I have some book news! I am thrilled to share that I will have a short story published in TILT (FALL 2026), the 80th anniversary anthology produced by the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop.

The back cover copy reads: “Creeping sensations, dubious visitors, narrators gone horribly rogue…these startling short stories from the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop TILT your reality with off-kilter tales both humorous and haunting.”

Stayed tuned for sneak peeks at stories, book blurbs, release dates, and more!

This year during the long Labor Day weekend, R&R did not stand for rest and relaxation.

It all started just over a year ago when I began writing on Substack. I don’t post on a strict schedule (yet. or maybe ever.) and I am only lately getting the hang of putting my writerly experiences into (somewhat? probably?) interesting words, but so far I’ve found it a wonderful tool. And not just for stretching my writing muscles, but for connecting with other creatives as well.

One such connection I made early on the platform was with a group of authors I had long been aware of as a librarian, having often recommended their titles to readers, regularly placing their books on read-alike and summer reading lists. In short: I admire them and value their work. Having their writing advice, experience, tips and tricks come right to my inbox was like a little gift, though they don’t post on a strict schedule either.

It seems that I am in good company, after all.

But one day in March, as the dregs of winter started their slow unfurling into spring, just as the universe was telling me LOUD and CLEAR at every turn what project I should focus on, an invitation to apply to the inaugural R(ev)ise and Shine hybrid residency and retreat at the Highlights Foundation‘s creative campus landed in my inbox. Tucked away in the Pocono Mountains, just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is The Barn at Boyds Mill where for decades, mainly writers and illustrators of books for young people (but all walks of creative minds, to be sure!) have come to get away, take time, find inspiration and hone their craft.

So over the holiday weekend, along with celebrating my Labor Day birthday, I became one of those writers in residence.

After pitching the idea I’ve long had for a Young Adult novel (my first recollection of it being from 2018), then drafting up as much of an outline and manuscript as I could muster by August, I was assigned a mentor and brainstorming partner from that very same brood of aforementioned authors, boarded a plane to meet and befriend my fellow mentees, talk shop with the pros in attendance, and generally take in the splendor that is late-summer Northeastern Pennsylvania.

There were private cabins, wooded walks near trickling ravines, illustrator studios abstract collage instructions, food (the food!), word gardens, nature around every turn, stars by the pocketful and words… will never do it all justice.

I left this whirlwind weekend not only with friends and writing confidants I am certain will be extraordinary characters in my writer’s journey, but with a firm grip on the compass guiding my story forward and answers to so many craft details I didn’t even have the mind to ask before meeting with these creative masterminds. And with the current news cycle being what it’s been upon my return home, I have a foreboding sense that my WIP will be relevant no matter how long it takes me to finish it.

And maybe I didn’t get to rest and relax, but I manage exactly what the R(ev)ise and Shine community is all about: REVISE and REGROUP. And with new sights on my story’s North star, I have a feeling I may reach The End before too long…

But until then, stay the course, my friends- and stay inspired!

I am absolutely honored and delighted to announce that my poem, “Trying” appears in Honeyguide Literary Magazine‘s 7th Issue!

Although I am extremely lucky to have had an easy go at becoming pregnant, I was haunted during the waiting between what could be and what was. I cannot imagine having to try for much longer than I did, and so I dedicate this piece to anyone who is in the trying, or anyone who had longer to endure, regardless of the results or the means to them.

I want you to know that you are not alone,
that you are strong and worthy- just as you are,
and that hope’s forever in the sky.