Hello from my new substack!
New platform, same old me!
Hello friends! I've switched to Substack for my newsletter so if you're receiving this it's because you previously subscribed. I currently have a few ideas I’m chewing on so expect more in the future. For now, this is the usual update.
I wrapped up my 2023 book tour in December, ending a 9-month adventure. It was such an amazing experience and I’m so grateful I did it. I have a few readings scheduled in 2024 (you can find my reading schedule here) but the tour is officially over and I have a few new things I’ll begin working on soon. Here’s how my book tour shaped up:
What I’m Cooking / Baking / Eating
I recently posted about breaking the cycle of my disordered eating. I’ve been struggling with this on and off for nearly thirty years so it feels good to finally be on the track to being healthy and happy in my body. As such I’m learning to love food without the guilt and embracing my body’s wants. This means I’ve found a new, favorite brownie recipe: Olive Oil Brownies. They are everything a brownie should be: decadent, complex flavor, and easy to make. I highly recommend them.
What I’m Reading
My book club is reading Bunny by Mona Awad and even thought I’m 95% done with the book I’m still undecided about what I think. It is strange and bizarre and more than a little weird but it is definitely keeping my attention. I finally got a copy of Pink Elephant by Rachel McKibbens and it did not disappoint. This was her debut collection of poetry and it’s been out of print for years but a friend had a copy so I was ecstatic to finally read it. It fucked me up good. If you can find it I definitely recommend it! Also, if we’re not already friends on Goodreads please find and add me. I read over 300 books each year and am always on the lookout for a good book.
What I’m Writing
I’m part of a group called the December Poets. Every December we try to write a poem a day for the entire month and we cheer each other on with positive feedback, support, and shamelessly borrowing from each other’s poems. Thus far I’ve hit my poem-a-day goal and some of them are even worth keeping/workshopping. It’s a great way to stay motivated during a long, dark month.
Recent Publications
Wasps Fuck Inside Figs and Die There and After the Attempt - published by Westchester Review
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The independent poetry press I run, Riot in Your Throat, will open for full length manuscripts next month. If you have a collection looking for a home, or know someone who does, please send them my way. I work hard to support the poets I publish and am looking for 2-4 collections to publish in 2024-2025. You can find the full guidelines here.
Wishing you all peace and prosperity.
Love and poetry,
Courtney
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I’m currently open for manuscript consults and would love to work with you! Find additional info here.