Guest Post, Liz Robbins: Generation Vex: Returning to Walls

Butterfly PaintingLast week, I had a conversation with a visual artist about the challenges of making art as we age. I’ll turn forty-six in December, and my friend is near there. I’ve read the statistics: the average poet peaks in her twenties; artists tend to be more in line with novelists, creating their best work in their forties (lucky guy). Still, with modern life and its distractions (see Anthony Varallo’s good post on interruption), finding inspiration tends to become more problematic with age.

The artist and I briefly discussed strategies we’ve tried to keep the wheels turning. He’s a pro: a gifted painter who reinvented his artistic identity by trying—and mastering—a new genre (video). He’s secured artist residencies. He’s earned a sabbatical. Yet he juggles a full-time teaching gig with a brilliant, lively family, which is to say, he drinks a lot of coffee. He’s constantly weighing appropriate balance and space—responsibilities galore, but good ones, ones crackling with depth and possibility. I struggle to find space—and inspiration within that space—for art in similar ways. In recent years, it’s been in the playgrounds of other art mediums, which sometimes means excellent live music shows, but often means wherever fresh contemporary visual art can be found locally; when on the Flagler College campus, where I teach, I frequent CEAM (the Crisp Ellert Art Museum). This is nothing new: poets have written ekphrastic poems since the beginning, many of them great and lasting (ie. Auden’s “Musee Des Beaux Arts”). And this is perhaps because there’s a certain kind of attention required of visual art—how color works to convey mood, for instance, or how vital a fresh concept to the work’s success—that helps remind us of important elements in poem-making. Not every poet has the same hurdles when it comes to making poems, but one of mine tends to be getting hyper-focused on the linear argument—that which I find most interesting, chasing the a-ha! moment—and therefore getting lazy about filling in with lush details. Or filling in the details, but not presenting them in strange or original ways. Another challenge is finding new themes: my obsessions have gone through the wash twenty times; all that hot water has faded and shrunk them. Spending a few hours with a visual artist’s work tends to get fresh angles spinning. For instance, one of my more recent riffs came courtesy of Anna Von Mertens, a highly-accomplished multi-media artist, currently living in New Hampshire. In this series, she’s taking well-known portraits (often self-portraits by artists like Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo) and from them, creating auras, using cloth, stitching, and homemade dye. Gorgeous. Mind-blowing. When I saw some of these in a CEAM exhibit, I immediately wanted to talk back to them, create a kind of tribute to them in poems. The result was a series of “aura” poems, using largely the Confessional poets. Here’s one:

aura: james wright
the head and torso shape that of a supplicant,
a nonbeliever in prayer, the eyes closed below
their frames, hands clasped at the heart, but the heart’s
red is the opposite of the dominant pigment, green: sap green
that breaks into flowering, o, Monet’s fields and water lilies
seeding and bursting beneath surfaces, all grown-blessed
in permanent green light . . . . Jenny the muse in hooker’s green:
river-rising just enough to be seen, he will wade in over
his head into the snake’s viridian venom, in the background
Van Gogh’s mother portrait, where the world’s players
smash against each other, competing terribly–
who wouldn’t waste a life for the naive green just breaking
into gallop? the wild fields blossoming?

As you can see, I’ve selected a dominant color palette that represents the poet/his work (green, with nods to significant painters who worked famously in green) and made allusions to Wright’s most well-known poems. What I’m most interested in is the conversation, the stimulation that arose from it. A familiar paradox, but one that bears repeating: artists must carve out vacuums in order to make art, yet art is not inspired by such vacuums, but life itself. In support of the collaboration of visual art and poetic inspiration, I bring my students to CEAM every semester, to view what riches our director has procured and to respond in poems; part of my own making process comes in designing prompts unique to the artist’s work. This experience is for them, for me, the dominant lesson: that the art-making engine runs on nouvelles idées, that we must constantly see potential inspiration everywhere and seek it out. If we’re young, the challenge comes in developing the habit; if we’re older, it’s in sustaining it. The irony, of course, with this particular mode: that the new ideas come from ideas already examined, though differently, by other makers. Another paradox (the soul of poetry).

