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skye jackson

Poet. Editor. Writer.

Debut Collection
Libre
Now Available
from Regalo Press

Photo by Raychel Severance

Ever wonder what would happen between God and his daughter on a road trip? The answers to this and more are explored in my very first flash fiction pub piece titled “before i let go.”

Really honored to be included in this issue of @ghostparachute with such amazing writers! My thanks go out to @brettpribble for publishing this spooky and sad little piece. And shoutout to @k.s.illustrations for her beautiful illustration of the piece as well! 💙

So check out the link in my story & let me know what y’all think! Should I write more flash?

Ever wonder what would happen between God and his daughter on a road trip? The answers to this and more are explored in my very first flash fiction pub piece titled “before i let go.”

Really honored to be included in this issue of @ghostparachute with such amazing writers! My thanks go out to @brettpribble for publishing this spooky and sad little piece. And shoutout to @k.s.illustrations for her beautiful illustration of the piece as well! 💙

So check out the link in my story & let me know what y’all think! Should I write more flash?

Beyond excited to read from my debut poetry collection, Libre, at my beloved alma mater the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop. I’ll be sharing fellowship and words with two of my fave writers @ariel_francisceaux and @bradrichard1382 as well! It promises to be a thrilling event and we can’t wait to see you all there tonight at 8:00pm!

Beyond excited to read from my debut poetry collection, Libre, at my beloved alma mater the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop. I’ll be sharing fellowship and words with two of my fave writers @ariel_francisceaux and @bradrichard1382 as well! It promises to be a thrilling event and we can’t wait to see you all there tonight at 8:00pm!

Ah! This wonderful review of my book, Libre, has just dropped from @theneworleansadvocate ! @rienfertel brilliantly and incisively dives into the subject matter of the book as he explored my inclinations and concerns as a poet living and working in New Orleans. Please take a moment to read this! You won’t regret it!

And catch me tonight reading from the collection in Kansas City at @swordfishtoms.kc or later this week at the @neworleanspoetry festival! Can’t wait to see you!

You can find the link to the review in my bio above! 💙

Ah! This wonderful review of my book, Libre, has just dropped from @theneworleansadvocate ! @rienfertel brilliantly and incisively dives into the subject matter of the book as he explored my inclinations and concerns as a poet living and working in New Orleans. Please take a moment to read this! You won’t regret it!

And catch me tonight reading from the collection in Kansas City at @swordfishtoms.kc or later this week at the @neworleanspoetry festival! Can’t wait to see you!

You can find the link to the review in my bio above! 💙

This week is shaping up to be packed and stacked! Today, I’ll be keeping off National Poetry Month with an appearance at @willow_school_nola here in New Orleans and ending the day with a virtual reading for @portveritaspoetry which is facilitated by the incredible poet @emmdubb16 !

Later this week, you can catch me at the New Orleans premiere of the film adaptation of my poem, “enfamil,” which will be screened at @theactorsapothecary and feature readings from the director of the film, @c_a_munn and friends @reneauglow and @alextronson . Kat Durel, who produced the film, will also be there to take part in a Q&A session with the cast and crew as well.

And last but certainly not least, I’ll end this week with a reading at @swordfishtoms.kc one of my favorite series The Speakeasy- Poetry and Spoken Word Review in Kansas City, Missouri facilitated by @brandon.whitehead.1297 …so if you live in KCMO please come through. I’d love to see you! 💙

This week is shaping up to be packed and stacked! Today, I’ll be keeping off National Poetry Month with an appearance at @willow_school_nola here in New Orleans and ending the day with a virtual reading for @portveritaspoetry which is facilitated by the incredible poet @emmdubb16 !

Later this week, you can catch me at the New Orleans premiere of the film adaptation of my poem, “enfamil,” which will be screened at @theactorsapothecary and feature readings from the director of the film, @c_a_munn and friends @reneauglow and @alextronson . Kat Durel, who produced the film, will also be there to take part in a Q&A session with the cast and crew as well.

And last but certainly not least, I’ll end this week with a reading at @swordfishtoms.kc one of my favorite series The Speakeasy- Poetry and Spoken Word Review in Kansas City, Missouri facilitated by @brandon.whitehead.1297 …so if you live in KCMO please come through. I’d love to see you! 💙

Beyond excited to officially announce this event! When C.A. Munn approached me about adopting one of poems from my debut collection, Libre (@regalo_press) into a short film, I was beyond honored and couldn’t wait to see what they would do with the source material.

I was excited to be a part of such a project, where I could see one of my poems come to life in such a brilliant way. It feels like such a gift to be a part of Cam’s directorial debut…I watched and admired all of the effort they put into making this film a reality. It also marks my first foray into the acting world!

With all that being said (and so much more I could say!), please join us on Thursday, April 3rd at the @theactorsapothecary to help us usher this project into the world. There will also be readings from yours truly, @reneauglow & @alextronson as well! Believe me, you won’t want to miss this!

Beyond excited to officially announce this event! When C.A. Munn approached me about adopting one of poems from my debut collection, Libre (@regalo_press) into a short film, I was beyond honored and couldn’t wait to see what they would do with the source material.

I was excited to be a part of such a project, where I could see one of my poems come to life in such a brilliant way. It feels like such a gift to be a part of Cam’s directorial debut…I watched and admired all of the effort they put into making this film a reality. It also marks my first foray into the acting world!

With all that being said (and so much more I could say!), please join us on Thursday, April 3rd at the @theactorsapothecary to help us usher this project into the world. There will also be readings from yours truly, @reneauglow & @alextronson as well! Believe me, you won’t want to miss this!

I’m super excited to announce the West Coast leg of my Libre book tour! Next week, I’ll be in L.A doing a smorgasbord of events with @bear_review @fineprintpaper & @perverse4verse and I couldn’t be more psyched! You can also catch me at AWP doing an author signing of Libre as well. My time in L.A will culminate with a screening of the short film En Famille, which is an adaptation of one of the poems from my latest book as well! So, if you can, please join me for any or all of those events! I would love to see you there!

