Poems make a difference!

Writing poetry is the most enduring passion of my life–I started writing as a high school student. Over the years, this practice has shaped my life in immeasurable ways. I recently overheard Winnie explaining to Etta, “fun fact: our mom is obsessed with poetry. It is one of her very favorite things in the whole world.” This year, to celebrate my 47th year in the world, I am writing a new poem every day in November in order to raise funds for Tupelo Press, a distinguished press that has brought many important poetic voices to light since its founding in 1999. Independent literary publishers like Tupelo Press are absolutely essential to poetry as a literary art form, as these publishers produce over 98% of poetry being published each year, as well as the majority of literature in translation and works of fiction by emerging writers (Council of Literary Magazines & Presses).

Each day in November, I will write a new poem– a total of 30 poems in 30 days. These poems, along with those written by a cohort of other lovely poets, will appear on Tupelo’s website. You can follow my progress and read all of the 30/30 poems on Tupelo’s website each day in November. This is an amazing opportunity for me as a poet, as 30/30 poems have been taken by over 200 journals and featured in over 40 published chapbooks. It provides me a chance to share my works in progress with the broader poetry community as well as with you, my friends and family.

Any support you can offer to help me reach my goal of raising $500 over the course of November is appreciated. Not only does your support help me as a literary artist, it helps the press keep publishing exquisite and diverse voices that might never be heard otherwise.

Help me to help this distinguished press by donating today!