Talking With Poets: DiBiase Poetry Prize Finalists Susan Kress and Will Nixon

Thom Francis introduces us to poets Susan Kress and Will Nixon. Both of whom were finalists in the 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize Contest.

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The 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize winners and finalists were recently announced with many poets from the Capital Region and Hudson Valley included in the list.

The DiBiase contest was created in 2015 to offer a more inclusive and welcoming alternative to traditional poetry competitions. There are no entry fees, no line or page limits, and no restrictions on subject matter, form, publication history, or age, making it especially appealing to younger poets. Each year, approximately $2,500 in prize money is awarded, with $500 going to the first-place winner and the rest distributed among top finishers.

Last week we heard from finalist Howard Kogan, who shared his poem, “Mourning Becomes Her.” This week we will hear from Hudson Valley Writers Guild members Susan Kress and Will Nixon.

First up is Susan Kress. Her poem “Fire-Proof Box” was an Honorable Mention in this years contest. Before she reads her poem, she tells me more about the inspiration of the piece.

Susan Kress was born and educated in England and now lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, having taught at Skidmore College for many years. Her poems appear in Nimrod International, The Southern Review, New Ohio Review, Salmagundi, New Letters, South Florida Poetry Journal, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Third Wednesday, Gyroscope Review, La Presa, and other journals.

The next poet up to the mic is Will Nixon who will read his poem “Orpheum.”

Will Nixon is the author of the poetry collections, “My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse” and “Love in the City of Grudges.” With Michael Perkins he is the co-author of “Walking Woodstock: Journeys into the Wild Heart of America’s Most Famous Small Town.” He has also written “The Pocket Guide to Woodstock.” He now lives in Kingston, NY.

For more information on the Stephen A DiBiase Poetry Prize and to read the poems from the winners, finalists, and honorable mentions, go to dibiasepoetry.com.