I’m super excited to announce the West Coast leg of my Libre book tour! Next week, I’ll be in L.A doing a smorgasbord of events with @bear_review @fineprintpaper & @perverse4verse and I couldn’t be more psyched! You can also catch me at AWP doing an author signing of Libre as well. My time in L.A will culminate with a screening of the short film En Famille, which is an adaptation of one of the poems from my latest book as well! So, if you can, please join me for any or all of those events! I would love to see you there!

Beyond excited to support my brilliant friend Benjamin Morris at his book launch tomorrow! This will be such an epic occasion and I hope that you will join @nikkiummelwrites @rodrigo_toscano200 and I to celebrate this wonderful new book. The event will take place at 7:00pm at @blue_cypress_books ! Can’t wait!

Beyond excited to support my brilliant friend Benjamin Morris at his book launch tomorrow! This will be such an epic occasion and I hope that you will join @nikkiummelwrites @rodrigo_toscano200 and I to celebrate this wonderful new book. The event will take place at 7:00pm at @blue_cypress_books ! Can’t wait!

Ah! The Libre Launch highlights reel just dropped! Thanks to @tmoree for shooting this footage and putting it together so wonderfully!

It was such a beautiful night filled with love, magic and literary splendor. My thanks goes out to everyone who came out and participated. I appreciate you all so much!

#libre #skyejackson #booklaunch #poems #poetsofinstagram #debut #exquisitevibes

Ah! The Libre Launch highlights reel just dropped! Thanks to @tmoree for shooting this footage and putting it together so wonderfully!

It was such a beautiful night filled with love, magic and literary splendor. My thanks goes out to everyone who came out and participated. I appreciate you all so much!

#libre #skyejackson #booklaunch #poems #poetsofinstagram #debut #exquisitevibes

In New York for one night only to read from Libre at one of my favorite literary series: @lesbleusliterarysalon ! I’m so excited to get to read with @irvinwrites @cynthiaweiner @jennyfreakingwilliamson & @hyeseungs at an exclusive spot on the UWS. If you want to come, just DM Les Bleus. Copies of Libre will be for sale! 💙💙💙

In New York for one night only to read from Libre at one of my favorite literary series: @lesbleusliterarysalon ! I’m so excited to get to read with @irvinwrites @cynthiaweiner @jennyfreakingwilliamson & @hyeseungs at an exclusive spot on the UWS. If you want to come, just DM Les Bleus. Copies of Libre will be for sale! 💙💙💙

Did you see me during your early morning commute over the last few days? If you live or work on the Westbank of New Orleans, you may have seen a large billboard of me on the side of the road as you went about your business!

What I’ve learned is this: some friends give you flowers and others…give you billboards! My thanks go out to best friends @alexislissette_lifestyle & @degentry who dreamt this up and executed it in the days leading up to my book launch! This is by far the biggest and brightest gift I’ve ever received! 🥹

I am so excited and honored…it just doesn’t feel real! I’m so blessed to have incredible friends in my life who have helped me to make dreams that I didn’t even realize I had come true.

#skyejackson #libre #booklaunch #poetry #poetsofinstagram #bestfriends #vibes

Did you see me during your early morning commute over the last few days? If you live or work on the Westbank of New Orleans, you may have seen a large billboard of me on the side of the road as you went about your business!

What I’ve learned is this: some friends give you flowers and others…give you billboards! My thanks go out to best friends @alexislissette_lifestyle & @degentry who dreamt this up and executed it in the days leading up to my book launch! This is by far the biggest and brightest gift I’ve ever received! 🥹

I am so excited and honored…it just doesn’t feel real! I’m so blessed to have incredible friends in my life who have helped me to make dreams that I didn’t even realize I had come true.

#skyejackson #libre #booklaunch #poetry #poetsofinstagram #bestfriends #vibes

My new website just dropped! Head to www.skyejackson.com to check it out!

On the site, you can learn more about me and also keep up with all the events I’ll be participating in as part of the Libre book tour! Let me know what y’all think! See you soon! 💙

#bookstagram #libre #booktour #poetry #skyejackson #websitedrop #debut

My new website just dropped! Head to www.skyejackson.com to check it out!

On the site, you can learn more about me and also keep up with all the events I’ll be participating in as part of the Libre book tour! Let me know what y’all think! See you soon! 💙

#bookstagram #libre #booktour #poetry #skyejackson #websitedrop #debut

I am beyond excited to kick off my book tour for Libre with a featured reading at Dillard University this Wednesday at 2:00pm.

My deepest thanks to Dr. @saloy1 who organized this event and asked me to come and read my work.

It is my first time reading my work for the students at Dillard…and I am beyond excited to be able to meet them and do this! So if you’re in the New Orleans area this week, please join us. It is free and open to the public.

I am beyond excited to kick off my book tour for Libre with a featured reading at Dillard University this Wednesday at 2:00pm.

My deepest thanks to Dr. @saloy1 who organized this event and asked me to come and read my work.

It is my first time reading my work for the students at Dillard…and I am beyond excited to be able to meet them and do this! So if you’re in the New Orleans area this week, please join us. It is free and open to the public.

Today is the day! I’m so excited to announce that my debut poetry collection, Libre, is finally out in the world freshly released from @regalo_press ! This book is a celebration and a reflection on all of my selves both real and imagined. I can’t wait for you to experience this book!

#Libre #poetry #pubday #bookbirthday #bestread #skyejackson #bookstagram #authorlife #beautifulbooks

Today is the day! I’m so excited to announce that my debut poetry collection, Libre, is finally out in the world freshly released from @regalo_press ! This book is a celebration and a reflection on all of my selves both real and imagined. I can’t wait for you to experience this book!

