Speak!Poet is the innovative poetry series that presents a moderated discussion with the poets on their work and its processes. The discussion includes audience participation. Speak!Poet is moderated by Winston Derden, who co-produces the event with Stephen Gros.

Chris Wise is a poet and novelist. He has been published in various poetry anthologies and small press literary magazines such as Nerve Cowboy, Blue Collar Review, and Road Not Taken. He has been a featured author in Cowboys and Indians Magazine. His book Colliding With Orion (a collection of poetry, short stories, and essays on craft) from Absey & Co. will be released in the fall of 2016. He is a veteran of the US Army and earned an English degree from Texas A&M.

Anis Shivani is a fiction writer, poet, and critic. His debut poetry book My Tranquil War and Other Poems was published by NYQ Books. The story collection, The Fifth Lash and Other Stories, was released by C&R Press and is currently on the longlist for the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award. His poetry and criticism appear in a wide variety of publications including Southwest Review, Boston Review, Times Literary Supplement, and elsewhere.