news
some new material from my february residency is making it out into the world. it feels vulnerable, but also exciting. i also dropped a few new zines this month, and am in the process of planning a FRUITCAKE doubleheader of sorts for pride month.
big news: the you stupid slut rerelease is now available for preorder, with a release date of July 21, 2026! it’s available at most major online booksellers, but i’d really love it if you bought it on Bookshop.org, or really anywhere that isn’t the bezos site.
blah blah blah, zine reminders:
join my zine club.
download all my mini zines in one $10 digital bundle.
i’m selling physical zines on etsy.
follow all of my zine-related adventures @ramenzines on instagram.
published poems: “fantasy: buying myself flowers,” “poem for raisins in the sun,” and “you need human touch” in The Bulb Region
published poems: “breaking loose,” “cocoa hooves,” and “shrinkage” in electric pink issue 1
published poems: “DREDGE” and “i am being so normal about desire” in BRUISER
published poems: “crossing east 30th” and “throwing rice at people in a greetings & readings” in Does It Have Pockets? May 2026 Issue
published poem: “emotional trash compactor” (online exclusive) and “wolf moon” in Strip Mall Magazine Issue 5
published poem: “sonnet for shorter days” in Welter Spring 2026 issue
published poem: “a gender” in Muzzle Magazine Spring 2026 issue
upcoming attractions:
june 5: i’ll be reading poetry from with gasoline at Balancing Act: Performance and Protest. 6 p.m. @ Red Emma’s.
june 9: i’ll be reading virtually with the Dodo Eraser reading series. contact me or the mag to rsvp.
june 11: i’ll be hosting the pride month edition of FRUITCAKE with Stephanie Anderson, Yasmine Bolden, Carolyn DeCarlo, and Paige Ellen Passantino. 7 p.m. @ Ottobar (Upstairs).
june 29: i’ll be hosting and reading at Tropical Fruits, a new FRUITCAKE happy hour series that will also feature Rory Engle-Pratt and Kelsey Ko for the inaugural event. 7 p.m. @ Pink Flamingo.
notes
i have recently found myself reflecting on the ways i which i have healed, in addition to the ways in which i could still stand to do so. i’ve had a difficult year, and i think part of actually processing it has involved the series of poems i’ve written in the wake of some major life events that took place in the last 365+ days. there’s something about these things existing in this way on the page that feels correct to me; it breaks up a logjam of jumbled thoughts, in a sense, and allows me to communicate. but more importantly, i also feel like writing candidly about what’s on my mind is allowing me to consider its impact on me, good or bad or otherwise. it hasn’t been easy to continue to push myself to evolve based past experiences, but it has started to become rewarding to see the results. i’m trying to make my 30s a new era. here’s hoping.
sneak peek
i’m going to shamelessly promote some newer freelance projects in this section, as i have some stuff i’m very proud of!
i made this reel for my friend Sadee Bee to promote their recent release with White Stag Publishing, and i had such a blast doing it. would love to see more social media/promo work in my pipeline!
i recently contributed to the Baltimore Beat’s 81st issue, aka the weed issue! those of you that have known me for a minute know that i used to work in the cannabis industry, so a strain review article was awesome to be asked to take on. i also wrote a “hot toke,” in addition to doing the illustrations for the article.
i’ve been consistently working on the flyers for Dodo Eraser’s virtual reading series, which have allowed me to push my aesthetic sensibilities in a decidedly punk/DIY direction. shoutout to Travis for the trust. (1 / 2 / 3)
please, please, please, please hit me up for freelance work! i’m happy to discuss your project ideas via email. check out my portfolio to get a sense of what i do. i also edit manuscripts!
what’s happening
call: River River Books is open for poetry manuscript submissions until 5/31
release: Fez Avery’s CLAYBOY is now available from Write Bloody Publishing. i had the unique pleasure of hosting Fez’ book launch for a recent FRUITCAKE event and it was a phenomenal night!
current events
here’s what i’ve been reading, watching, listening to, and playing.
books: frank: sonnets by Diane Seuss
tv: Summer House, Southern Hospitality, The Real Housewives of New York (rewatch)
games: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Pokémon Violet
the part where i ask for money
icymi, i reopened paid subscriptions. while the pool will always be 100% free, i do not have a full-time job/steady income and appreciate any support i’m able to get right now. if you’d prefer not to ferry your money through substack (i get it), you can also set up a recurring donation on ko-fi or send me a tip (scroll to the bottom of the page for payment links).
Always inspired by how prolific you are in your craft and community. Also that playlist is super good.