About the author
Michael Favala Goldman is a translator of Danish literature, a poet, educator and jazz clarinetist. Among his sixteen translated books are Dependency (a Penguin Classic) by Tove Ditlevsen, The Water Farm Trilogy by Cecil Bødker, and Something To Live Up To, Selected Poems of Benny Andersen.
His eight poetry collections include the are award-winning, Small Sovereign and What Minimal Joy.
LATEST BOOK
We Are More Than Just This
“The heart dancing in its cage
has its own little gravity,
its own little lightning.”
Poet and Speaker
Michael believes that literature is important because it can soften the shells around our hearts, helping us to feel more compassion for others and for ourselves.
Michael presents his poetry at festivals, classrooms, and gatherings both in-person and online.
He is available for poetry readings, interviews, lectures, and keynotes.
Translator
Translator of eighteen works of Danish literature, including poetry, short fiction, novels, non-fiction, memoir, and essays.
Michael translates the work of Danish writers who have something original and surprising to share, ideas that transcend national boundaries.
Instructor
Michael has been moderating poetry critique meet-ups since 2018, co-spopnsored by the Northampton Center for the Arts and Straw Dog Writers Guild. His philosophy with these sessions is to foster a community of poets and to provide concrete feedback that each poet can use to elevate their craft. Michael also teaches “A Poets Place,” a six-week class to foster poetic voice and poetic identity at the Northampton Center for the Arts. All poets are welcome to both programs.
Musician
Michael plays the bass clarinet and clarinet with his band, Now’s the Time.
They have performed at First Night Northampton, Cultural Chaos, Luthier’s Co-op and numerous other venues in Western Massachusetts. Sometimes Michael’s band accompanies his poetry.
He also has written and recorded numerous original songs, including one album, Tell Them Today.
Testimonials:
Michael is an incredible teacher
I’ve told all the writers in my poetry club that Michael is an incredible teacher. The range of what we covered was so valuable. In the end it felt like an entire semester in just six sessions. It was truly an A+ experience, rather life-changing.
– C.R.
Excellent facilitation skills
This was an excellent experience and that I greatly appreciate Michael’s excellent facilitation skills. He is outstanding at keeping participants on course with the goals, and provides excellent curriculum design for the program. I like that there was a substantive amount of guidance and resources provided in the course, include sharing opportunities for submissions to high quality publications. I would encourage all poets to participate in this course
– C.D.
He makes it feel very possible to start getting my work out to an audience.
I really valued the chance to workshop poems and receive tangible feedback. I learned about the editing process and got new inspirations for prompts. I valued the community aspect and getting to meet with and work with fellow emerging poets. I also appreciated the approachable and tangible suggestions Michael had for entering the poetry community locally. He makes it feel very possible to start getting my work out to an audience.
– M.N.
I learned a great deal
Michael is extremely organized, generous with information for writers including revisions, suggestions for titles, avenues for publication, and very thoughtful with responses. The environment he creates is a comfortable and “safe” space in which we all can try new approaches without fear. The pace of the class is excellent: each week building on the previous. Standing up to perform our work was daunting and useful.
I learned a great deal…cannot say enough about that.
– S.S.
Read Michael's Work
Full Bibliography
A complete list of Michael’s books and publications
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News
Click on the articles below for a variety of interviews and publications highlighting the impact of Michael’s writing.