Book Review: HOW TO BE A RENAISSANCE WOMAN by Jill Burke

June 28, 2026

Professor Jill Burke’s How to Be A Renaissance Woman: The Untold Story of Beauty and Female Creativity (Pegasus Books, 2024)is an extraordinary confluence of Renaissance culture, women’s history, and cosmetic history. Jill Burke tracks Renaissance beauty standards, cosmetic trends,  and their cultural influences. Burke collects historical, literary, and artistic sources to create a fascinating exploration. … More Book Review: HOW TO BE A RENAISSANCE WOMAN by Jill Burke

Book Review: THE BOLEYN SECRET by Alison Weir

June 7, 2026

Alison Weir’s The Boleyn Secret is hot off the presses — and fresh out of the recording studios. This latest installment of Tudor historical fiction was released in May 2026. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Rosalyn Landor, who has been an exceptional performer of Weir’s Six Queens series, The King’s Pleasure, and The … More Book Review: THE BOLEYN SECRET by Alison Weir

Book Review: JANE THE QUENE by Janet Wertman

May 10, 2026

As a lover of history, I appreciate the precise details and human experience that create the historical novel. Historical fiction can be rife with purple prose, blatant inaccuracies, and needless eroticism. But when it is done well, a historical novel makes characters come to life, building empathy and perspective. The latest stop on my medieval … More Book Review: JANE THE QUENE by Janet Wertman

#TLC: Grace, Patience, and Authenticity

April 29, 2026

As educators, we are often asked for a teaching philosophy or teaching statement. Here’s mine: I am inspired by the power of clear communication. Whether it’s the precise description of scientific data or the luxurious reflection promised by poetry, language helps us understand our world and imagine a better one. I want students to learn … More #TLC: Grace, Patience, and Authenticity

New Release: Every Place on the Map Is Disabled

January 26, 2026

Today I received an early copy of Every Place on the Map Is Disabled: Poems and Essays. This new anthology from Northwestern University Press features three of my poems and one of my essays — alongside the extraordinary work of contemporary disabled poets. I recognize many of my co-authors — like Jill Khoury, Eli Clare, and … More New Release: Every Place on the Map Is Disabled

Top 5 Tudor Podcasts

August 1, 2025

Several months ago, I began my foray into Tudor history. I’ve found joy in a plethora of history podcasts. In no particular order, here are the five Tudor podcasts I never miss! Some lovely features in common with all five podcasts: Talking Tudors Hosted by Natalie Grueninger, Talking Tudors is a rich exploration of Tudor … More Top 5 Tudor Podcasts

Retiring York

July 29, 2025

As I prepare for my 14th year of teaching, I can anticipate one major change: my guide dog York will not be walking beside me. After 11 years of incredible service, it’s time for him to retire. I met York on June 24, 2014, and it’s no exaggeration to say that he has completely changed … More Retiring York

#TLC: Rigor, Energy, Delight: A Poetic Practice

November 24, 2024

I am no stranger to the dread of poetry. When my students enter class and see “Poem of the Week” emblazoned on the warmup slide, the groans and sighs begin. “Poetry? I hate poetry!”   Many students fear and despise poetry because it makes them feel stupid. They imagine, or have been led to believe, that … More #TLC: Rigor, Energy, Delight: A Poetic Practice