Hang on to your seat folks! This week’s talk story will be a doozy.

I know everyone is gearing up for AWP 2024 in Kansas City and I hope everyone has an amazing time, wherever you may be… on panels, at readings, at the Bookfair, at museums, hiding in your room. I wish I could be there with you all! As you may know (or not), AWP will be held in Los Angeles next year, and it’s literally during the only time I could take off from work without incurring the wrath of my bosses at the board of education I work for in Japan.

So… I am holding a fundraiser to help me get there!! I have over a year to raise enough money to pay for my airfare and airport transfers (about $2000), a 4-5 night stay at whatever hotel is closest ($1400), food/drink ($700), early bird AWP membership/registration (if I get a panel and work there, $0, if I get a panel and can’t work there, $149 - and it goes up from there), and maybe some books. My budget is based on current market prices. I have no idea what it will look like when I do actually purchase and reserve everything.

Help me get to AWP 2025!! Click through to my landing page where you will find links to my google appointment booking system to book flash feedback, workshops I will be holding throughout the year, and my donations links, including my Ko-fi page with a special option to donate for a postcard with original art and a writing prompt from me in Japan! I’m so happy to say that the wonderful Amy Marques was the very first person to donate for a postcard from me! She’ll be getting it soon!

Also, I am putting my own earnings from my publications and work in the writing community into my fund. I have already earned about $400 from publications and book sales. It’s not a lot, but it’s something. I will be updating my Twitter banner and my Ko-fi page on my progress if you want to keep track!

My first workshop of the year is open for registration!

I know it seems crazy to start trying to raise money now before this year’s AWP has even happened, but I figure if I start now, I just might make enough to actually go. So, my amazing writing friends, I hope you are willing to help me. Every little bit counts.

Now on to the the other awesomeness in my life: an acceptance from The Threepenny Review, a publication in LEON Literary Review (The Mote In God’s Eye) and my copy of Duets came in! The Threepenny Review has been on my top tier list for years. I started submitting to them in 2016. I am still in shock a week later. My story in LEON is not my usual but it covers themes I’m interested in. I hope you read it!. Finally, my copy of Amy Marques’ Duets made its way here! So happy to be a part of it! Thank you Amy!

If you made it this far, thank you. I am always grateful to each and everyone of you. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for you, so thank you so very much. Sending light and love and creativity!