#Libre #poetry #pubday #bookbirthday #bestread #skyejackson #bookstagram #authorlife #beautifulbooks

I’m beyond excited to officially announce that the book launch for Libre, my debut collection of poetry, will be held at the @marignyoperahouse on Thursday, February 13th at 7:30pm. I’m the first poet and author to be allowed to hold a book launch and reading in the space and I’m so honored and thrilled!

As a young child growing up in New Orleans, I always admired this building and watched it evolve through the years, dreaming that one day I’d be able to do something spectacular within its hallowed halls…and now the time has come!

The launch will feature readings of poetry and fiction by @pendambaye_writes and @magicknegro as well as live painting by the artist @art87jr . I’m so blessed to have these writers and artists that I admire to assist me in bringing my work to the world in what is sure to be an unforgettable evening filled with love and magic.

Believe me when I say that you guys won’t want to miss this! I can’t wait to see you all there!

I’m beyond excited to officially announce that the book launch for Libre, my debut collection of poetry, will be held at the @marignyoperahouse on Thursday, February 13th at 7:30pm. I’m the first poet and author to be allowed to hold a book launch and reading in the space and I’m so honored and thrilled!

As a young child growing up in New Orleans, I always admired this building and watched it evolve through the years, dreaming that one day I’d be able to do something spectacular within its hallowed halls…and now the time has come!

The launch will feature readings of poetry and fiction by @pendambaye_writes and @magicknegro as well as live painting by the artist @art87jr . I’m so blessed to have these writers and artists that I admire to assist me in bringing my work to the world in what is sure to be an unforgettable evening filled with love and magic.

Believe me when I say that you guys won’t want to miss this! I can’t wait to see you all there!

So excited to read poems from my debut poetry collection, Libre, tonight at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans at 7:00pm for the @modernlanguageassn Conference.

I’ll be joined by a group of talented poets who represent the @universityofneworleans Creative Writing Workshop: @sp4cecat @jeffgrieneisen @jerichobrown1 @kay.murphy.5458 @carolyn.hembree.nola @staetia to name a few!

It is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there tonight!

So excited to read poems from my debut poetry collection, Libre, tonight at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans at 7:00pm for the @modernlanguageassn Conference.

I’ll be joined by a group of talented poets who represent the @universityofneworleans Creative Writing Workshop: @sp4cecat @jeffgrieneisen @jerichobrown1 @kay.murphy.5458 @carolyn.hembree.nola @staetia to name a few!

It is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there tonight!

One question that I’m always asked is: how did you get an agent? It’s pretty unusual for a poet to have an agent in the grand scheme of things…so it makes perfect sense that people would be curious and want to know.

Today at the virtual Writer’s Resolution event for @twfestnola I will be speaking to my personal experience in gaining literary representation for my work. My wonderful agent @janehamiltonliterary will be there to help me tell the serendipitous story of how we met and started our journey together.

We’ll be joined by three other amazing literary agents and will be discussing the different routes to representation that writers can take to get their work out into the world. So, if you can, please join us from 4:50-6:00pm CST from wherever you are!

Here’s the link for those interested in participating:
https://tennesseewilliams.net/other-events/writers-resolutions-retreat/

And DM me up for a special 20% off discount for the entire event! We’d love to see you there!

One question that I’m always asked is: how did you get an agent? It’s pretty unusual for a poet to have an agent in the grand scheme of things…so it makes perfect sense that people would be curious and want to know.

Today at the virtual Writer’s Resolution event for @twfestnola I will be speaking to my personal experience in gaining literary representation for my work. My wonderful agent @janehamiltonliterary will be there to help me tell the serendipitous story of how we met and started our journey together.

We’ll be joined by three other amazing literary agents and will be discussing the different routes to representation that writers can take to get their work out into the world. So, if you can, please join us from 4:50-6:00pm CST from wherever you are!

Here’s the link for those interested in participating:
https://tennesseewilliams.net/other-events/writers-resolutions-retreat/

And DM me up for a special 20% off discount for the entire event! We’d love to see you there!

My book unboxing! Watching this is so surreal, as we filmed it on New Year’s Eve…just hours before the violent act that occurred so close to us in the Quarter. Luckily, we are safe and well. My heart goes out to all those affected by the tragedy.

It is hard to find joy in the midst of this, but I’m happy to have had this moment…sharing my work and opening it to the light in the city that I call home.

My thanks go out to my publisher @regalo_press and my agent @janehamiltonliterary who tirelessly advocated for me throughout this process.

Can’t wait to share this book with you all when it drops on February 4th 2025. And you’re all invited to the launch (more details to come on that later)!

My book unboxing! Watching this is so surreal, as we filmed it on New Year’s Eve…just hours before the violent act that occurred so close to us in the Quarter. Luckily, we are safe and well. My heart goes out to all those affected by the tragedy.

It is hard to find joy in the midst of this, but I’m happy to have had this moment…sharing my work and opening it to the light in the city that I call home.

My thanks go out to my publisher @regalo_press and my agent @janehamiltonliterary who tirelessly advocated for me throughout this process.

Can’t wait to share this book with you all when it drops on February 4th 2025. And you’re all invited to the launch (more details to come on that later)!

My debut poetry collection, Libre, will soon be out in the world! Would anyone be interested in reviewing it? I would be forever thankful! Please let me know if so, so that I can get ARCs sent to you!

My debut poetry collection, Libre, will soon be out in the world! Would anyone be interested in reviewing it? I would be forever thankful! Please let me know if so, so that I can get ARCs sent to you!

After a whirlwind trip to South Africa, I’m back in NYC for the next ten days for reasons of poetry & merriment! I’m so excited for my last reading of the year with the @versesinvinyl this week, which is hosted by @shelbywritin

If you can, please come out to this! I’ll be reading poems from my upcoming debut Libre whilst accompanied by a DJ who will be spinning vinyl records that I have selected for the crowd. Would love to see you there!

