’ll stay a while.

I’m a writer as well as a Senior Lecturer in Writing at Indiana University Southeast, where I’ve taught for 15 years. I earned my MFA in poetry from Spalding University’s Low-Residency Program. I’ve also given dozens of workshops over the decades I’ve been involved in the writing life. I’m also a musician, currently performing with the Americana/Roots trio Molly’s Mutts, and a homesteader of sorts, working a tad less than two acres in New Albany, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville.

Latest Posts:

• On trying to teach students not to use clichés - With experience as a writer comes certainty about clichés (and their exceptions). Don't use 'em exclamation point period. These worn-out formulas add nothing to the… -
• Virtual Band Performance: John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” - Greetings, everyone. I'm excited to have a new remix uploaded today. Here's a virtual performance of John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery" with the addition of… -
• Listen to an amazing poem by Gwendolyn Brooks - If you're into poetry, then you'll love this series celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the Poetry Society of America. Here's Major Jackson reading a poem… -
• “Paper Wings” (Gillian Welch) Cover - Here's a track I forgot I had. Recorded a couple of years ago at TNT Studios in Louisville. Personnel: The Bourbon Sidecars with: Michael Jackman… -
• A little advice on poem titles - I think poets should avoid certain kinds of titles. Particularly one-word titles such as, for example, “Claustrophobia” or “Illness.” Now, not all one-word titles are… -
• Purpose of a Poem - Absolutely the hardest habit to get students to break is thinking of poems like little papers, whose purpose is to create meaning decorated with pretty,… -