Dr. Andy's Poetry and Technology Hour · Dr. Andy Jones

Catharine Bramkamp and O’Cyrus

·41 min·4 clips
Katherine Bramkamp is a world traveler, poet, belly dancer, and author of 27 books—what drives her creative journey?
This episode of Dr. Andy's Poetry and Technology Hour features an interview with writer and educator Catharine Bramkamp. Host Dr. Andy welcomes Bramkamp, a multi-faceted artist and author, following their reunion at the San Francisco Writers Conference. Bramkamp is introduced as a poet, belly dancer, writing coach, and author of 27 books across multiple genres. The conversation covers Bramkamp's extensive background, including her BA in English from UC Santa Barbara and her MA from SSU. Her organizational roles are detailed, such as serving on the Board for the Nevada County Arts Council and committees for the Sierra Poetry Festival and Sierra Writers Conference. Bramkamp's teaching engagements include lecturing for OLLI programs at Sierra College and the University of Hawaii. She also runs week-long workshops and a bi-monthly critique group from her home in Nevada City. The episode references the recent San Francisco Writers Conference, which moved from the Mark Hopkins Hotel to the Hyatt Regency by the Embarcadero. Dr. Andy notes he was pleased Bramkamp attended one of his talks at the conference, allowing them to catch up. A notable insight is the portrayal of Bramkamp as a "world traveler" whose diverse artistic practices inform her writing and coaching. The episode highlights the sustained, 15-year professional connection between the host and guest, rooted in the writing conference circuit. The shift of the San Francisco Writers Conference to a larger venue signals a perceived growth in its stature within the literary community. Bramkamp's work as a workshop facilitator suggests a hands-on, community-oriented approach to writing. Her involvement with multiple arts councils and festivals underscores a commitment to regional literary ecosystems. The episode promises to delve into Bramkamp's latest publications and her perspectives on the contemporary writing world. The tone is conversational, friendly, and professionally admiring, reflecting a reunion between colleagues. The style is interview-based, focused on exploring the guest's career and current projects. Listeners interested in writing workshops, literary festivals, and the life of a working author would enjoy this episode. Those seeking discussions solely about technology or poetry performance might find the focus too broad or biographical.
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