| Directory of Writers from Poets & Writers

Poet

Shorewood, WI

Wisconsin US

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Author's Bio

Kurt Olsson has published two collections of poetry. His second, Burning Down Disneyland (Gunpowder Press), won the 2016 Barry Spacks Prize. Of the book, contest judge Thomas Lux wrote, “I love the title of this book . . . and I love the innovative mischief of its poems. Let it be known: a true poetic intelligence and imagination live between its covers.”

Olsson’s first collection, What Kills What Kills Us, won the Gerald Cable Book Award and was published by Silverfish Review Press in 2007. In 2008, the book was awarded the Towson University Prize for Literature, given annually to the best book published the previous year by a Maryland writer, as well as named Best Poetry Book of 2008 by Peace Corps Writers.

Olsson’s poems have appeared in many journals, including Poetry, FIELD, The New Republic, Alaska Quarterly Review, Southern Review, Cincinatti Review, Poetry East, and The Threepenny Review. He also has three chapbooks to his credit: Terra Incognita, I Know Your Heart, Hieronymus Bosch, and Autobiography of My Hand.

Education:

George Mason University MFA

Writers Retreats:

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

Vermont Studio Center

Publications & Prizes

Books:

Burning Down Disneyland (Gunpowder Press, 2017)

What Kills What Kills Us (Silverfish Review Press, 2007)

Chapbooks:

Terra Incognita (Split Oak Press, 2016)

Autobiography of My Hand (Bright Hill Press, 2006)

I Know Your Heart, Hieronymus Bosch (Portlandia Group, 2000)

Prizes won:

Finalist, Lascaux Prize in Poetry for Best Book of Poetry of 2017, 2018
First Place (and publication), Barry Spacks Poetry Prize, Burning Down Disneyland, Gunpowder Press, 2016
First Place (and publication), Stephen Dunn Prize in Poetry, Split Oak Press, Terra Incognita, 2012
Best Poetry Book, What Kills What Kills Us, Peace Corps Writers, 2008
Towson University Prize for Literature (Best Book by a Maryland Author), What Kills What Kills Us, 2008
Individual Artist Award, Poetry, Maryland State Arts Council, 2003 and 2007
First Place (and publication), Gerald Cable Book Award, What Kills What Kills Us, 2006
Third Place (and publication), Bright Hill Press Chapbook Contest, Autobiography of My Hand, 2005
First Place (and publication), Portlandia Group Chapbook Contest, I Know Your Heart, Hieronymus Bosch, 2000

More Information

Gives readings:

Yes

Travels for readings:

Yes

Prefers to work with:

Any

Born in:

Bethesda, MD

Maryland

Raised in:

Troy, NY

New York

Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.

Last update: Jan 24, 2024