Writer, teacher, jazz enthusiast
Past Poet Laureate of Kansas (2017-2019) Kevin Rabas leads the poetry and playwriting tracks and chairs the Department of English, Modern Languages, and Journalism at Emporia State University. He has twelve books, including Lisa’s Flying Electric Piano, a Kansas Notable Book and Nelson Poetry Book Award winner; All That Jazz; and Everyone Just Wants to Drum. He is a Roe R. Cross Professor and is the recipient of the Emporia State President’s and Liberal Arts and Sciences awards for Research and Creativity. He is also the winner of the Langston Hughes Award and the Salina New Voice Award for poetry.
What do you make?
Poems, stories, books, films.
Where and when did you learn your artistic abilities?
Some I learned from trial and error--and practice. Other elements I learned in school. I earned my MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College and my PhD from KU.
What inspires you or sparks your creativity?
Viewing and hearing the work of other local and regional artists often inspires me. So, I go to art openings, concerts, readings and open mics.
What projects are you working on now?
I have a novella coming out this February. It's called ELIZABETH'S CITY. It's a love story--and a love letter to a city (Kansas City.) I also have a chapbook (small book) coming out around the same time; it's full of poems about Charlie "Bird" Parker, the bebop genius from KCK/KCMO.
What is your day like? How much do you sleep? What is your work schedule?
I teach and work at Emporia State, 8-5, M-F. I write over my lunch breaks. I write at night. I write and film most weekends.
How many hours of creative work do you do in a day?
1-3 hours each day.
What is the first work you ever sold, and for how much?
A poetry book, BIRD'S HORN, for $10.
When you start a new piece, where do you begin? What is the first step?
I spend time observing something. I dip into memory. I write a quick poetic sketch, and then I focus more closely on craft in the next few drafts.
How do you know when you’re done with a piece?
If it makes sense and says what I want it to say, it's getting close.
What music do you play when you’re making art?
Miles Davis: KIND OF BLUE; Keith Jarrett: THE KOLN CONCERT; etc.
Is there a meal you eat on repeat when you’re working?
Not really. But I drink a lot of water, some of it seltzer.
What is the weirdest object in your maker's space?
Lots of pens and pencils. Nothing too weird.
What’s the last thing that made you cry?
A holiday commercial made on a $150 budget. It was beautiful and poignant.
What are you reading right now?
Kevin Young: BROWN; Aimee Nezhukumatathil: LUCKY FISH; Cary Nelson: ANTHOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POETRY
What’s your favorite artwork by someone else?
A painting, "Skipping Skeletons," by Schulnik
Favorite thing about living here?
The community, the kind people, working at Emporia State.
Where can people find your work?
Go to one of our bookstores (Ellen Plumb's City Bookstore), the ESU bookstore, or (if this is not possible) Amazon.com will work.