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
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
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
The Winter 2025-2026 issue of Wordgathering is here! And it contains some lovely work by talented writers and artists! The issue features a joyful and enthusiastic opening letter by our Editor-in-Chief, Diane R. Wiener; she extols the issue’s contents and heralds upcoming ventures. I’m excited that my poem “The one with the dog” makes its … More New Poem in Wordgathering!
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
I attended and presented at Tudorcon for the first time this weekend! I chose the “Tudorcon from home” option which allowed me to view all the talks on Zoom, participate in live Q&As, and present my talk digitally. I was impressed with the accessibility measures taken by the conference organizers. All sessions were recorded, and … More My talk at Tudorcon 2025!
I’m proud to say that the latest issue of Wordgathering hosts two of my pieces! The first is an essay called “Too Close to Text: How Writing Revives a Blind Poet.” This essay explores my relationship with reading and writing as a blind woman. The second is my poem, “Backyard By Ear,” which was also … More Essay & poem published in Wordgathering
Last year I had the privilege of teaching a creative writing class with an extraordinary group of high schoolers. Many of these students had taken previous classes with me and were interested in my work as an author. In a lesson on sensory details, I shared my poem “Cello.” After enthusiastically analyzing the poem, one … More “Cello”: A poem’s life continues
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
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
For the past eight months, I have been rediscovering my love of medieval and renaissance history through books and podcasts. I’m having a blast! So I’m documenting my research journey here with some reviews. Today I’m reviewing The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir (Ballantine, 2025). I’ve read all six of … More Book Review: THE CARDINAL by Alison Weir
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
So much of modern advice for teachers involves tuning in to students’ anxieties, fears, and moods in such a way that you are told, “Never cold-call a student,” or “Don’t give a student anxiety by asking them to read an unfamiliar passage out loud.” I think this is a misdirected or perhaps misapplied approach to … More #TLC: Bravery in the Classroom
I’m excited to announce that the Winter 2023-2024 issue of Wordgathering: A Journal of Disability Poetry and Literature is live. This issue boasts reviews for 11 books, and included among these is my review of Clark A. Pomerleau’s Every Day, They Became Part of Him. I first encountered Pomerleau’s exceptional poetry when he submitted to … More New Book Review for Wordgathering
Dear faithful readers: It’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog, but I am happy to write today with an exciting announcement. I have decided to promote other valuable writers’ work alongside my own. Today, I bring to you the work of John Lee Clark, a treasured friend and colleague who has always … More New Book by John Lee Clark
On the Blink 