Ahh, Summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.

Dearest carnival folk,

Summer is not my favorite season, as you’ve probably heard me moan about on this newsletter in the past. I’m a fall girlie 100 percent. The summer, especially here in Houston, is one big, sweaty slog for me.

Did you know you can change how you feel about something, and you don’t have to answer to anyone about it? You don’t have to keep putting up with that so-called friend who wounds you with every little cutting remark because they’ve put you in a box. You don’t have to keep destructive behaviors that hurt those around you, just because you think that’s “Who You Are”. You don’t have to be afraid to follow an idea because it doesn’t fit your genre or your style. You can be anything you want, and your writing can be, too.

So this summer, I’m trying to put aside my dread and instead focus on what makes me happy, finding joy in writing, and embracing the parts of myself I struggle with. Here’s to a season of sun, surprise, and a little more self-forgiveness than summers past.

A few things I’m excited about: I’m currently a teaching artist at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)! I can’t wait to get to host workshops out of the museum. More to come soon! I’m also heavily involved with a project near and dear to my heart: Getting a speculative poetry Hugo Award. Read more on that here.

Write what you love, love what you write.

☀️🧢🌄🌅☀️🌡️🌊🥥🐚☀️🏊👡😎🌻🏝️🕶️👕🌴☀️👙🌞🍹🏄☀️🥵🩱🩴🩳🍦🍨☀️

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