As I began my second term as Murfreesboro Poet Laureate this past summer, I reconnected with Read to Succeed, a local organization that promotes literacy for people of all ages throughout Rutherford County. In the past I've been a volunteer with RTS to select and promote its annual One Book selection, and as a classroom reader for Reading in the Schools Day. The organization also offers free youth and family programs, adult tutoring, ESL classes and much more. When I sat down with Family … [Read more...]
Reading and community: Will you join me in reading these novels-in-verse?
November 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment
We Come From the Down Home Blues
October 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment
I have a new article in the Murfreesboro Pulse that tells about my experience working with incarcerated women through Doors of Hope. More importantly, the women I was working with have their collective poem, "We Come From the Down Home Blues" published. I know they're proud of it, and I'm so proud of them! Read the article and poem in Inmates Write of Hard Times and Hope … [Read more...]
Write a Tanka for the We Are Tennessee Project
March 7, 2018 By 8 Comments
The Discovery Center and I want your words. In late April 2018, The Discovery Center will be unveiling a new exhibit called We Are Tennessee that explores the cultural diversity of our state and what it means to be a Tennessean. Murfreesboro's Painter Laureate Ginny Togrye is working on a fantastic mural that will include art, photos, and writing by Tennesseeans of all ages. That's where YOU come … [Read more...]
Writing About Race in the James Dickey Review
March 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment
As a white person, I've always felt a bit awkward writing about race and racism, but I've also been drawn to the subject. Poet Tiana Clark recently tweeted an excerpt from the essay Forging New Centers: Marginal Voices in Contemporary Poetry by Jodie Kahan. Here's what Tiana shared, quoting Kaveh Akbar: … [Read more...]
Scene Suggestion for Yet Another Hallmark Christmas Movie
December 19, 2017 By 2 Comments
Yes, Hallmark Christmas movies are predictable and sentimental—but aren't many aspects of the holidays? After what might've been a few too many nights on the Hallmark Channel last season, I wrote this poem inspired by the real-life man in my kitchen every morning. And then I helped him make sausage balls with our time-tested recipe below. … [Read more...]
