Before waking, I read poetry. My mind doesn’t fight the line breaks. I accept the likeness of a lung to a kite, tusks to moustaches, hair to fire. I accept my turning on the overhead. I write before waking. Still wearing pajamas. Still with white sheets under my chin, I admit the solidity of what’s … Continue reading Morning Person
The Writer’s World
Fire Hydrant Colors that Reduce Anxiety
I still remember those seafoam-green fire hydrants from my childhood summers on Cape Cod—how much more pacifying than the red ones in my hometown! For me, the fire hydrants were decorative like silk flowers. I could pass them and not fret about whether the knobs on the oven had been turned to Off. I could … Continue reading Fire Hydrant Colors that Reduce Anxiety
On Dust and the Cellular Self
Never mind rivers. You can't take steps in the same body twice. May I find my way into this subject by way of something gross? I'm typing on a laptop that isn't very old, but is thoroughly coated in me. My skin and hair, that is. I'm literally losing myself while writing this; tiny bits … Continue reading On Dust and the Cellular Self
Torschlusspanik (Fear of Being Left Out)
Everyone has concerns when they’re getting ready to move. Right? Well, I sure as hell did. I remember I was at working my shitty restaurant job when I got the call. I snuck off to the ladies room and listened to the voicemail, holding my breath the whole time. Wait, did he say additional funding? … Continue reading Torschlusspanik (Fear of Being Left Out)
Cheap Foods that Will Invigorate Your Writing!
Contrary to popular belief, literature cannot subsist on jug wine and Marlboros. Mark Strand has famously suggested “eating poetry,” and I applaud his valiant effort to raise awareness about the nutrition deficiencies that disproportionately affect low-income writers—the MFAs, adjuncts, and secondary school teachers who compose our silent majority. Strand’s heart is certainly in the right place. Unfortunately, like so … Continue reading Cheap Foods that Will Invigorate Your Writing!
A Rejectionist’s Guide to Literary Failure: Mid-American Review
While most rejection experts protect their secrets with lasers that you can only see with blown baby powder and others charge astronomical fees for underwhelming advice for how to compile a set of rejection letters, I’m willing to share my wisdom for free right here.
Writing Quiz #1: Desert Island
After the AWP conference, writers found themselves stranded on a deserted island. Everyone packed their free, black AWP totes with ten of their favorite items, just in case something like this should happen.
The Minnesota Review 