A Writer Writes (Sometimes)

The last two weeks have been pretty busy in terms of my writing! Here are the highlights:

Last Sunday: I facilitated the Community Writing Circle at the Capital Hill Library here in Seattle! The CWC is run by Minor Arcana Press, an indie poetry press where I happen to be Editor *subtle self-serving plug* and I've attended several, but this was my first time as the facilitator. It was a lot of fun! The point of the CWC is to bring writers of all levels together, and also let everyone write on a few prompts and maybe try out a new form or genre. We had a small but enthusiastic turnout. I discussed the elements of flash fiction and encouraged everyone to attempt a few short pieces -- and I think I scored a few converts. You really can tell a story in 250 words, I promise!

Last Monday: I got the very happy news that It Starts With Hope, the anthology of poetry released by the Center for Victims of Torture (from their wonderful Tumblr project of the same name) is now available for sale, and I'm very proud to have my poem "Convalescence" included and to support the wonderful work that the Center is doing every day.

Last Tuesday: More amazing news - (official announcement here) my short nonfiction piece "Nine Kinds of Ice Cream," which appeared earlier this year at Dead Housekeeping, has been nominated for 2016's Best of the Net!  I am humbled and thrilled and really terribly excited, not least because the piece is a personal favorite.

Wednesday: This week, I learned that the Unchaste Readers Series Anthology, which will include my poem "Beauty is Low," will launch on October 22nd in Portland! More details to follow.

***In non-writing news, last week was also a banner time for my health. I suffered a bad fall on July 25th, spraining my ankle and injuring all the ligaments in that foot, as well as lacerating my face to the tune of nine stitches. After a lengthy initial recovery, I was cleared by my doctors last week to go forth and be free of all crutches and bandages. (For a while there, I looked like a walking infirmary.) I still have some long-term healing to go in both cases, but the worst is over and I'm still able to recognize the person in the mirror, so I'm counting it as a double win. Plus, now I can walk and carry stuff in my hands at the same time! It's the little things.

One final note: For you fellow flash fiction enthusiasts, the one and only Yeah Write is running a microfiction Super Challenge beginning October 7th! Registration opens tomorrow (9/9) and I am READY. You should give it a try too! Join me in the madness.