Winter Spring Summer

All About Autumn

I published my first poem in the 8th grade. It was about my cat — her name was Spaz. She had eyes like limes and could leap the refrigerator’s height without breaking a sweat.

I’ve since been told the greatest mistake a poet can make is to write about her cat or her grandmother.

So, I wrote an entire manuscript of poetry inspired by the life of my late grandmother, Bernice Hebson. She was notable for being the first female letter carrier in the Greater Philadelphia area, an excellent bowler, and an all-around spunky little lady. With any luck, this collection, What the Postwoman Left, will become my first published book.

Aside from my penchant for making poetic faux pas, I’m interested in the places where words meet the world – which means, at least in part, I like poems about real people, that speak in real language. My poems have been published, or are forthcoming, in Crab Orchard Review, Mad Poets Review, Up & Under: The QND Review, Re)Verb, Ekphrasis, Birmingham Poetry Review, and Hinge Online, among others. I’ve also spent a great deal of time thinking and writing about the relationship between poetry and class in contemporary America. I devoted an entire blog, PoetryClass, to the topic for about 9 months. And I’m now trying to find a home for a critical essay, “Entering the Conversation: Poverty in Poetry,” which examines how various modern and contemporary poets used their writing as a way to give voice to the experience of poverty.

Despite the fairly serious nature of my writing, I make it a point to not take myself or my poetry too seriously. I also drink lots of coffee and get chatty when I’m nervous, so I’ve been called “a lively exuberant poet” and a “charming and gracious” poetry host. *Blush* If you’re so inclined, you can catch me reading throughout the Philadelphia area or hosting a monthly series for the Mad Poets Society at the Barnes & Noble in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

I have an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I love to teach, and I’ve led community-based creative writing classes for children and adults in Trenton and Philadelphia.

When I’m not exercising my poetic genius, I make a living as a nonprofit fundraiser. I like to bake, particularly pies. I’m learning to knit, mainly because I’m addicted to accessories and scarves are expensive. Speaking of accessories — I *heart* stripey tights and red hats & shoes. My favorite book of all time is A Prayer for Owen Meany. My favorite poet is Anne Carson. I take inspiration from ponies and ladybugs. I’m learning Spanish, but I’m petrified of actually speaking it. I live in South Philadelphia with my husband and two cats. And I love the Philadelphia Eagles, although they refuse to love me back.

Anything I missed?
Drop me a line at autumn {at} winterspringsummer {dot} com or ping my IM name, poaut.