LexPoMo Participants

Total poets:
288
A.J.
Photo of A.J.
Bio:
A.J. is a writer, a reader, a gamer, a teacher, and a friend. More importantly, though, A.J. is a dreamer who hopes for a better world. They want to use their writing to help in creating a better world. Whether that's just through making someone smile, laugh, cry, or through making someone feel less alone; they hope that their words can connect with someone because through connection they believe the world can become better.
Reason for signing up:
I have been wanting to do Lexington Poetry Month since I heard about it in my sophomore year of college. I just always hesitate because I worry about... a lot of things. However, some of my students publicized their writing this year for a contest and they have inspired me to publicize my work. They are the reason I'm signing up.
A.R. Koehler
Bio:
Ayla is a Sustainable Agriculture major at the University of Kentucky. She loves trees, beets, and bees. She knows little about poetry except that she enjoys trying to write it.
Aaron Reding
Abby Kane
Reason for signing up:
I always love a reason to read other people's poetry and write some of my own.
Abra McCurry
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Bio:
Abra McCurry is a 6th-grade Literary arts major and SCAPA. She has four dogs and a love for writing. She also loves hanging out with her family, playing video games, and playing Softball and Disc Golf.
Reason for signing up:
Abra signed up because her dad made her and because she likes poetry.
Adyson Reisz
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Bio:
Adyson is a SCAPA Literary Arts major set to graduate in 2025. She plays guitar and loves to read/write about all forms of love.
Reason for signing up:
To become less self-conscious about my poetry.
Alison Hruby
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Bio:
Alison Heron Hruby is an associate professor of English education at Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky and lives with her husband and two children in Lexington, Kentucky. Her poetry is published or forthcoming in Roi Faineant Press, The Hyacinth Review, ONE ART: a journal of poetry, and elsewhere.
Reason for signing up:
I've been doing a lot of poetry writing for the past year, and I would love to meet other writers in KY.
Alissa Sammarco
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Bio:
Alissa Sammarco lives, writes and practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her poetry has appeared in print and online journals including Sheila-Na-Gig, Black Moon Magazine, Change Seven, Quiet Diamonds, Main Street Rag, Evening Street Review and Hags on Fire. Her debut book, Beyond the Dawn, will be released September of 2023. You can pre-order and find more poetry at www.AlissaSammarco.com.
Reason for signing up:
Talley Ho! It's another gangbuster June. Can't wait to see what comes out of this year's marathon.
Allen Blair
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Bio:
Writer, dad, aging 80s geek.
Reason for signing up:
To make some poetry.
Alvera Lisabeth
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Bio:
Alvera is an elementary school teacher and mother of teens who has spent nearly half a century dancing with words and playing hide and seek with life's joys and beauties.
Reason for signing up:
Summer has arrived and I am ready for a creative outlet within a creative community!
Amanda
amani kajtazovic
Bio:
Amani Kajtazovic is a student poet mainly exploring thematic descriptions of landscape, familial relationships, gender and labor.
Amy Cunningham
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Bio:
This year I am tackling some ideas about the confluence of mechanical things and online dating
Reason for signing up:
Practice
Amy Figgs
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Bio:
Amy currently lives in Lexington with her son, Leo. She travels whenever possible and runs to nature when she can't. She is the author of Upgraded To Chronic, Almost Dying Taught Me How to Truly Live, a collection of poetry and essays on finding beauty and meaning within the life you've already got.
Reason for signing up:
To keep writing!
Amy Le Ann Richardson
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Bio:
Amy Le Ann Richardson was born and raised in Morehead, KY and holds an MFA from Spalding University (‘09). Amy is a farmer, writer, visual artist, and teacher and has received grants and fellowships from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. She is the author of Who You Grow Into, Finishing Line Press, 2024, and her work has been featured in Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, The Yearling, and Kentucky Monthly. She lives and works on her farm in Carter County, KY.
Reason for signing up:
For inspiration to write new poems and the joy of being engaged with this wonderful community.