Guest Post: Christine Brandel

Words on the Paper of Skin

My Body

My body is a palimpsest:

you cannot read her writing.

He will be unable to read yours.

I confess that when I first wrote this poem, I was thinking about lovers. About the way those we love leave their marks on us — on our skin, our mouths, our hearts — and the way those marks fade but do not disappear as time passes and love fades and may or may not disappear.

The more I sat with the image, though, the more I realized my body is covered in the words of so many others — friends I’ve cared for, enemies I’ve cursed, strangers who loitered long enough to leave traces. Some were written in indelible ink, others with a lighter touch, but my hide has been dried under tension, and washing with milk and oat bran will never get this parchment completely clean.

In the right light, I can read it all.

On my feet I see action words, reminders that I can wait or run, stand or fall. My knees say please and up my thighs are lines of lyrics (or are they limericks?). Across my belly sits the word empty. No matter how hard I scrub it with pumice, the curves and tails of those letters remain. My chest bears remnants of an animal’s fear and a surgeon’s signature, and the writing on my breasts, well, that I choose not to share with you.

My back is covered with what looks like court stenographers’ notes — each scribble symbolizing my exact whereabouts on the dates in question and the precise lengths of each of my sentences. Over my shoulders are my first doctor’s orders: the pain will never go away. Twenty years later, a different doctor drew a line through his diagnosis, but she did not rewrite it. The pain is still there under the skin — all she did was take away its name. The marks on my throat are my music teacher’s words. They’re too blurry now to read, but I know they are the reason I only sing when I’m alone.

Every day my face reveals more lines. There are jokes around my mouth and riddles on my forehead. Farewells trail from the corners of my eyes. Along my limbal rings are the details of my birth, and deep in one pupil, there’s a no, in the other, a yes. My scalp says fuck you. I occasionally clip my hair to let those words get some air.

My hands are a bit different. They’re my manuscript. They are the one place on my person I’ve never let someone else’s pen tip touch. They are scarred by my words alone. My wrist says try.

In the mirror, I see my story. Like Jorge Luis Borges’s Book of Sand, it is without beginning or end, impossible, and terribly infinite. Perhaps there is some beauty there, too.

__________________________________

I grew up believing that there was a distinct line separating the body and the mind. The body was the physical — the domain of science, a subject I was never very interested in. I had nothing against science; I trusted it and was frequently amazed by it. In terms of interest, though . . . no.

I was more into the mind: the mental, emotional, intellectual. The mind was my passion — I loved learning and teaching, discussing and arguing, reading and writing. I wrote about my thoughts and emotions and made up characters with their own thoughts and emotions. In this realm, there could be pleasure or pain, ecstasy or anguish. If a feeling was confusing or a thought distressing, with my pen in hand, I believed I could make it better. The consequences of this were both comfort and power. I wrote what I thought I could never say. I wrote what I thought no one would know until they’d read what I’d written.

 Brandel-Mine (Legs With Words)

As I’ve grown older, though, I realize the errors of my thinking. The body and the mind are not separate. What goes on in one goes on in the other. Every thought I’ve ever had lives in my bloodstream and my brain, my memories in my muscles and my mind.

This concept might be stupidly obvious to others, but to me, it was an epiphany. This body was not just a thing I lugged around each day; it had meaning. Or rather, meanings — different parts meant different things in different contexts, like page-long entries in a dictionary, like feelings that feel good and also bad. I thought I’d been writing my life on paper in poetry, but I’d also been doing it on my skin and in my bones.

Of course, this means sometimes that I am weary. Depression makes a mind muddled and a body heavy. I can no longer pretend that one’s all right when the other one is clearly not. However, it also means that my bibliography is longer and more varied than I’d previously thought. It appears I’m quite prolific.

Because my body is a palimpsest. It is tattooed with others’ words as well as my own, and the layers are deep and permanent. There are lines in my fingerprint, they are lines of poetry. All that writing will tell you who I am.