After a whirlwind trip to South Africa, I’m back in NYC for the next ten days for reasons of poetry & merriment! I’m so excited for my last reading of the year with the @versesinvinyl this week, which is hosted by @shelbywritin

If you can, please come out to this! I’ll be reading poems from my upcoming debut Libre whilst accompanied by a DJ who will be spinning vinyl records that I have selected for the crowd. Would love to see you there!

Happy Thursday, y’all! Shout out to my publisher @regalo_press who made these amazing bookmarks to promote my debut poetry collection Libre as I begin a series of @taylorswift poetry events in celebration of her Eras Tour!

So if you need to witness a “tortured poet” in action this weekend, catch me at the @jwmarriottnola or @therooseveltneworleans for a Tay themed brunch! If you’re lucky, I just might slide you a bookmark 💙

Happy Thursday, y’all! Shout out to my publisher @regalo_press who made these amazing bookmarks to promote my debut poetry collection Libre as I begin a series of @taylorswift poetry events in celebration of her Eras Tour!

So if you need to witness a “tortured poet” in action this weekend, catch me at the @jwmarriottnola or @therooseveltneworleans for a Tay themed brunch! If you’re lucky, I just might slide you a bookmark 💙

Dreaming of Summer (Always).

📸: @benjamin_aleshire

Dreaming of Summer (Always).

📸: @benjamin_aleshire

Had the most extraordinary experience this past week @furiousflowerpc ! I was a part of a wonderful panel called “Southern Poetry Now” that explored the work and responsibility of poets who are living and working in the Southern U.S. Felt so honored to share this time with poets I admire like Pulitzer Prize winner @jerichobrown1 @2muchkarisma & our former Louisiana Poet Laureate @saloy1 .

It was so amazing to be a part of a conference that is so dedicated to Black poets and allowing us to build community with one another in such a gorgeous and organic way. Felt blessed to be in rooms with poets that I have long treasured and admired.

I also felt wonderful to be able to talk about my debut, Libre, and begin presenting it to the world. If you haven’t already, please pre-order a copy of it so that I can continue to do the work that I love in this world.

P.S - I also had a wonderful stay in Harrisonburg, VA, where I lived in a house that was quite literally shaped like an A! I’m telling myself (and everyone else) that it stands for African-American (Poets). :)

Had the most extraordinary experience this past week @furiousflowerpc ! I was a part of a wonderful panel called “Southern Poetry Now” that explored the work and responsibility of poets who are living and working in the Southern U.S. Felt so honored to share this time with poets I admire like Pulitzer Prize winner @jerichobrown1 @2muchkarisma & our former Louisiana Poet Laureate @saloy1 .

It was so amazing to be a part of a conference that is so dedicated to Black poets and allowing us to build community with one another in such a gorgeous and organic way. Felt blessed to be in rooms with poets that I have long treasured and admired.

I also felt wonderful to be able to talk about my debut, Libre, and begin presenting it to the world. If you haven’t already, please pre-order a copy of it so that I can continue to do the work that I love in this world.

P.S - I also had a wonderful stay in Harrisonburg, VA, where I lived in a house that was quite literally shaped like an A! I’m telling myself (and everyone else) that it stands for African-American (Poets). :)

It’s official! The cover of Libre is here. 💙

My thanks go out to @regalo_press and my agent @janehamiltonliterary for all the work that went into this. Shout out to @benjamin_aleshire who created the brilliant cover photo.

And…don’t forget to put in your pre-order for Libre through Simon & Schuster (link in bio) above. Can’t wait to share this with you!

It’s official! The cover of Libre is here. 💙

My thanks go out to @regalo_press and my agent @janehamiltonliterary for all the work that went into this. Shout out to @benjamin_aleshire who created the brilliant cover photo.

And…don’t forget to put in your pre-order for Libre through Simon & Schuster (link in bio) above. Can’t wait to share this with you!

Yesterday was such a whirlwind! I had the unique honor of being welcomed to my new position as the Visiting Writer/Lecturer at Xavier University of Louisiana.

For context as to how extraordinary this is, I’ve been told that poets Major Jackson and Terrance Hayes once held the very same position as they began their careers…so I mean it when I say that I stand on the shoulders of giants.

I stood among distinguished faculty and staff members, as my name was called and my academic and legal credentials were read aloud to everyone present. I was nervous but felt a rush of excitement—thinking of what it meant to be able to join such a wonderful institution that is doing extraordinary work to prepare Black scholars for all that lies ahead.

Fittingly, the ceremony ended with the phrase, “Go forward. Fear nothing.” And that, I’ve decided, will be my mantra as I begin this new journey. To all educators embarking on a new school year, I wish you the very same…and I’m rooting for all of us!

Yesterday was such a whirlwind! I had the unique honor of being welcomed to my new position as the Visiting Writer/Lecturer at Xavier University of Louisiana.

For context as to how extraordinary this is, I’ve been told that poets Major Jackson and Terrance Hayes once held the very same position as they began their careers…so I mean it when I say that I stand on the shoulders of giants.

I stood among distinguished faculty and staff members, as my name was called and my academic and legal credentials were read aloud to everyone present. I was nervous but felt a rush of excitement—thinking of what it meant to be able to join such a wonderful institution that is doing extraordinary work to prepare Black scholars for all that lies ahead.

Fittingly, the ceremony ended with the phrase, “Go forward. Fear nothing.” And that, I’ve decided, will be my mantra as I begin this new journey. To all educators embarking on a new school year, I wish you the very same…and I’m rooting for all of us!

Please check out my latest piece for @frenchquarterjournal — a review of @reneauglow ‘s debut collection of memoir in essays, Sensitive Creatures. I had a wonderful time immersing myself in Reneau’s luscious words and the world that she creates each time she sets pen to page. So please take a moment and give this a read—and pick up a copy of Kirsten’s book from your favorite local bookstore! You won’t regret it! Link in bio above!

Please check out my latest piece for @frenchquarterjournal — a review of @reneauglow ‘s debut collection of memoir in essays, Sensitive Creatures. I had a wonderful time immersing myself in Reneau’s luscious words and the world that she creates each time she sets pen to page. So please take a moment and give this a read—and pick up a copy of Kirsten’s book from your favorite local bookstore! You won’t regret it! Link in bio above!