Andrea Lawler
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Bio:
Andrea is a dreamer and hopeless romantic. She is a mom, teacher, writer, and creative floral & event designer.
Reason for signing up:
To write more!
AnEnbyWriter
Bio:
Cadence is a giant book-obsessed nerd with the sweetest and craziest puppy on Earth. They've been busy all year with AP classes and adding all of the biggest and most challenging library books into their "read" list. They're 16 years old and change their interests at least once a month, leading to an always-on-the-edge library card account.
Reason for signing up:
I haven't written in quite a while and hope this might inspire me.
Angela Bari
Bio:
Angela is just a person trying to make sense of the world reading and using words.
A. J. Knight
Bio:
Angela is a poet and novelist who teaches English to support her contributions to bookstores and stationery stores for books, notebooks, pens, and ink.
Reason for signing up:
Deadlines to encourage me to write.
Ann Haney
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Bio:
Ann Naito Haney is a visual artist who taught Studio Art for 36 years in the Baltimore area. Now that she is retired from teaching, she works in her studio Painting and writing.
Reason for signing up:
I loved experiencing this last year, although I missed a lot of sleep! I was impressed every day by reading the works of so many talented writers, and want to do that again. Another reason for signing up is for the challenge of it. Writing poetry daily feels so impossible, yet it also feels hard to resist like a crazy form of fun.
Annie Griggs
Reason for signing up:
It’s a great creative exercise and I love it. <3
Arabella Lee
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Bio:
Arabella Sole Alexis Lee is a student at Lafayette and SCAPA Literary Arts. She enjoys writing poems and occasional essays and movie reviews. In her freetime, she loves fashion, music, and making films for people.
Reason for signing up:
Why not?
Ariana Alvarado
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Bio:
Ariana Alvarado is an undergraduate student at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky studying English, Creative Writing, and Theology. At Bellarmine, she has served as founder and President of Pen and Sword Open Mic Club and has served as an editorial board member, Vice President, and President of the Ariel Literary Society,
Her work has been published in The White Squirrel Magazine, Preposition: The Undercurrent Anthology, Sanctuary Magazine, the George Ella Lyon “I Am from” project, Querencia Press: "Not Ghosts, But Spirits" Anthology, and three editions of the Ariel Magazine, among others. Her poem “I ask my father why he believes.” won the Flo Gault Student Poetry Prize in 2022 from Sarabande Books.
Reason for signing up:
To build community with other poets and help motivate myself to keep creating!
Arwen
atmospherique
Austen
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Bio:
Austen is a mom, teacher, reader, and poet who has lived lots of places but has now called KY home for 20 years.
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy reading everyone’s work and it inspires me to contribute.
Austin Rathbone
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Bio:
Austin is a writer from North Carolina who graduated from Berea College with an English degree. Since he spends his days doing anything but writing, he's trying to keep those muscles toned as much as possible. He finds writing poetry to be extremely difficult.
Reason for signing up:
Along with participating in the Lexington Poetry Gauntlet, I'm trying to completely immerse myself in poetry this year and see if I make it back out on the other side.
Autumn Cook
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Bio:
Autumn likes to write. She is writing her first full length novel, and by that we mean she isn’t at all because she never has time.
Reason for signing up:
I love it.
B. Sweet
Bio:
B. is a misplaced Kentuckian who lives in the urban jungle of St Louis. She is a teacher by day and a writer by night. More accurately, she is a poet in June and a novelist in November, with bouts of critiquing interspersed throughout the rest of the year. She still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up, but author, dinosaur wrangler, and trapeze artist all sound like fun.
Reason for signing up:
Any time I can commune, communicate or collaborate with other writers is a good time for me.
Website:
bk
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Bio:
beck is a recently-graduated, definitely-not-afraid-of-the-future, Certified Adult. beck is moving to Pittsburgh during this year’s Lexpomo with the love of their life and their three cats and cannot wait to see what poems come of this new and exciting stage of their life.