#ArtLitPhx: Young Authors’ Studio Workshops

Young Authors' StudioThe Young Authors’ Studio is a free writing program for kids in grades 5-12, designed to bring young writers together to learn the ins and outs of writing in a wide variety of styles and genres. ASU mentors, taught by Wendy Williams, will lead 6 free writing workshops throughout the months of October, November, and December.

The mentors will guide the students through writing activities, and the program will hold a public Performance and Writing Gallery at the end of the semester. This opportunity is open to first-time writers or experienced writers – as long as they’re in grades 5-12!

The Parent Information Session will be held Saturday, September 30 from 9:30am to 10:30am in SANCA 130 on the ASU Polytechnic Campus (see map above, 7271 E. Sonoran Arroyo Mall, Mesa, AZ 85212). You can RSVP to the Parent Information Session through the Facebook group or by emailing young.authors.studio@gmail.com. They recommend that you RSVP as soon as possible because space in the program is limited!

The workshops are from 9:30am to 11:30am on the following dates:

    • October 14: Narratives
    • October 21: Music & Poetry
    • October 28: Art & Writing
    • November 4: Drama & Writing
    • November 11: Genres
    • November 18: Revision & Rehearsal
    • December 2: Performance and Writing Gallery

Be sure to check this program out if you know any interested young writers!

#ArtLitPhx: ASU MFA Reading Series feat. Elliot Winter, Annie Vitalsey, and Meghan Kelsey

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program at Arizona State University is hosting a special 8-part reading series featuring brand new work from ASU graduate students! Each reading will host 3-4 students at The Watershed, a beautiful waterfront restaurant and bar.

Watershed LakeviewThe next installment of the series will take place on September 28 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, though you can come earlier to mingle, drink, and eat. You can find The Watershed at 5350 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, Arizona 85283.

The featured readers for the September 28 event are:

  • Elliot Winter, Poetry
  • Annie Vitalsey, Fiction
  • Meghan Kelsey, Poetry

Stay tuned for later installments of this reading series! You can find more information on the event’s Facebook page and on the Facebook page for the ASU MFA Program in Creative Writing.

#ArtLitPhx: ASU MFA Reading Series feat. Douglas Payne, Warren Glynn, and Edward Derbes

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program at Arizona State University is hosting a special 8-part reading series featuring brand new work from ASU graduate students! Each reading will host 3-4 students at The Watershed, a beautiful waterfront restaurant and bar.

Watershed LakeviewThe first installment of the series will take place on September 14 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, though you can come earlier to mingle, drink, and eat. You can find The Watershed at 5350 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, Arizona 85283.

The featured readers for the September 14 event are:

  • Douglas Payne, Poetry
  • Warren Glynn, Fiction
  • Edward Derbes, Fiction

Stay tuned for later installments of this reading series! You can find more information on the event’s Facebook page and on the Facebook page for the ASU MFA Program in Creative Writing.

#ArtLitPhx: Exhibition Preview, Gabriel Rico

Installed work by Gabriel RicoFrom June 10th to September 2nd, the ASU art museum will host Guadalajara-based artist Gabriel Rico’s show, “Dead, Dead, Live, Dead.” On Thursday June 1st, from 4PM to 6PM ASU will host a special preview of the work.

This is Gabrielle Rico’s first museum exhibition in the United States. Rico creates installations using a wide array of objects including taxidermy animals, neon, and found objects.

RSVP at the facebook event page here. And you can check out more of Gabriel Rico’s artwork here.

Contributor Update: Valerie Bandura

Hey everybody! We here at Superstition Review are excited to announce that our former interview advisor and poet extraordinaire Valerie Bandura has a new book out this month from Black Lawrence Press titled “Human Interest.” Valerie served Superstition Review as our Interview Advisor, aiding our interns in providing you, dear readers, with the insights and tidbits that you crave from all of your favorite writers. If you haven’t already, do yourself the kindness of familiarizing yourself with the Interview section of each issue of Superstition Review, starting with the most recent issue, found here. Once you’ve read all the brilliant conversations contained therein, go grab yourself one (or two, or seven) copies of “Human Interest,” available now, and found very easily by clicking right HERE.

