Teaching

My Teaching Philosophy:

I believe the best way to become a poet and/or writer is give yourself permission to become one. My writing mentors understood that encouragement is the best form of nourishment. They understood that too much criticism too early withers self-esteem. My role as a mentor is to open a door and encourage you to go outside and explore—delve into the realm of your lived experience, dreams, and imagination. Honor what’s unearthed. Through this process, you will tap into your innate talent, unique voice, and begin to see yourself as an artist. In essence, you will teach you. Along the way, I will offer practical advice for how to navigate the publishing industry, the craft of writing, and make sure that you get the support you need on your journey.

My background:

I’ve swirled around the publishing world since 2009. Soaking up all the knowledge possible, I’ve held internships at Tin House Magazine (RIP Tin House), Tin House Books, the Martha Kaplan Literary Agency in New York, and Bitch Media (RIP Bitch). I’ve reviewed books for Bookslut, Sightlines, the Texas Observer, Ploughshares, and the San Francisco Chronicle. I’ve taught classes in creative writing and professional development at the University of Texas at Austin, the Austin Public Library, The Writing Barn, Austin Bat Cave, The Writers’ League of Texas, and Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop. I’ve mentored system-impacted writers in the Pen City Writers Program. I’ve read submissions for Bat City Review and CLMP Firecracker award for poetry. As a former bookseller, at Malvern Books (RIP Malvern) I ran Line/Break, Austin’s only poetry book club for over three years. Oh, wow, I’ve kinda done a lot.