INFLUENCES

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  • DESARAE LEE - PERFECTLY REPULSIVE, A SHORT FILM

    Desarae Lee is one of my best friends. Her artwork is one of my favorite inspirations, and the subject of my current manuscript.

  • LAUREN ZUNIGA - STORMCHASER

    Lauren Zuniga is a constant inspiration. She has mastered vulnerability and narrative in her work. As a human being, she is simultaneously the strongest and most graceful person I know.

  • DERRICK C. BROWN - A FINGER, TWO DOTS THEN ME

    Derrick C. Brown was the second performance poet I'd ever seen live. Since 2004, he has remained a good friend and one of my strongest influences. He is undeniably weird and unexpectedly tender throughout his work.

  • ANDREA GIBSON - A LETTER TO MY DOG, EXPLORING THE HUMAN CONDITION

    I first met Andrea Gibson in 2006. I was instantly hooked. Her images linger with you for days, even weeks.

  • SHANE KOYCZAN - THE STORY OF NOW

    Shane Koyczan was the first performance poet I experienced. He showed me the importance (and honesty) of blending heartbreak and humor. He gives the best hugs.

  • RACHEL MCKIBBENS - POETRY AS THERAPY

    My first experience with Rachel McKibbens was at iWPS in 2006. I was floored with her willingness to be brutal in her writing. There's no one I learn from more often or more fully.

  • ANIS MOJGANI - SHAKE THE DUST

    I met Anis Mojgani in 2007 and loved his work. The next summer, he got stranded in Ireland and a friendship was (almost) born. He is a wonderful storyteller, and one of my favorite companions on icy walks through the cemetery.

  • SONYA RENEE TAYLOR - BEAUTIFUL

    The first thing I ever told Sonya Renee Taylor was that she was too angry. She's been schooling me ever since. I am constantly grateful for her patience and willingness to put me in my place.

  • MIKE MCGEE - SNAP JUDGMENT, LIVE

    The first time I met Mike McGee, he won a slam and bought an entire house party pizza. He hugged me and helped me understand the importance of self-health. He's the best human I know.

  • THULI ZUMA - COMING UP SHORT

    Thuli Zuma brought me to my feet at iWPS in 2012. I'd never heard of her. Now, I make it a point to share her work with everyone I know.

  • J.W. BASILO - LIVE AT AIN'T NOTHING WRONG

    J.W. Basilo is an asshole who came out of nowhere and stunned Vancouver in 2007. He is the closest thing to a brother I've ever known. I love him for his honesty.

  • SARAH KAY - EXTENDED DEVELOPMENT

    Students showed me a Sarah Kay poem last year and I was flabbergasted that I'd never heard her before. I have no words for how her poems affect me. I just know that I can't stop listening.

  • JAVON JOHNSON - CUZ HE'S BLACK

    I've been following Javon Johnson since 2008. He's hilarious, poignant and witty. I may swoon if I ever get to shake his hand.