Excited to announce that one of my poems was a finalist for the 2024 @palette_poetry Love & Eros contest! Even though I didn’t take home the final prize, the Palette editors loved the piece so much that they decided to feature it anyway…which is pretty amazing! Please check it out at the link in my bio! 💙

Excited to announce that one of my poems was a finalist for the 2024 @palette_poetry Love & Eros contest! Even though I didn’t take home the final prize, the Palette editors loved the piece so much that they decided to feature it anyway…which is pretty amazing! Please check it out at the link in my bio! 💙

Earlier this summer before all my crazy adventures began, I had the absolute pleasure to sit down with @le_comte_des_bicyclettes the wonderful owner of @twelfthnightcoffee to talk about his inspiration for the shop and the deep passion he has for coffee. Please take a moment to read the article that I wrote about Eric and his amazing coffee shop. And, of course, please support his business! 💙 Link in bio!

Earlier this summer before all my crazy adventures began, I had the absolute pleasure to sit down with @le_comte_des_bicyclettes the wonderful owner of @twelfthnightcoffee to talk about his inspiration for the shop and the deep passion he has for coffee. Please take a moment to read the article that I wrote about Eric and his amazing coffee shop. And, of course, please support his business! 💙 Link in bio!

I am so excited to announce that I have been awarded a two-month residency by the @kerouacproject . As part of the residency, I will get to live in the same house Jack Kerouac did when he wrote work that propelled him into literary history.

In my time there, I will hold workshops for the local community and do readings of my poetry. I will also begin to work on a new project, one that promises to be illuminating and rewarding, shedding light on forgotten figures of the past.

My deepest thanks go out to the Kerouac Project for bestowing me this honor…can’t wait to get started there next summer!

I am so excited to announce that I have been awarded a two-month residency by the @kerouacproject . As part of the residency, I will get to live in the same house Jack Kerouac did when he wrote work that propelled him into literary history.

In my time there, I will hold workshops for the local community and do readings of my poetry. I will also begin to work on a new project, one that promises to be illuminating and rewarding, shedding light on forgotten figures of the past.

My deepest thanks go out to the Kerouac Project for bestowing me this honor…can’t wait to get started there next summer!

Beyond excited to do my first reading @longuevuehg today at 5pm with Peter Cooley, @carolynahembree @bradrichard1382 & Gina Ferrara this evening. Please join us for what is sure to be a beautiful event!

Beyond excited to do my first reading @longuevuehg today at 5pm with Peter Cooley, @carolynahembree @bradrichard1382 & Gina Ferrara this evening. Please join us for what is sure to be a beautiful event!

Woke up to a sweet surprise this morning! Super honored that @thesouthernreview has nominated me for the Best New Poets anthology! My sincerest thanks goes out to editor Jessica Faust for championing this work. I feel so grateful to her and the extraordinary work she does.

Woke up to a sweet surprise this morning! Super honored that @thesouthernreview has nominated me for the Best New Poets anthology! My sincerest thanks goes out to editor Jessica Faust for championing this work. I feel so grateful to her and the extraordinary work she does.

Beyond excited to read poetry today with our state Poet Laureate @apelegrin and phenomenal poets like @bradrichard1382 @little__erin @juliekanepoet @iamkellyhd and our former state poet laureate @saloy1 . We’ll be at the Louisiana State Library today at 12pm in Baton Rouge…so if you can, please join us! 💙

Beyond excited to read poetry today with our state Poet Laureate @apelegrin and phenomenal poets like @bradrichard1382 @little__erin @juliekanepoet @iamkellyhd and our former state poet laureate @saloy1 . We’ll be at the Louisiana State Library today at 12pm in Baton Rouge…so if you can, please join us! 💙

So excited for this reading! Tomorrow I’ll be reading poetry at the Rosa Keller Library at 2pm for the Poetry Buffet: Gina Ferrara’s amazing literary series. Peter Cooley, Ed Ruzicka and Rodney Jones will be reading as well and their work is sure to be incredible! So please join us! 💙

So excited for this reading! Tomorrow I’ll be reading poetry at the Rosa Keller Library at 2pm for the Poetry Buffet: Gina Ferrara’s amazing literary series. Peter Cooley, Ed Ruzicka and Rodney Jones will be reading as well and their work is sure to be incredible! So please join us! 💙

I have had the privilege and honor of knowing @reneauglow for the past five years. We met in graduate school at the UNO Creative Writing Workshop. I first heard Kirsten’s work in a non-fiction class led by @richgood711 . I found her work so moving, insightful, tender and haunting…and couldn’t wait for the days she was up for workshop.

I always knew that she’d bring something beautiful to share…something that would spark intense and thoughtful conversation as we all poured over her words like the gift they were…like the gift that they are.

So you can imagine how incredibly excited I am to celebrate Kirsten’s launch of her debut, Sensitive Creatures, at @barredux tonight: 7pm. Please come join us as we celebrate Kirsten and her momentous achievement.

Bringing a book to life is no small feat and Kirsten has always stepped up to do the work that is both necessary for her art and for her soul. Really lucky to call this woman a friend and classmate. So please join us…have a drink, buy a book and listen to some excellent writing! I’ll be there reading my work alongside @alextronson and Kirsten…and causing trouble as always. 💙

I have had the privilege and honor of knowing @reneauglow for the past five years. We met in graduate school at the UNO Creative Writing Workshop. I first heard Kirsten’s work in a non-fiction class led by @richgood711 . I found her work so moving, insightful, tender and haunting…and couldn’t wait for the days she was up for workshop.

I always knew that she’d bring something beautiful to share…something that would spark intense and thoughtful conversation as we all poured over her words like the gift they were…like the gift that they are.

