2020's Expectancy
I’ve taken a brief hiatus from publishing and reviewing poetry submissions the past couple of months and will continue through the end of the year. Life has hit hard. It’s been beautiful, incredible, and terrible. Present moment has been encompassing, requiring all of my intentional attention. I wanted to add a note here and share some recent updates, where we’re at, what’s to come.
Recent updates:
Ricky and I purchased a home! We moved in two weeks ago to our dream space. The house itself has a backdrop of a natural preserve; these tall trees with slender trunks make my heart so full. We’re both over the moon to be where we live, in the little town of Pataskala, Ohio.
I had a car accident that swept me off my feet - a deer ran into my car as I was driving home one evening. It took me a while to get back to a steady state without migraines, dizziness, constant mood swings. I’m all better now (thank the Lord), but it really threw a wrench into my mental stability and creativity.
Throughout the month of October, I really struggled with my writing. I’ve shared a bit of this on my Instagram, but I felt bursting with sensory overload, and had a hard time translating the mess in my mind to paper. I’m still working through this, but the promise and expectancy I’m holding for the new year is giving me a refreshed sense of alacrity.
In September, Introspective Collective had a giveaway, consisting of 100 copies of Morning Air, Morning Light. The purpose behind the giveaway was to share the physical copy with those that may not have had financial means to obtain the book; sharing it without limitation. We reached the 100 copy within the first few weeks; it was the best way to commemorate the book’s one year birthday.
Where we’re at:
More than ever, I’m fully in love with art. When Ricky and I visited Rome and Barcelona last month, it evoked a sense of romance–romance for my current moment, for my husband, for the art of poetry.
I’ve been traveling for my day job more than ever and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I miss my husband dearly when I’m away, but love the sacred moments (even as I type this, I’m a visitor in my former home city, Nashville) where I’m able to selfishly write, read, and converse with others. I’m able to fill up my introversion wells, spending evenings quietly alone.
I’m feeling bolder than ever - writing without reservation. While I haven't been writing a lot the past several weeks, I feel a shift in my confidence in sharing what I create. I feel a full excitement for what others are creating, too. We’ve recently opened up poetry submissions again for the new year. Submit here! Would love to read your work.
I’ll be a featured poet at the Secret Midnight Press, Poetry Night event happening in Columbus, Ohio on 12/20. This is also an open mic event, so if you’re local to the area, come read or soak in some sweet, honest poetry. I’m so excited to share some new pieces and to meet new faces.
Where we’re going:
I just finished the 2020 planning for all the hopes and dreams I desire Introspective Collective to grow into. I’ve identified areas where I want to grow in my craft, how I can share it with you, and how I can serve you better, dear reader.
Raine Publishing and Introspective Collective are brewing up exciting dreams of printed submissions from artists around the word. I will share more updates as they come about.
Strides towards another book are weighing heavy in my heart, in the best way possible. I can’t wait to write and illustrate until another printed artwork is born. It’s a long road, but I’m thankful to be able to hold this dream in my heart until it’s held in my hands.
If you’re interested in keeping a pulse with the new poetry and updates from this site, you can subscribe here. I also have a poetry Facebook and personal Instagram page if you’re drawn to follow those instead or as well.
On behalf of Introspective Collective: myself, all of our guest authors, and contributors, we thank you for offering your time to read through this scroll of text. My heart swells with gratitude because of your gracious support, and the time you share with us.
Portrait photo by the incredible Carly from Authentic Narrative.