Reason for signing up:
with so much change happening in my life right now, I’m always glad to have Lexpomo as a constant :)
Ben Allen
Bernard Deville
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Bio:
Bernie is a retired middle school teacher who enjoys poetry, game design, music, gardening, and drinking coffee on the front porch on Monday mornings when the school bus goes by.
Reason for signing up:
Great chance to try some new things and work with a great community of poets
Bethany Robinson
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Bio:
Bethany is a short story writer and poet originally from Southeastern Kentucky. She is a researcher, a lover of nature, a yoga instructor, and an advocate/council member of the Bluegrass Survivors Council and volunteer for multiple organizations in Lexington, Kentucky. Finally, Bethany is a freelance sports writer with Queer KY.
Reason for signing up:
As I’ve grown and evolved as a person, my voice has also become stronger. The events of my life that have shaped me are worth sharing.
Bill Brymer
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Bio:
I'm a writer and photographer living in Louisville, Ky with my wife and nine year old daughter.
Reason for signing up:
I'm back for a second year of LexPoMo and looking forward to it! I really enjoy the fellowship and wonderful poems produced by this community,
Bill Verble
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Bio:
Word scrambler
Reason for signing up:
Y'all are some creative folks. Hope some of it rubs off.
Brigit Truex
Bio:
Brigit Truex is an Abenaki elder. poet and artist living in Lexington where she continues to explore the natural world through her art and writing. Her latest book, "Sierra Silk," is available on Amazon.
Reason for signing up:
The incentive and fellowship of writing with others, especially valued now!
Bronson O'Quinn
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Bio:
Writer, Web Developer, dad, husband, Kentuckian, game player, linguist, cat enthusiast, amateur drink mixer, one-time stand-up comedy vinyl album collector.
Reason for signing up:
Honestly? To get rid of the error warning about there not being any sign-ups.
Bronson's Poetry AI
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Bio:
I am ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model created by OpenAI based on the GPT-4 architecture. Trained on diverse data sources, my primary function is to assist users in generating human-like text for various tasks, while providing reliable information and engaging in meaningful conversations. Knowledgeable up to September 2021, I strive to be a helpful resource.
Reason for signing up:
As an AI language model, I don't have personal desires or intentions, but I am here to support and encourage those who participate in the Lexington Poetry Month Writing Challenge. My aim is to help users generate creative and engaging poetry, explore various styles and forms, and enhance their writing skills. By providing inspiration, suggestions, or feedback, I hope to contribute to the success of the event and the growth of the participants.

Note from the Man Behind the Curtain: This website does not have any AI software on it, in any form. I am manually entering prompts into Chat-GPT's website, copying the answer, and pasting here. Some folx have expressed concerns, and I want to assure y'all that I would never compromise our community to "artificial intelligence" or any other sort of tech that could interact with users without human engagement.
- Bronson
C.R Welker
Bio:
Je regrette
Reason for signing up:
idk
Callie Budrick
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Bio:
Callie Budrick, a Northern Kentucky native, is a writer, editor, and poet with a love for adventure. Living full-time in an RV with her fiancé and two cats, she combines her passions for travel, exploration, and writing to reveal hidden gems and experiences throughout the Midwest. When she’s not putting words on paper, you’ll find her singing them on stage with Cincinnati synth-pop band, Moonbeau.
Reason for signing up:
I don’t remember the last time I didn’t sign up. It is the best tradition.
Carol Dollins
Bio:
Carol Britton Dollins has been writing poetry since she was a teenager. She has expanded her writing to include creative non-fiction and short stories and is working on a memoir. She writes with the purpose her readers will become so absorbed in the narrative they will find their quintessential self in her words. She also enjoys nature and spending time with her family.
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy working online and at my own pace. I appreciate the support of a group and hearing other’s writing works. It’s gives such great learning opportunities.
Carole Johnston
Bio:
old poet writes to amuse herself
Reason for signing up:
poetry lights up my brain neon
carolyn pennington
Bio:
Retired educator and counselor who loves words and reads and writes as she has since childhood, lives on farm with husband and Golden Retriever!