So you can imagine how incredibly excited I am to celebrate Kirsten’s launch of her debut, Sensitive Creatures, at @barredux tonight: 7pm. Please come join us as we celebrate Kirsten and her momentous achievement.

Bringing a book to life is no small feat and Kirsten has always stepped up to do the work that is both necessary for her art and for her soul. Really lucky to call this woman a friend and classmate. So please join us…have a drink, buy a book and listen to some excellent writing! I’ll be there reading my work alongside @alextronson and Kirsten…and causing trouble as always. 💙

Ekphrastic poetry has been a huge and inspiring aspect of my writing practice throughout the past few years. I love exploring a museum with only a notebook and pen…looking for a burst of inspiration…something to set me going, full blast, into the next poem.

So you can imagine how excited I am to announce that I will be leading an ekphrastic workshop next weekend at @ogdenmuseum here in New Orleans. At this workshop, we’ll read poems that have been inspired by works of art and then I’ll set everyone loose in the museum to find work that they connect with and want to write about.

This promises to be an exciting and artistically fruitful event…so please join us. It’s also free! As always, I can’t wait to see you…and I can’t wait to write with you. 💙

Ekphrastic poetry has been a huge and inspiring aspect of my writing practice throughout the past few years. I love exploring a museum with only a notebook and pen…looking for a burst of inspiration…something to set me going, full blast, into the next poem.

So you can imagine how excited I am to announce that I will be leading an ekphrastic workshop next weekend at @ogdenmuseum here in New Orleans. At this workshop, we’ll read poems that have been inspired by works of art and then I’ll set everyone loose in the museum to find work that they connect with and want to write about.

This promises to be an exciting and artistically fruitful event…so please join us. It’s also free! As always, I can’t wait to see you…and I can’t wait to write with you. 💙

Two weeks ago, I was forced to cancel my featured reading @cafeistanbulnola due to an awful bout of food poisoning and/or stomach bug that totally took me out. I never cancel events…so I felt horrible (in more ways than one!)

BUT the good news is that I will be fulfilling my poetic obligations tonight with the rescheduled reading at Cafe Istanbul! I’ll be reading a mixture of poems…some old and new…and I would love to see you there! It’s a late night hang…so if you’re into that, please join us!

Two weeks ago, I was forced to cancel my featured reading @cafeistanbulnola due to an awful bout of food poisoning and/or stomach bug that totally took me out. I never cancel events…so I felt horrible (in more ways than one!)

BUT the good news is that I will be fulfilling my poetic obligations tonight with the rescheduled reading at Cafe Istanbul! I’ll be reading a mixture of poems…some old and new…and I would love to see you there! It’s a late night hang…so if you�’re into that, please join us!

Had an absolutely wonderful time serving as the inaugural writer-in-residence of @jamcruise 20! For five deliriously delicious days, I wrote poetry on a fabulous cruise ship that traveled from Miami, Florida to Montego Bay & the Cayman Islands. On the way, I made new memories, fast friends and listened to amazing music. I never cease to be amazed at the places poetry can take you. For me, the answer is always: everywhere 💙

Special thanks goes out to Cloud Nine Adventures who made this happen!

Had an absolutely wonderful time serving as the inaugural writer-in-residence of @jamcruise 20! For five deliriously delicious days, I wrote poetry on a fabulous cruise ship that traveled from Miami, Florida to Montego Bay & the Cayman Islands. On the way, I made new memories, fast friends and listened to amazing music. I never cease to be amazed at the places poetry can take you. For me, the answer is always: everywhere 💙

Special thanks goes out to Cloud Nine Adventures who made this happen!

Recently, I was given the tremendous gift of being able to sit down with my former professor at the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop, @carolynahembree, to discuss her newest book of poetry from @lsupress , For Today.

If you’ve ever had the honor of being taught by Carolyn, you know that even after one conversation with her, you always leave with new knowledge and inspiration — whether it’s the courage to explore a new form or dive into the work of a writer you hadn’t previously known before.

In this interview, which I conducted through my position as Poetry Editor of @frenchquarterjournal, Carolyn shares her extraordinary process for writing and living as a poet in this world. She always gives.

Please take a moment, if you can, to read this wonderful interview. You won’t regret it! And purchase a copy of For Today, if you haven’t already. It will change you. I promise. 🙏🏾

You can find the link to the interview in my bio above.
📸: @frenchquarterjournal

Recently, I was given the tremendous gift of being able to sit down with my former professor at the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop, @carolynahembree, to discuss her newest book of poetry from @lsupress , For Today.

If you’ve ever had the honor of being taught by Carolyn, you know that even after one conversation with her, you always leave with new knowledge and inspiration — whether it’s the courage to explore a new form or dive into the work of a writer you hadn’t previously known before.

In this interview, which I conducted through my position as Poetry Editor of @frenchquarterjournal, Carolyn shares her extraordinary process for writing and living as a poet in this world. She always gives.

Please take a moment, if you can, to read this wonderful interview. You won’t regret it! And purchase a copy of For Today, if you haven’t already. It will change you. I promise. 🙏🏾

You can find the link to the interview in my bio above.
📸: @frenchquarterjournal

Years ago, when I was a baby poet at @nocca.nola, I remember the day that @chuckperkins61 came to visit my class. Up until that time, I had never seen a poet whose work moved me so deeply…At that age, everyone tries to stuff the canon down your throat, not realizing its ability to choke. But Chuck’s work wasn’t like that…it was beautiful, alive, vivid, startling and haunting. All the things that poetry should be…and moving in all of the beautiful ways that poets strive to create the work of their souls.

That all being said, you can imagine how honored I was when Chuck recently asked me to feature at his Poets on Poets night at @cafeistanbulnola .

This Wednesday night, Feb. 21, at 11pm, I’ll be doing a set of poetry there…reading work from my forthcoming debut and newer poems that I’ve been tinkering with.

