Recent News/Updates

Haven’t been submitting work as furiously this year. For some reason, I’m pulling back, waiting, letting the writing happen. But, when something interesting comes up, I’ll submit, and I’ve had a few pieces of good news recently: Poems forthcoming in Gutter Eloquence, Slipstream, Sierra Nevada Review, The Meadow, and I-70 Review. Will most likely spend the summer planning, submitting, and writing. Actually, thinking a few submissions need to be sent out this month. Not sure what happened, exactly, except that those health issues that started in January are only just now beginning to heal, and so hoping that the sun, warmer weather, and a new schedule will bring about the inspiration and motivation I’ve been craving.

This summer I’ll also be planning poetry readings, book signings, and more with the publication of One Last Cigarette from Honest Publishing. It still feels so surreal. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world.

Received word recently that my collaborative chapbook, Honey and Bandages, co-written with Katie Longofono, may have a later release date. Will keep you updated. Sometime later in the year, my chapbook The Dopamine Letters will be released from Hyacinth Girl Press. They do beautiful work – the chapbooks are made so well. They are open for submissions if you have something you would like to send – http://hyacinthgirlpress.com/.

More to come.

 

Blink Finch and Kattywompus Press

Finally here – my chapbook, Blink Finch, out from Kattywompus Press.

This is a little book – made up of 50-word prose poems, with a few verse poems scattered that use the language of horoscopes (very strange horoscopes). A book that kind of revises itself, contradicts itself, even at times. I’m happy it’s out. A little different.

I want to thank Sammy, my editor, for being so amazing to work with and for putting this out into the world. I’m delighted with the cover and the design. Simple, yet classy.

 

Anne Champion’s Reluctant Mistress

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of writing a blurb for a book I am so delighted and honored to have read. Anne Champion’s Reluctant Mistress is an important collection of poetry. The poems explore femininity, sexuality, identity, and the body – in brutally honest ways. What I love about this collection – Champion knows how to use the word “fuck” in the most eloquent way; she examines relationships without judgement; she understands what it means to be a woman today, especially a young woman searching to come to terms with her place in the world; and while each poem is about love or some branch of love, they are never trite, never dull, and they never reveal something we already know. This is a book I have on my desk or nightstand and I turn to like an old friend. The book gets me.

I usually like to post a lot more during National Poetry Month, but this is my first chance. Hopefully you pick up a copy of this book and love it as much as I do. Also, check out Champion’s website.  

Click the image to read about the book and to purchase it!

National Poetry Month Poetry News

Just got word that my chapbook Blink Finch is in production and will be released in the next week or two by Kattywompus Press. I’m excited about this chap because it’s a little different from some of my other work. The chap consists of a number of 50 word prose poems, interspersed with short verses all in the form of strange horoscopes. Each poem is interconnected, and untitled. In fact, I conceived of the project as though it would be one long poem. I’m really excited to get this chap out and so grateful to Sammy, my editor, for working with me and making it possible.

Some of my most recent poetry acceptances include The Meadow, Slipstream, and Sierra Nevada Review. Excited to start a poem-a-day for National Poetry Month, and also still working on a collaborative project with Katie Longofono, writing poems that begin with Facebook status updates from our newsfeeds. In addition, I’ve started a new project, a full-length manuscript that deals with mothering, loosely based on my mother’s death and how that death impacts a daughter. Hopefully this collection will be my April project, and will be finished before too long. I’ve decided having a project really helps me complete a lot of work in a short amount of time.

In addition, I received word not too long ago that my next poetry collection has been accepted for publication through Honest Publishing. Last week, I received the beginning cover art work, and I’m extremely excited about this. The press is interesting – publishing work that I am very fond of and I think my poetry fits very nicely with their other published work. Here’s what the cover looks like so far. It may change a little, but really wanted to share what we have so far. It’s simply gorgeous. I’m in love with this cover.

New Poem

I have a new poem up at Atticus Review today. It took me quite a while to place this poem and so I’m very happy it’s found a home. Check it out HERE

Latest News/Readings/Publication

Excited to have a poem in the March issue of Stirring. This poem, “Quit Day” has been difficult to place. I think this is the perfect home for it. Thanks to editor Erin Elizabeth Smith for including me in this fantastic journal.

Some exciting stuff coming up in March – this week I’ll be conducting workshops for High School Writing Day – probably doing something with persona poems and voice. Thursday I will host the First Thursday poetry open mic at Foster’s Martini Bar in St. Joseph, MO. Friday I’ll drive to Emporia, KS, where the amazing writer and editor Kevin Rabas has invited me to read poetry (and I get a small amount of money for this one which is awesome). In late March, I’ll hold my first creative writing/journaling workshop with the YWCA, as well.

And then Katie Longofono will be in town and we are having a release party for both our chapbooks, Aching Buttons and The Angel of Sex. We’ll be reading at 6:30 pm at the Taproom in Lawrence, KS, along with Callista Buchen and Benjamin Cartwright. It’s looking like March will be a fun poetry month. Hoping I can keep up with everything and still be there for my students as they learn about research and writing multi-genre projects… Cross your fingers.

This only means that April is going to have to rock.

New Issue of Stone Highway Review

NEW ISSUE OF STONE HIGHWAY REVIEW!

It’s up and it’s pretty. I’d like to thank my co-editors: Amanda Hash and Katie Longofono. We are also delighted to have such amazing work in this issue. Each one has its own personality and this one really shows how diverse our editorial preferences are. We are lucky to get to read and know so many brilliant writers!

Check it out at stonehighway.com.