Writer + Dancer
I’ve been a writing tutor for about 5 years and in the Fall of 2022, I began teaching freshmen college English at San Jose State University. After two full semesters of teaching, I’ve noticed something: being good at writing is not based on just talent or good education, but also on what your environment and community tells you about writing. … Continue readingWhat I’ve Learned from Teaching Writing
This month has been spent between states of meditation and prayer and intense stress. Yet, I’ve found myself thinking critically about my writing, more than ever before. Writing is meant to be a meditation: a place where creativity can heal wounds and rebuild positive foundations in the mind. … Continue readingWriting, Meditation, and Mindfulness
Each year AWP puts on a conference where readers, writers, academics, literary magazines, small presses, publishing houses, and creative arts programs meet and share their insights and expertise. This was my first year at AWP, and I was ecstatic to attend. I essentially left AWP feeling equally overwhelmed as I was excited. … Continue readingReflection on AWP 2023
This post discusses the process of creating “Leneia a’Min & An Earthen Collision,” a project I finished in my poetry workshop in the Fall of 2022. … Continue readingCraft Essay: The Process of Creation
This essay discusses the origins of my fictional religion, Leneia a’Min. I reflect on my faith, my art, and my experiences growing up, and how these things inspired me. … Continue readingCraft Essay: An Origin Story of Leneia a’Min
Reading is essential for writers because it can inspire new language patterns, diversify vocabulary, and expand formatting choices. In this blog I have my reading list with a description of how each work has inspired or informed my own project. … Continue readingMy Reading List
My Chaos Wall has shifted in size and shape and has gone through several renovations since its initial construction. Until recently, this wall of chaos was actually my only means of order, but unfortunately, the fun has become dysfunctional. … Continue readingFor the Lovers of My Chaos Wall
“Kill your darlings” and “parking lot docs” are phrases used in writing that are not always understood; many people wince with pain and confusion hearing these phrases. However, knowing about the meaning of these phrases could save your writing, as they saved mine. … Continue reading“Kill Your Darlings” and put them in a “Parking Lot Doc”
Over the last few months, I’ve been very busy with work and school. However, with all of this work, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my writing journey and wanted to share some thoughts. … Continue readingAnother Reflection on Writing
For me, dance is primarily a method of contemplation and communication. On the other hand, I believe that writing has the ability to transport readers and provide them with new perspectives in a nonthreatening way. So how does my dancing overlap and connect with my writing? … Continue readingConnecting Dance & Writing