Buy this book!
The new book from Valerie Bandura, titled “Human Interest,” out now from Black Lawrence Press.

Intern Spotlights: Week 2, Wrap-Up

Where are they now?

We are so proud of our past and present staff here at Superstition Review, and we’ve decided to celebrate the accomplishments of our past interns throughout the month of April. Each day, we will feature an intern on social media and share what they’re up to now. Then, at the end of each week, we will share a wrap-up post of all our featured interns from that week. So, without further ado…

1. Elijah Tubbs: Poetry Editor, Issue 16 (Fall 2015) and Issue 17 (Spring 2016)

April 9: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Elijah on LinkedIn

Elijah TubbsMore details: Eli shares, “After editing poetry for SR issues 16 & 17 and graduating from ASU I went on to my current job as an on-line content coordinator for BPG Technologies/Designs. Sister companies that specializes in Fiber Optics, telecommunication, GIS mapping, construction and design. Being able to write in some facet as a career path is wonderful and SR gave me some really essential skill sets for that. More importantly, Trish and SR showed me how to run a literary magazine well and now with my girlfriend, we too run a literary magazine: ELKE “a little journal”.”

2. Erin Regan: Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 13 (Spring 2014)

April 10: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Erin on LinkedIn

Erin ReganMore details: Erin is currently a Digital Production Specialist at Make-A-Wish America, a nonprofit that serves children with critical illnesses. She shares, “Since serving as the student editor-in-chief of Superstition Review in 2014 and graduating from ASU, I’ve been managing the email marketing program and supporting other digital campaigns at Make-A-Wish. Every day I’m doing something a little different – whether it’s planning content for an upcoming campaign, writing copy, or designing an email – which gives me so many opportunities to use the skills I gained in school and at Superstition Review. Plus, I’m learning a lot about the nonprofit world and direct response marketing! It’s exciting being able to apply my experience in school and from internships to serve a unique mission.”

3. Cara Pencak: Advertising Coordinator, Issue 15 (Spring 2015)

April 11: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Cara on LinkedIn

Cara PencakMore details: Cara is currently the editorial assistant at Phoenix New Times. She shares, “I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed writing until I started at ASU. My academic advisor had mentioned the internship with Superstition Review and I’m so glad I took the opportunity! The work I did with the magazine gave me a chance to explore what it takes to put together a publication—the ins and outs, so to speak. In my current role as the editorial assistant at Phoenix New Times, I find myself applying that knowledge daily and I’m really enjoying it! I’m also interested in medicine, which led me to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. I’m excited to start as a grad student this fall at U of A!”

4. Jessica Fletcher: Fiction Editor, Issue 16 (Fall 2015) and Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 17 (Spring 2016)

April 12: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Jessica on LinkedIn

Jessica FletcherMore details: Jessica is currently a Counseling Graduate Student and Director of Events in ASU’s Graduate Professional Student Association. She shares, “I am currently studying in the Master of Counseling program at ASU. In addition, I serve as Director of Events in the Graduate Professional Student Association. Using the nifty skills I learned in s[r] roles (SEC, fiction editor, and blogger), I plan social events for graduate students as well as lead advocacy projects for state prisons. Even though I am working in mental health, I continue to use literature and art to reach others. I am volunteering in Florence State Prison as a creative writing teacher and I am also a fiction editor for Iron City Magazine, which is a print and online journal devoted entirely to writing and art from the prison world. The best part — I get to use all my experience to make a difference in the community and touch the lives of others.”

5. Michael Wise: Content Coordinator, Issue 14 (Fall 2014) and Social Networker, Issue 15 (Spring 2015)

April 13: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Michael on LinkedIn

Michael WiseMore details: Michael Wise is a testing technician in the enrollment services at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. He shares, “I used to be one of the content coordinators for Superstition Review, and it was such a fun and invaluable experience! The work I did there helped me get through my BA of English at ASU and to land a job at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. My job is pretty straight-forward, I am the person who students dread seeing because I’m the one who hands out their midterms and finals. I decided to try and soften my image a bit and not be solely associated with stressful exams by becoming more engaged on campus. I am a club advisor for the Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) where I work with male minority students to help them complete their degrees and/or transfer onto a university. As the adviser I have utilized my work experience and writing background to hold scholarship writing and resume building workshops. I am also a member of CGCC’s Creative Writing & Arts Council where we are working to build a larger and stronger community of artists and writers on campus. As for my writing, I have been working on a few short stories to get accepted into a creative writing MFA program and for eventual publication.”

