Thanks to the Murfreesboro Pulse and writer Angela Loupe for this combination book review and interview in the November issue - just in time to for my poetry party at Poetry in the Boro on Sunday, November 10. On that date I'll be reading and in conversation with fellow poet and PitB co-curator Amie Whittemore about second acts, second chances, and my debut full-length collection. Loupe writes in part: "Wells offers a rare kind of presence, allowing us to be able to experience her stories … [Read more...]
Interview: 4 questions for Murfreesboro’s Poet Laureate
October 10, 2019 By
Thanks to Michelle Willard at the Murfreesboro Voice for this interview about Sugar Fix, my background in software development and the importance of STEAM, and the upcoming Southern Festival of Books - one of my favorite weekends of the year. Read the interview here on the Murfreesboro Voice. This is a good time to remind you of the Tennessee STEAM Festival, with events related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math, happening Oct. 11-20 across the state. … [Read more...]
Sugar Fix featured on BookTube Tuesday video
October 1, 2019 By
Sugar Fix is one of three featured books - of different genres - featured in today's BookTube Tuesday video by Mr. Nance, an educator and avid reader, on his YouTube channel. Thanks, Mr. Nance, for sharing the #poetrylove again! Here's how to get your Sugar Fix! Retro TV image: Pixabay … [Read more...]
Sugar Fix reviewed in Harbor Review
September 26, 2019 By
A review of Sugar Fix now appears in Harbor Review, an online journal for poetry and art. Reviewer Cameron Morse says in part: "The reader is clearly in the hands of an accomplished weaver of yarns. … She holds us accountable for our memories, our histories, our desires.” Read the full review at Harbor Review. (And fellow poets, you might be interested to note that HR has a couple of chapbook competitions, as well as accepting poetry for bi-annual issues). … [Read more...]
Poem from Sugar Fix featured in YouTube video
September 25, 2019 By
Mr. Nance, a high school teacher and avid reader who has a YouTube channel of educational videos, reads and shares "In This Bright Land" from Sugar Fix. Watch below or follow this link to YouTube. Thanks, Mr. Nance, for your enthusiasm for this poem and book! Here's how to get your Sugar Fix! Vintage camera image: Pixabay … [Read more...]
Sugar Fix is “charming, surprising, and moving” – and now available!
September 24, 2019 By
My first full-length poetry collection, Sugar Fix, has made its debut in the world at the beginning of my favorite season - on the autumnal equinox - and one week shy of my fifty-somethingth birthday. This begs an entire essay or speech about second acts and second chances, but that will have to be on another day. For now, "elated" sums things up for me. I had a few early copies to sell at the poetry and storytelling booth at our local arts festival this weekend, and one review has already … [Read more...]
Sugar Fix Cover Reveal!
July 31, 2019 By
I'm so excited to share the cover of Sugar Fix, my first full-length poetry collection, forthcoming from Terrapin Books in September 2019. My first appearance with the book will be at the Southern Festival of Books, October 11-13 in Nashville, and I'll be announcing events in Rutherford County and beyond soon. Stay tuned! … [Read more...]
Reading and community: Will you join me in reading these novels-in-verse?
November 26, 2018 By
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...]
We Come From the Down Home Blues
October 10, 2018 By
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
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...]