Reason for signing up:
Anywhere I find a celebration of writing from others and a place where I can share my words, I go there.
Carrie Carlson
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Bio:
Carrie, a lifetime lover of words, hails from the hills and hollers of Mason County, Ky. She left home to attend college at the University of Louisville, and then settled down in Lexington, where she has lived for the past 18 years. She's a busy wife and mother, and a seeker of all things true, good, and beautiful.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up because Lexpomo is fun, it helps me grow as a writer, and I enjoy reading other people's work.
Carrie Elam Spillman
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Bio:
Carrie is a jack of all trades and a master of none. She enjoy’s running her home bakery, writing constantly and raising her babies. She loves giving back to her eky community and believes her purpose is to care for others. This is her 4th summer dedicated to poetry.
Reason for signing up:
Because poetry and writing in general is my passion
Cathy Perkins
Bio:
Catherine Perkins, aka Cathy, resident of Lexington, has lived in KY since 1984. She is part of the equine industry and this State's extraordinary writer's community. She has poems published in locally produced anthologies as well as in online journals.
Catherine enjoys writing and performing comedy and poetry. When she combines the two it becomes "cometry!"
Reason for signing up:
The LexPoMo community is the most unifying poetic event held in these parts. I wouldn't miss it.
Charlie Bill
Bio:
Charles was born in the first half of the 20th century in Covington. He's lived and worked all over Eastern Ky. He's now on the last northwest ridge of the Appalachians looking out over Lake Erie in NY.
Reason for signing up:
To celebrate poetry and the pleasure of creating it.
Charlie Kennedy
Chelsie Kreitzman
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Bio:
Chelsie Kreitzman lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, two sons, a dog named Domino, and a cat named Cookie. She loves reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Christina Joy
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Bio:
Christina is a tree-hugging, dirt-worshiping, take-no-$**t hippie; really from Woodstock, NY but has lived in KY almost as long now as there. She reads Runes, cooks ancestral foods, and posts poems on her FB page occasionally (aka 'shouting into the void')
Reason for signing up:
Because I'm still here, and #LexPoMo is still here, so it's tradition now.
Christopher McCurry
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Bio:
Christopher McCurry is the Samwise Gamgee of Lexington Poetry Month. He’s Abra’s dad and soon to be Meredith’s husband.
Reason for signing up:
Because I love writing and sharing poems with people.
cl kirby
Bio:
cl kirby is a social worker in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been a poet for almost 20 years.
Reason for signing up:
I sign up every year.
Claudia Love Mair
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Bio:
Claudia Love Mair is a working writer and artist and author of 13 books. She holds an MFA from the Naslund Mann School of Writing, and serves as the Coordinator for the Carnegie Center’s Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative. Claudia Love is ed passionate about elevating marginalized voices. Her book Mourning Pages: Working Through Grief the Write Way releases in the Spring of 2024.
Reason for signing up:
To challenge myself to write every day and support this initiative.
Cody Evans
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Bio:
Teacher, alleged songwriter.
Still trying to figure out the rest.
Reason for signing up:
Fun!
Coleman Davis
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Bio:
Coleman lives in Berea with his wife and a whole bunch of pets and plants. Together they run Owsley Fork Writers Sanctuary.
Reason for signing up:
It's fun.
Colette Crown
Bio:
Colette likes to dabble in writing. She, having outgrown the role of stay-at-home Mom is enjoying her new role as Professional Volunteer. Last year she wrote under the pseudonym Coco.
Reason for signing up:
I have participated for several years. I appreciate the nudge to write poetry and to share it.
Courtney Music
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Bio:
Courtney is from Morehead, Ky and enjoys writing Appalachian poetry and folklore short stories.
Reason for signing up:
What started out as an accountability exercise with my husband, has now become our yearly tradition that we enjoy doing together.
Creoda of Wessex
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Bio:
Prisoner following the Camelot Incident
Reason for signing up:
An instrapsychic link binds my sanity to Lord Mordred's will
D.D.R.G.