So if you can (and feel like some delicious deep hangs), please join us! I would love to see you. And I would love to read for you. 💙🙏🏾

Years ago, when I was a baby poet at @nocca.nola, I remember the day that @chuckperkins61 came to visit my class. Up until that time, I had never seen a poet whose work moved me so deeply…At that age, everyone tries to stuff the canon down your throat, not realizing its ability to choke. But Chuck’s work wasn’t like that…it was beautiful, alive, vivid, startling and haunting. All the things that poetry should be…and moving in all of the beautiful ways that poets strive to create the work of their souls.

That all being said, you can imagine how honored I was when Chuck recently asked me to feature at his Poets on Poets night at @cafeistanbulnola .

This Wednesday night, Feb. 21, at 11pm, I’ll be doing a set of poetry there…reading work from my forthcoming debut and newer poems that I’ve been tinkering with.

So if you can (and feel like some delicious deep hangs), please join us! I would love to see you. And I would love to read for you. 💙🙏🏾

Please join me today in wishing my dear friend @carolynahembree an amazing birthday today!

And please come on down to @zeitgeist_nola this Friday at 7pm to witness the incredible launch of her latest poetry collection, For Today, from @lsupress ! @blue_cypress_books will be slinging books and exquisite vibes! And I am honored to say that I will be there reading some of my newest work, along with Carolyn and the fabulous @mtodedge whom I absolutely cannot wait to meet!

And you’ll want to stick around after the launch for a super exclusive and LIT afterparty! There will be surprises & treats & shenanigans galore! Come join us as we celebrate Carolyn and her amazing work! You won’t want to miss this one, guys!

Please join me today in wishing my dear friend @carolynahembree an amazing birthday today!

And please come on down to @zeitgeist_nola this Friday at 7pm to witness the incredible launch of her latest poetry collection, For Today, from @lsupress ! @blue_cypress_books will be slinging books and exquisite vibes! And I am honored to say that I will be there reading some of my newest work, along with Carolyn and the fabulous @mtodedge whom I absolutely cannot wait to meet!

And you’ll want to stick around after the launch for a super exclusive and LIT afterparty! There will be surprises & treats & shenanigans galore! Come join us as we celebrate Carolyn and her amazing work! You won’t want to miss this one, guys!

Thanks again to the @the.marybethnola for including my work in the extraordinary Son of a Ghost exhibit and to @rxfogarty for taking these amazing photos on the night of the launch! It’s giving…film noir. 💙

Thanks again to the @the.marybethnola for including my work in the extraordinary Son of a Ghost exhibit and to @rxfogarty for taking these amazing photos on the night of the launch! It’s giving…film noir. 💙

Really honored to have been highlighted for my work teaching English as an Adjunct Professor this past semester at Xavier University of Louisiana.

There is nothing like walking into a classroom filled with the faces of college kids that look like you and are filled with the drive to learn and improve themselves everyday.

I recently wrote a poem on how, as a poet, student of English and the Law, I can probably count all of the Black professors that I’ve ever had in my life on less than ten fingers.

It is no small thing that I find myself in a classroom…and I know it means a lot to my students. Because when I was once in their seats, it meant a lot to look up to the podium and see a Black person guiding my learning experience.

I know that I was assigned to be their teacher…but honestly…I’m the one who ended up learning a valuable lesson when all was said and done.

You can find me back at Xavier in the spring, where I’ll be teaching Creative Writing and Literature courses to these incredible students.

Link to the article in bio! 💙

Really honored to have been highlighted for my work teaching English as an Adjunct Professor this past semester at Xavier University of Louisiana.

There is nothing like walking into a classroom filled with the faces of college kids that look like you and are filled with the drive to learn and improve themselves everyday.

I recently wrote a poem on how, as a poet, student of English and the Law, I can probably count all of the Black professors that I’ve ever had in my life on less than ten fingers.

It is no small thing that I find myself in a classroom…and I know it means a lot to my students. Because when I was once in their seats, it meant a lot to look up to the podium and see a Black person guiding my learning experience.

I know that I was assigned to be their teacher…but honestly…I’m the one who ended up learning a valuable lesson when all was said and done.

You can find me back at Xavier in the spring, where I’ll be teaching Creative Writing and Literature courses to these incredible students.

Link to the article in bio! 💙

Had a wonderful night @the.marybethnola yesterday! I was honored when @rubberflower asked to use my poetry to adorn the exhibit, pairing them with images created by other New Orleans artists.

It was so amazing to see my work illuminated in such a thrilling way. My thanks go out to Cameron & @mayapen for asking me to be a part of this. It was an incredible night…and I will be reliving it for a long time. 💙

Had a wonderful night @the.marybethnola yesterday! I was honored when @rubberflower asked to use my poetry to adorn the exhibit, pairing them with images created by other New Orleans artists.

It was so amazing to see my work illuminated in such a thrilling way. My thanks go out to Cameron & @mayapen for asking me to be a part of this. It was an incredible night…and I will be reliving it for a long time. 💙

Had an absolutely amazing time on a class visit at @tulaneu yesterday! @2muchkarisma and I read our poetry to students and then answered the thoughtful questions they posed to us about our responsibilities and inclinations as poets, who both work and live in New Orleans, during this era of gentrification and climate change.

My thanks goes out to @tr.johnson.750 who not only asked me to speak to his class yesterday but also wrote about me in his latest book, New Orleans: A Writer’s City.

I feel so honored to be featured there, along with my contemporaries. If you can, please pick up a copy of this wonderful book! You won’t regret it!

Had an absolutely amazing time on a class visit at @tulaneu yesterday! @2muchkarisma and I read our poetry to students and then answered the thoughtful questions they posed to us about our responsibilities and inclinations as poets, who both work and live in New Orleans, during this era of gentrification and climate change.

My thanks goes out to @tr.johnson.750 who not only asked me to speak to his class yesterday but also wrote about me in his latest book, New Orleans: A Writer’s City.

I feel so honored to be featured there, along with my contemporaries. If you can, please pick up a copy of this wonderful book! You won’t regret it!

