News and Notes: September 2025
At the beginning of 2025, I found myself venting to my sister about my online presence (or lack thereof). “I know I’m supposed to be active on social media,” I said. “But I can’t figure out how to establish an authentic presence when posting feels so inherently inauthentic.”
“What about starting a newsletter?” she suggested.
I winced. I had recently spent hours getting my own email inbox down to zero. “I don’t want to add to anyone else’s clutter!” I said. “What could I possibly have to say that is worth subscribing to?”
I paused for a second. “What I really want,” I said, “is a blog. Old school, where I can keep a record of what I’m doing and thinking, and people can come visit . . . or not.”
Well, it’s taken nine months, but here I am. New headshots, new website (shoutout to Carrie at Mosaic Design Creative—formerly Ivy B Photography—for both of those!), new job, new season of life. And . . . new blog. I’m still figuring it all out, and I can’t make any promises about how often I will post (aiming for at least monthly?!). But I hope you’ll come visit every now and then.
A Few Favorite Things
My picture-book Discord group has been cheering on one of our own, Stephanie Lucianovic, as her latest picture book, Zombie and Brain Are Friends (illustrated by Laan Chan), became a New York Times bestseller!
My husband, Jordan, harvested two deep-purple eggplants from our vegetable garden, and fried them up to make a delicious eggplant parm.
My brain was buzzing (in the best of ways) after attending a webinar with Meredith Li-Vollmer about using comics to communicate public-health data. I love everything about this approach. (Thanks to Heather Krause at We All Count for hosting!)
Looking Back
My prose poem “Mutation” was published in the newest issue of Whale Road Review.
I designed a series of posters to accompany the Community Foundation of North Louisiana’s 2025 Community Counts report. I’m so grateful to CFNLA for taking a chance on this data art project.
My prose poem “Targeted Advertising” appeared in the latest issue of Ink in Thirds.
Lydia Lukidis and I helped compile this month’s STEM Tuesday book list, all about National Parks.
Literary Mama released its September/October issue. I had the pleasure of working on three author profiles: of Melissa Fraterrigo, Liz Alterman, and Christine Kalafus.
Looking Ahead
Metadata is now available for purchase at the Shreveport Biscuit Company! Now you can fill up on delicious breakfast food and quirky prose poetry at the same time…the combination you never knew you needed! (Don’t forget the honey butter!)
A celebratory biscuit!