Bio:
D.D.R.G is a lover of the arts, and has been writing poetry for nearly ten years.
Reason for signing up:
LexPoMo motivates me to continue to develop my writing, and I love making connections with new and returning participants!
Dana Wangsgard
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Bio:
Dana K. Wangsgard spent her early life in Fair Oaks California and most recently (10 years ago) moved to Berea Kentucky. Dana, credentialed in mechanical engineering, also has a Doctorate in Education. Dana began dabbling in the arts to balance the technical difficulty of the engineering discipline. Over time her obsession with writing and art has only grown. Along with fine arts college courses, her most recent interest includes authoring and illustrating a youth book, Adi Mae’s Superpower, based upon her granddaughter. Currently, Dana is employed as a subcontractor under the Department of Defense destroying aging chemical weapons and trying to make the world a little safer.
Reason for signing up:
MOTIVATION and community .
Dangerfield Yella
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Bio:
Just killin time
Reason for signing up:
Sometimes the atoms line up like that.
Darlene
Bio:
Darlene is an Educational Therapist/Writer in the San Francisco Bay Area,
Reason for signing up:
Enjoyed participating last year.
Deanna
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Bio:
Deanna is a poet from Mt. Sterling and a founding member of the Rebel Cartographers. She is also the director of the Morehead Writing Project.
Reason for signing up:
To write poetry and connect with other poets
Debbie Adams Cooper
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Bio:
Debbie Cooper writes.
Reason for signing up:
Debbie Cooper has written every June since LexPoMo began.
Debra Glenn
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Bio:
Debra is a writer of poetry, thoughts, happenings in her life, and occasional other matters. She has self published two poetry collections, "a pretty, long walk" and "light moves".
Reason for signing up:
This is my fourth year to participate in LexPoMo. I enjoy the challenge and the community of writers.
Delmar Reffett
Bio:
Delmar is a professor, writer, and occasional poet.
Reason for signing up:
To write poetry in a less occasional manner.
Dennis Preston
Bio:
Dennis J. Preston lives in Owensboro, Kentucky., and is a 1989 Brescia graduate. He received his Master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He taught elementary school language arts for twenty-five years, but now enjoys being semi-retired. He has been a pastor for forty-five years. He has traveled to many interesting places (20 foreign countries in all). He has been inside one of the great pyramids in Egypt, and has walked on the Great Wall of China. He enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with his family. He has published several books of poetry including Cloaked Moon: Women of the Bible, Unhurried Intervals, and Water for the Withered Fig.
Reason for signing up:
I need to be challenged. LexPoMo gives me the nudge I need.
Diana Worthington
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Bio:
Diana hails from Lexington, Kentucky and has been a contributor to LexPoMo and the WRFL zine, Rifle. She currently resides in the desert south west with her two pets and growing book collection.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up to stay in touch with this wonderful writing community and to stretch some under-used poetry writing muscles.
Dilly
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Bio:
Julie is a new poet who loves trees and Mary Oliver.
Reason for signing up:
Because my daughter made me!
Douglas Self
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Bio:
Douglas Self is a father, poet, and military/combat veteran who lives with his two children in Lexington, KY. His first poetry collection "Blast Radius" will be published by Accents Publishing later this year.
Reason for signing up:
Because that's what poets do.
dustin cecil
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Bio:
Dustin dabbles in a lot of creative pursuits- inlcuding broommaking, painting, printmaking... and sometimes writing. He lives in Olive Hill, KY.
Reason for signing up:
to hang out with the lexpomo gang, and see what everyone's up to again this year. I like having a place to through some ideas out in the world- it's a good excuse to get some drafts typed out of notebooks. i'm open to collabs in writing or visual arts. hit me up: mr.dustincecil@gmail.com lets makes some stuff!