Super excited to head back to New York this weekend to perform @brooklynpoets YAWP Poem of the Year Contest! Feel super honored to be a part of this event with so many phenomenal poets! So if you’re in Brooklyn this weekend, please join us…or tune into the livestream that will be broadcast as the event is happening! Can’t wait to see y’all! And don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite poem!

Super excited to head back to New York this weekend to perform @brooklynpoets YAWP Poem of the Year Contest! Feel super honored to be a part of this event with so many phenomenal poets! So if you’re in Brooklyn this weekend, please join us…or tune into the livestream that will be broadcast as the event is happening! Can’t wait to see y’all! And don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite poem!

Today I was granted the immense honor of picking Pulitzer-Prize winning poet @jerichobrown1 up from the airport when he touched down in New Orleans.

If you ask him, he will tell you that he barely survived my driving…but hey, I did the best I could! 🤣

Had the best time listening to his poetry, words of wisdom and witnessing (along with my darling UNO CWW classmates!) the way he always spreads joy and light no matter where he goes.

Today I was granted the immense honor of picking Pulitzer-Prize winning poet @jerichobrown1 up from the airport when he touched down in New Orleans.

If you ask him, he will tell you that he barely survived my driving…but hey, I did the best I could! 🤣

Had the best time listening to his poetry, words of wisdom and witnessing (along with my darling UNO CWW classmates!) the way he always spreads joy and light no matter where he goes.

a recap of Halloween 2023: skeleton, ghost, goth prom queen & hooter’s girl. already planning for next year!

a recap of Halloween 2023: skeleton, ghost, goth prom queen & hooter’s girl. already planning for next year!

Wow, y’all! November is packed & stacked!

First, I’ll be in Baton Rouge reading at the @fineprintpaper Issue 13 Release Party, then reading stage directions at my dear friend C.A. Munn’s latest play, and that same night I’ll race to a featured poetry reading at @oldarabilighthouse where @poemdaddy and I will happily bring the house down! I’ll then close out the month by doing an in-depth interview with Louisiana’s latest Poet Laureate @apelegrin for the @wordsandmusicnola festival!

I’m so excited for each of these events and hope to catch you guys at one or more of them! So please join me for all of the poetry and art…it’s good for your heart! 💙

Wow, y’all! November is packed & stacked!

First, I’ll be in Baton Rouge reading at the @fineprintpaper Issue 13 Release Party, then reading stage directions at my dear friend C.A. Munn’s latest play, and that same night I’ll race to a featured poetry reading at @oldarabilighthouse where @poemdaddy and I will happily bring the house down! I’ll then close out the month by doing an in-depth interview with Louisiana’s latest Poet Laureate @apelegrin for the @wordsandmusicnola festival!

I’m so excited for each of these events and hope to catch you guys at one or more of them! So please join me for all of the poetry and art…it’s good for your heart! 💙

Endlessly grateful to @thesouthernreview for publishing this poem and my vocal recording of it as well…which is now posted to their audio gallery for your listening pleasure. Thank you so much Jessica Faust and the editorial staff for getting this work out into the world.

Please check it out and lend me your ears. 💙 Link in bio!

Endlessly grateful to @thesouthernreview for publishing this poem and my vocal recording of it as well…which is now posted to their audio gallery for your listening pleasure. Thank you so much Jessica Faust and the editorial staff for getting this work out into the world.

Please check it out and lend me your ears. 💙 Link in bio!

Creepin’ in like a crook with a new book…DEAL 💙

Super excited to announce that my debut poetry collection, Libre, will be published under the fresh and exciting new imprint, @regalo_press with @simonandschuster in Summer 2024.

My book was acquired by illustrious publisher Gretchen Young, who was the nucleus of Grand Central Publishing for many years and has worked (on poetry!) with icons like Caroline Kennedy, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Oscar Hijuelos, and civil rights leader John Lewis. Needless to say…I’m proud to be added to the incredible list of voices that she has helped to amplify in this world.

I’d also like to thank my incredible agent @janehamiltonliterary who used her skills to advocate for me as we navigated this process. I’m so thankful for her encouragement and hard work.

I’m so honored to be on this journey and do the work of my soul. Can’t wait to show you all this book!

Creepin’ in like a crook with a new book…DEAL 💙

Super excited to announce that my debut poetry collection, Libre, will be published under the fresh and exciting new imprint, @regalo_press with @simonandschuster in Summer 2024.

My book was acquired by illustrious publisher Gretchen Young, who was the nucleus of Grand Central Publishing for many years and has worked (on poetry!) with icons like Caroline Kennedy, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Oscar Hijuelos, and civil rights leader John Lewis. Needless to say…I’m proud to be added to the incredible list of voices that she has helped to amplify in this world.

I’d also like to thank my incredible agent @janehamiltonliterary who used her skills to advocate for me as we navigated this process. I’m so thankful for her encouragement and hard work.

I’m so honored to be on this journey and do the work of my soul. Can’t wait to show you all this book!

Super honored & thankful to @thesouthernreview for publishing two of my poems in their Autumn issue. At their core, both of these pieces are about different types of violence that are pervasive in our society: violence against children and violence against Black bodies. I hope that you enjoy these poems, as grotesque and true as they are.

I also want to shout out my CWW Professor @carolynahembree who is featured in this wonderful issue as well. Her poem is an excerpt from her magnificent new book, forthcoming from @lsupress called For Today which will be released early next year! It’s gonna be an absolute banger! Get it y’all! 💙

Super honored & thankful to @thesouthernreview for publishing two of my poems in their Autumn issue. At their core, both of these pieces are about different types of violence that are pervasive in our society: violence against children and violence against Black bodies. I hope that you enjoy these poems, as grotesque and true as they are.

I also want to shout out my CWW Professor @carolynahembree who is featured in this wonderful issue as well. Her poem is an excerpt from her magnificent new book, forthcoming from @lsupress called For Today which will be released early next year! It’s gonna be an absolute banger! Get it y’all! 💙

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