6. Megan Kizer: Social Networker, Issue 14 (Fall 2014)

April 14: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Megan on LinkedIn

Megan KizerMore details: Megan currently works at a global integrated marketing agency called PMX Agency as their very first in-house SEO Content Writer. She shares, “This essentially means that I have the fun opportunity to write page optimization copy, net-new copy, blog posts, and eBooks for leading clients across several industries. Along with actively contributing to my own company’s blog, I’m also beginning to take on more of an editorial role as our team expands. Overall, my job is to tell the client’s story in a way their customers will understand and appreciate, whether that means cranking out retail-specific verbiage, explaining the careful behind-the-scenes details of a national cleaning company, or even helping adults find a college program that they’re passionate about. I love that I get to wear a different hat every day and practice my writing skills in vastly diverse fields. My absolute favorite part of my job is to go onto a major client’s website or blog and think, ‘Hey! I wrote that!’ I also love that I’m able to communicate with coworkers across the nation to implement new ideas and processes that will help move our company forward. We’re all about improving ourselves, our teams, and our company, and it’s truly an incredible experience to feel that support in my career. I’m so grateful to sit across such intelligent people and learn about everything it takes to build a brand and keep it growing, from content to social media to email marketing, and everything in between!”

7. Amanda Strusienski: Social Networker, Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 15: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Amanda on LinkedIn

Amanda StrusienskiMore details: Amanda is currently a Curriculum Coordinator for University of Phoenix. She shares, “Since graduating from ASU in 2013 with my BA in English I have found my passion in education. My first career job was a school librarian where I instructed grades K-6th. That was an amazing experience where I had the opportunity to impact student lives, and hopefully give them a deeper understanding of literature. Presently, I am entering my third year with the University of Phoenix as a Curriculum Coordinator for the College of Education. I like to say my job is 2% administration and 98% all other duties as assigned. I get the opportunity to research, support, design, and revise college courses and programs for adult learners. It is a challenging and rewarding position.  I love knowing that I’m part of a process that helps adult learners find new careers or seek advancement in their field. I am also two classes away from completing my masters in Adult Education and Training. My hope is to move into a career as an instructional designer for higher education programs or work as a facilitator for adult education (maybe even both).”

Thank you so much to these interns for their service with us; you are all doing such amazing things, and we’re so proud!

Intern Spotlights: Week 1, Wrap-Up

Where are they now?

We are so proud of our past and present staff here at Superstition Review, and we’ve decided to celebrate the accomplishments of our past interns throughout the month of April. Each day, we will feature an intern on social media and share what they’re up to now. Then, at the end of each week, we will share a wrap-up post of all our featured interns from that week. So, without further ado…

1. Kelly Vo: Fiction Editor, Issue 1 (Spring 2008)

April 1: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Kelly on LinkedIn

Kelly VoMore details: Kelly is currently the CEO of Kevo Writing (May 2015), her own firm, where she is also a freelance writer. She shares, “I love working for myself and doing something that I love. Writing has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, and now I get to write full time, which is something I never thought would happen. Even better, I run my own company and clients, so I can take the jobs that I want and keep the clients that I love. When I first decided to start Kevo Writing, I was terrified out of my mind. I had no idea if I could freelance and run a company on my own. I’m an introvert, and the idea of finding my own clients was horrifying, to say the least. Thankfully, I didn’t let the fear stop me, but that didn’t mean it was easy. It took a while to get started. I spent a month building my website and writing free articles to make a name for myself, but about three months into it, things started to come together. I got a few clients and started to get more. Now, I have a full list of clients who keep me busy and supplied with coffee and books. I write everything from news stories for MBA candidates to business e-books, magazine articles for the marijuana industry, social media content for a leading personality, and everything in between. Recently, I just wrote an article on getting rid of wrinkles! It’s an interesting job that always keeps me on my toes. I spend a lot of time researching topics and then crafting pieces that fit my clients’ needs. And, since I work for myself, I’m also able to dedicate a few hours every day to personal writing. I’ve been working on an Urban Fantasy novel, that I hope to (eventually) send out to book agents and publishers. I just have to finish it first. 🙂 That’s the thing I love best about being a freelance writer, the freedom to pursue my own dreams.”