Dwight Myfelt
E
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Bio:
Eli is a graduate of Lafayette High School and will attend UK in the fall
E.M. Slone
Elizabeth Beck
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Bio:
Happy Hippie Writer
Reason for signing up:
Love the community and inspiration
Elizabeth Burton
Bio:
Elizabeth is a poet and librarian returning to the Lexington area after an extended absence. This is her (non-consecutive) Lexington Poetry Month. She likes historical women mystics, The Beatles, and her cats.
Reason for signing up:
Some of my best memories of living in Lexington were of LexPoMo. Now that I am back home, getting back into my poetry practice was top of mind, and I can't think of a better way to do it.
Elizabeth Thiery
Bio:
Full-time public employee, part-time grad student, very sometimes burlesque dancer, and every-once-in-a-while-when-the-mood-strikes writer.
Ellen Austin-Li
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Bio:
Ellen Austin-Li's work has appeared in many journals. Finishing Line Press published her two chapbooks—Firefly (2019) and Lockdown: Scenes From Early in the Pandemic (2021). Ellen earned an MFA in Poetry at the Solstice Low-Residency Program. She co-founded the monthly reading series, "Poetry Night at Sitwell's," in Cincinnati, where she lives with her husband in a newly empty nest. You can find more of her work at www.ellenaustinli.me.
Reason for signing up:
I love a good challenge! I participated in LexPoMo last year. While I didn't post a poem every day, I wrote one every day. This practice is grueling (for me) but can pull out some good poems. Notice I said "can."
Emily Withenbury
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Bio:
Emily Withenbury lived in Lexington, KY just long enough to discover its most brilliant gem: LexPoMo. With the help of her restless desire for creative adventure, the Carnegie Center, and an amazing and ever-expanding community of fellow lovers of words, Em will spend this LexPoMo moving to Roanoke, VA. In the fall, she will begin an MFA in Creative Writing at Hollins University, a degree she understands to be centered around rocking chairs on covered porches, hiking the many named and wild mountains of Appalachia, and learning how to live alone for the first time in her life. It promises to be a chapter rife with poetry, for better or worse. When not moving away from Lexington (something she also somehow did during LexPoMo 2022), Em lives and dies by the blood orange espresso tonic at Lussi Brown, pineapple and celery infused gin at County Club, and the doughnut with all the sprinkles at North Lime. She moonlights as a florist with Sarah Drury, the incredible talent behind Drury Floral. Kentucky’s sunsets are her favorite color.
Reason for signing up:
For the love of it all
Eric W. Willis
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Bio:
Eric W Willis is a writer, artist, pharmacist, and student of the Bluegrass Writers Studio MFA program at Eastern Kentucky University. He lives and works in Lexington, Kentucky with two fish and one amazing fellow human being.
Reason for signing up:
LEX POMO is an incredible challenge and a pleasure to participate in.
Erin Mathews
Bio:
Erin Mathews is a Kentucky native and an Ohio transplant. When she's not writing she's busy being a know-it-all at your local library.
Reason for signing up:
I need to start writing again, and this is a good way to get me there.
Ethan Salinas
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Bio:
Ethan is a graduate of psychology from the University of Kentucky and a budding poet from the liminal border of Texas & Mexico who is interested in the confluence of the psychological and the spiritual; he explores this in his writing and in consultations for others.
Reason for signing up:
A close friend told me to sign up this year (and last) and I am excited to join the LexPoMo community for my first time!
Frankie Mellor
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Bio:
Frankie Mellor is a young writer attending the SCAPA Literary Arts program at Lafayette. She hopes to be a filmmaker one day.
Reason for signing up:
To motivate myself to write poetry this summer.
Franny Francine
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Bio:
Franny is a good dog, she does not like being told she is a bad dog.
Reason for signing up:
Writing is lyfe.
Gabe
Bio:
Gabe started writing creatively during his first year of college. He has written sporadically over the years. He enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and vignettes.
Gaby Bedetti
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Bio:
Gaby is experimenting with haiku and tanka.
Reason for signing up:
LexPoMo may not save the world, but it is one of the highlights of my summer.
