About Charlotte Digregorio
I publish books. I have marketed and/or published 55 titles. These books are sold in 46 countries to bookstores, libraries, universities, professional organizations, government agencies, and book clubs. In 2018, I was honored by the Governor of Illinois for my thirty-eight years of accomplishments in the literary arts, and my work to promote and advance the field by educating adults and students alike. I am the author of seven books including: Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All; Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Homes; You Can Be A Columnist; Beginners' Guide to Writing & Selling Quality Features; Your Original Personal Ad; and my latest, Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing.
The first four books have been adopted as supplemental texts at universities throughout the U.S., Canada, India, Pakistan, and Catalonia. They are sold in 43 countries, and are displayed in major metropolitan cultural centers. These books have been reviewed, recommended, and praised by hundreds of critics, librarians, and professors worldwide.
I am also the author of a poetry collection: "Shadows of Seasons: Selected Haiku and Senryu by Charlotte Digregorio." Two of my books have been Featured Selections of Writer's Digest Book Club. I am regularly interviewed by major print, radio, and television organizations throughout the U.S. I regularly sign books at libraries, chain bookstores, and university bookstores, and do poetry readings at art centers, cafes, tea houses, and galleries.
I was recently nominated for two Pushcart Prizes in poetry. I have won fifty-nine poetry awards, writing fourteen poetic forms. My poetry has been translated into eight languages. I do illustrated solo poetry exhibits 365 days a year in libraries, galleries, corporate buildings, hospitals, convention centers, and other venues. My individual poems have been displayed at supermarkets, apparel and wine shops, banks, botanic gardens, restaurants, and on public transit.
I have been nominated and listed in "The International Authors and Writers Who's Who" in Cambridge, England and in the "Who's Who In Writers, Editors & Poets U.S./Canada." I hosted my own radio program, "Poetry Beat," on public broadcasting. My poetry has been featured on several library web sites including those of Shreve Memorial Library in Louisiana and Cornell University's Mann Library.
My background includes positions as a feature editor and columnist at daily newspapers and as a magazine editor. I have been a public relations director for a non-profit organization. I am self-employed as a public relations/marketing consultant, having served a total of 118 clients in 23 states for the past several decades .
In other professional areas, I have been on university faculties, teaching French, Italian, and Writing.
I regularly give lectures and workshops on publishing, journalism, publicity, poetry, and creativity to business and professional groups, and at writer's conferences, universities, literary festivals, non-profit organizations, and libraries. I have been a writer-in-residence at universities.
There have been about 400 articles written about me in the media. I have served on the Boards of writers and publishers organizations. My positions have included Board Secretary of the Northwest Association of Book Publishers. I served for five years as Midwest Regional Coordinator of The Haiku Society of America, and for two years as its Second Vice President.
Charlotte Digregorio's Writer's Blog 
It’s a haiku for the times.
Very thought-provoking.
Thank you for commenting, Taiki!
I agree this haiku is very thought-provoking and for these times. However, a very good haiku has to be thought-provoking for all the times. That’s why matsuo basyou is still read today.
Congratulations for your publishing so many books and poetry collections.
Thank you, Mahiro!
I think this haiku captures the image of a street raccoon scowling at leftovers and washing its hands, which is a clever and amusing observation. The juxtaposition of the animal’s behavior with the human-like action of washing its hands adds a touch of whimsy to the poem. Overall, it is a well-written haiku that effectively evokes a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Great job!
Thanks for your comment!
Congratulations to Professor David McMurray. Nice to read his poem in your lovely blog, Charlotte.
Thank you to sharing this one.
Best,
Eufemia
Thanks for commenting, Eufemia!
Thanks Professor McMurray for lovely Haiku! I’m getting excited just imagining the scene. I’d like to challenge to make haiku like that.
Thanks for commenting, Tomoko.
Raccoon is a very cute animal. I can imagine how they wash their hands and looking for food which is not a leftover.
Nice haiku!!
Thanks for commenting, Wong!
Spring is the time that most animals become active. I think this haiku represents the season which is comfortable and relaxing.
Thanks for commenting, Mizuki.
I agree season words are important in haiku. Humans in spring time are more active, too. I am looking forward to discussing haiku such as this one more after reading the Asahi Haikuist Network and “Teaching and Learning Haiku in English”.
Thanks for commenting.
This haiku reminds me of crows’ picking at a dumpsite.
Thanks for commenting!