2. Megan Richmond: Art Editor, Issue 13 (Spring 2014)

April 2: Twitter and Facebook announcements

Megan Richmond

More details: Megan shares, “Since graduating from ASU and finishing my internship with SR I’ve applied my BFA and magazine experience in two different jobs. I work at the Heard Museum as the E-Commerce Administrator where I am in charge of running their online shop as well as photographing Native American art for digital and print marketing for the museum shop. My images have been used for shop ads in the AZ Republic, Native American Art magazine, First American Art magazine and the Heard Museum magazine, Earthsong. My second job is a seasonal photographer position for a portrait company called PortraitEFX. With them, I primarily work weekends photographing youth sports leagues, weddings, school photos, etc.”

3. Dustin Diehl: Nonfiction Editor, Issue 4 (Fall 2009)

April 3: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Dustin on LinkedIn

Dustin DiehlMore details: Dustin is currently working as a Senior Editor and Content Strategist at Casual Astronaut, a local content marketing agency. He shares, “I also write freelance editorial content for several online newspapers and magazines, keeping my creative juices flowing! I love that I get to work with words for a living. Actually using my English literature and creative writing degree (and the skills I gathered during my time as an editor for the Superstition Review) makes me feel very fortunate; not everyone gets that opportunity! Helping people create content, tell their stories and encourage action keeps the day job interesting and fulfilling.”

4. Ofelia Montelongo: Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 17 (Fall 2016)

April 4: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Ofelia on LinkedIn

More details: Ofelia shares, “I’m still a freelance writer for different magazines, Phoenix New Times, So Scottsdale and freelance blogger for Phoenix Magazine. I also teach Spanish and do some translations and I also just got accepted in the PhD Spanish – Mexican American studies at ASU.” Ofelia is also writing her first novel, Almost a Pilgrim, and she has her own business in Scottsdale, Arizona (Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale) – yum!

5. ChristiAnne Lunsford: Poetry Editor, Issue 10 (Fall 2012) and Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 5: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find ChristiAnne on LinkedIn

ChristiAnne LunsfordMore details: ChristiAnne is a copywriter and social media manager. She shares, “I write blogs and website content and manage social profiles for small business owners across multiple industries. A lot of my work revolves around search engine optimization but I also write a fair amount of creative content as well. My goal for this upcoming year is to expand my business and take on additional staff members. I love the challenges and flexibility that come with my role. I can work anywhere that I have to access to wifi which makes traveling and visiting home easy. I work independently which means it’s up to me to make sure everything gets completed on time and to the client’s standards, but I also get to be creative and exercise a fair amount of autonomy. It’s also my responsibility to stay current with digital marketing trends and advancements. I also love that I get to learn about so many unique trades and industries and that I get the opportunity to know my clients on a personal level.”

6. Riki Meier: Fiction Editor, Issue 4 (Fall 2009)

April 6: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Riki on LinkedIn

Riki MeierMore details: Riki shares, “A lot has happened since interning as Fiction Editor at Superstition Review. Artistically, I’ve gained an MA in English & Creative Writing and I continue to write fiction. Professionally, I am now working as an internal auditor at Harvard University. Even though my current academic degrees aren’t related to business or accounting, I found the key to success is having a love of learning and a curious mind. I love that I am always learning in my job. One week, I could learn about Athletics, and the next I could be in a scientific lab or a museum. Each project is different and I get to interact with people in all areas and in all levels across Harvard, so I am continually learning and growing. Before I go to my day job at Harvard, I teach English on a one-to-one basis to children in China over the Internet. I find it incredibly fun and rewarding, as the children are adorable and I am learning so much about culture in China. Additionally, teaching ESL forces you to look critically at the language you use and at the nuances of meaning. I’d like to think it’s making me a better writer as a bonus!”