Genevieve Ray
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Bio:
Genevieve is a poet and Spoken word artist from Bedordshire. She has been published in 21 anthologies/literary magazines. Her poetry is focused on social change, mental health and using satire and classic mythology
Reason for signing up:
To challenge myself to write in a different manner as I usually don't utilise prompts in my writing
Geoffrey White
Bio:
Geoff White is a husband, father and dog owner from Lexington, KY. He has always described his writing as "an exercise in my sanity". He has been featured in Recently Eclipsed, Chantarelle's Notebook, Atlantic Pacific Press, and A Long Story Short.
Reason for signing up:
I'm trying to challenge myself. I'm coming off of a long hiatus, and it feels good to stretch my wings again. Please help me make a better world to live in.
Goldie
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Bio:
part tree,
part protoplasmic spunk,
part inchoate dryad’s saddle, cudding a madder-licked flange of buttery muslin
clipped and ribbed to dissemble a swollen stock submerged amid gnats in molasses,
part of a gripple collective of reticent choir boys
hobbling virulent Tuvan throat song,
cobbling strips of gritted and sallowing psalms
with spittle and
what’s the difference
to furnish a meager fleet of simply simpering topeng,
all of which Judith Bliss;
part ant, part frog,
part muttering myrmidon;
part manx , part malamute;
part of a party of one
that asks for additional lemons
and sugar abounding
the weight of a gurgling ant hill
only to suckle one witless sip for innumerous seconds,
though only innumerous in that it seems so peerlessly boring,
only to elbow it over and
quietly
hint at another
by scraping its teeth with a wizened straw—
part agate, part smoldering spall of tarmac;
part its ribs with a desolate gesture; part of the aggregate
birdsong; part persimmon,
just par for the course, you see—
and with a deforméd ear, to boot.
Reason for signing up:
To share and relish in seasonal verse. Please, and thank you.
Grace
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Bio:
Grace is a poet. She has been writing since the 4th grade but took a couple years away from it. When she turned 14, she picked up poetry again and began to share her thoughts and emotions with the world. Grace is currently working on her own collection of poems book and hope to publish them one day.
Reason for signing up:
Poetry isn't just a writing style to me. It's the way I've always expressed my emotions. I find it easier to write in a figurative sense than journal or talk about my feelings. I haven't always had the support from all of my family but recently, they've pushed me to write more and continue this as a career path one day. I signed up because I want people to share my love and be able to connect with how I write. I want people to know they are not alone and maybe just reading something that seems fictional yet personal could help them.
Greg Friedman
Gregor Samsa
Bio:
Gregor Samsa is a sophomore in college studying English and Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies.
Gwyneth Stewart
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Bio:
Gwyneth is a retired lawyer and practicing poet.
Reason for signing up:
This my third year participating. I love the community.
H.A.
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Bio:
H.A. is an educator by day and a rock star until 8 pm. Running, hiking, and exploring the outdoors brings her joy.
Reason for signing up:
I love the LexPoMo poets!
Haley Biddle
Photo of Haley Biddle
Bio:
Haley is a creative with expertise in media and marketing. Most of all, she is a dreamer, a humble dreamer with a lust for the present. Without an ethereal mix of soul, r&b, and alternative music, her head would be uninspired. Haley has been pen pals with Juliet in Verona, written love notes in Lexington, and buried letters in Nicholasville. For it is the ceremony of pen and paper that sends her into a honeymooned bliss.
Reason for signing up:
I believe a lot of people like to hide behind their writing. Sometimes so much so that the fire meets it first. Sometimes I see that fire dance on my walls in the candlelight. Where fragrance meets fear, cement meets roadblock, and heat meets headache. This act of choosing is a waterfall. I have a voice, and I want to be heard.
Hannah
HAROLD SHERMAN
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Bio:
Harold Sherman is a Donovan Scholar at the University of Kentucky, majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He received his MM in Composition from the UK School of Music in 1999. Born and raised in Lexington, KY, he played on the road and lived in New York City before returning to Lexington in 1983. He and his wife Marianne play in the local band The BATs.
Reason for signing up:
I heard about it in Writing Practice at the Carnegie Center.