7. Colleen Stinchcombe: Social Networker, Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 7: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Colleen on LinkedIn

Colleen StinchcombeMore details: Colleen most recently worked as Community Editor at SheKnows Media. She shares, “I’ve worked at SheKnows for just over three years. I started off as the Sponsored Content Editor, which I loved because it was fun to try to find the right balance between what clients wanted in order to promote their products and what the editorial team knew was good content that would perform. Then I became the Community Editor, which shifted my focus to be about helping fledgling writers or people who were working to promote their business or passions find their footing in digital media. That feels very meaningful. That said, I’ve turned in my resignation letter at SheKnows in order to take on a completely different adventure – hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this April. It will be five months straight of hiking from Mexico to Canada. I’ve been immensely grateful to have found career opportunities after leaving college (especially as a Creative Writing major!), but I feel the need to shake things up for myself. I don’t know yet what I’ll do when I return. That’s both exciting and terrifying.” Colleen will be documenting her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail on her website and on Instagram.

8. Sarah Brady: Blogger, Issue 14 (Fall 2014)

April 8: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Sarah on LinkedIn

Sarah BradyMore details: She shares, “Even before I graduated with my English Lit degree about a year ago, I knew I wanted to try working for myself. This is something I think most writers/creators want, because we have a hard time fitting our artistic minds into rigid boxes. I currently own my own freelance writing business, Key Rat Creative, and work from home. I’d already been freelancing on the side for a company blog during my senior year, while also finishing up my thesis and working at Make-A-Wish as an intern. I think the biggest thing I learned about myself through school and in-person internships was that traffic road rage and the 9-5 might actually kill me. So I knew I would have to at least try to create a sustainable career that enabled me to live as healthily as possible. I got most of my initial clients through my mother’s connections. Funny enough, she’s a dentist who knows many dental professionals/dental organizations who need copywriting. Leverage what you got, right? I’ve branched out to using freelance matching services like Upwork and have found amazing clients in the PR/marketing realm through that platform. Honestly, what I like most about my profession is the freedom it gives me in other aspects of my life. My true passion is creative writing, but writing in general is what I’m good at, so running my own business that draws on my degree and ancillary interests is self-affirming. I love that I don’t have to set an alarm and that I can live by the natural rhythm of my mind. There’s no ‘running out the clock’ because my salary is defined by completing projects, rather than filling up a certain amount of hours in the day (boredom is my worst nemesis). I can write for myself in the morning, exercise mid-day when everyone else is tied to a desk, actually prepare a real meal, and then spend my afternoon on tasks for Key Rat Creative. I’m still growing a client base and receiving support while I’m in this transitional period, but the most important thing is that I’m not giving up on this dream while I’m young and independent. If I have to get a “real” job someday, I’ll know I gave myself the opportunity to construct my own terms. The hardest part about my career is the unpredictability of the work (and the fact that a lot of people online think $5 for 500 words is reasonable, or expect writers to be experts in the subject, rather than the craft), but that’s also the wonderful thing about it too. I used to think having a lot of money would equate to happiness, but honestly, these quiet hours with my computer and being able to make my own rules are crucial to my personal well being.”

Thank you so much to these interns for their service with us; you are all doing such amazing things, and we’re so proud!

#ArtLitPhx: The Langston Hughes Project

The Langston Hughes Project presents Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz, a multimedia performance embodying poet Langston Hughes’s jazz poem suite. The performance will take place on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Agave Community Room at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Pecos Campus (2626 East Pecos Road Chandler Az 85225.)

The twelve part epic poem is a homage in verse and music to the African American struggle for artistic and social freedom in the 1960’s.

Experience the poem through spoken word with Dr. Ron McCurdy, accompanied by live music from the Ron McCurdy Quartet with images and video from the Harlem Renaissance.

This event is free and open to the public, however there is limited seating. For more information visit Ron McCurdy’s website.

This event is co-sponsored by Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Arizona State University.