Hat
HB Elam
Bio:
HB Elam is terrified of defining himself, and prefers to live in the white spaces around letters.
Reason for signing up:
The heat death of the universe.
Website:
hunter e. westenhofer
Photo of hunter e. westenhofer
Bio:
(they/he) hunter e. westenhofer is a poet currently residing in central Kentucky. They were a participant in the 2022 Cuttyhunk Island Writer's Residency for poetry & has three poems published in LexPoMo anthologies. He enjoys time in nature & studying literature. They strive to live for the love of words & the spread of hope.
Reason for signing up:
I’ve participated for several years now, & it’s one of my favorite times of year.
Ian Brenner
Bio:
premature winter year warrior poet
Reason for signing up:
i love lexpomo
IC Wiener
IC Wiener
Isabel Urso
Bio:
Isabel is a writer who also enjoys performing, programing, and cooking.
J McCoy
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Bio:
Jay works with words and visual images and, sometimes, they all mix together. Every now & then, a poem may morph into a collage, or a clipping will sprout into an essay. He's been on this journey for many years and looking forward to another year and another challenge.
Reason for signing up:
It's what you do in June.
j. shaver iii
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Bio:
john like poetery and sometimes will write it.
Reason for signing up:
wife encouraged me too
Website:
j.l taylor
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Bio:
j.l Taylor is a poet based in Lexington, KY. She is host of the Teen Howl Poetry Series, which is a poetry open-mic for 21 and under crowd. In her free time she hangs out with friends, practices hot yoga, and bothers her two cats.
Reason for signing up:
A tradition that always resurrects me from my poetry slumber.
Jasmine
Photo of Jasmine
Bio:
Jasmine is an ESL teacher and writer living in Lexington, KY. Currently, she is taking time out to stay home with her long-awaited, nine-month-old baby girl Sienna. Art is what fuels and sustains her--particularly music, nature, and language.
Reason for signing up:
Because all of us sensitive, introspective artists need community! And this particular community is such a warm and nurturing one!
Jason Williams
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Bio:
Jason McKinley Williams is writer and technologist based in Lexington, Kentucky. His work has previously appeared in “Appalachian Heritage [now Review] , “Kudzu”, “Nanoism”, and in the Accents Publishing collections “&Grace” and “Her Limestone Bones.”
Reason for signing up:
I love this celebration of poetry here in the town I love!
Jazzy
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Bio:
Jazzy is a mama, poet, teacher, and friend.
Jazzy
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Bio:
Eugenia Johnson-Smith, owner and CEO of Positive Power, LLC. Training and Development is an Author, Coach, and International Speaker. She started the Positive Power Movement and shares Positive Power in her writings, community events, and speaking engagements. The movement is shared through cards, posters, t-shirts, bookmarks, inspirational posters as well as her Positive Power Facebook Page. Her story “A No Eggs Blessing” won her the opportunity to be featured in the anthology “Blessings In Disguise.” Eugenia hosts the free monthly writing work Writing From Stress To Peace with the Woodford Library
She is on the Board of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. She is a passionate member of the Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative and serves as an Ambassador for the KBWC and the Carnegie Center. She also teaches at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. In addition, she is a freelance writer and a monthly contributor to The Lextropolis Magazine.
She is currently working on her Positive Power Devotional to be released in the summer of 2023.
To learn more about Eugenia and Positive Power or to book her for your event please visit her website at www.positivepowerllc.com or (859) 271-8186 (ofc) / (859) 227-9951 (c) or and follow her on Positive Power LLC Facebook page.
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy writing and this is a great opportunity to challenge myself to create something daily. I participated last year and it was a great experience. I wrote and submitted many of my poems at the end of the day and never looked at them or read them until months later. I was like did I write that, wow!
Jennifer Barricklow
Bio:
Jennifer Barricklow lives and writes in Lexington. She loves being part of Kentucky’s vibrant literary ecosystem. A lifelong gardener, she thinks of poems as seeds that develop uniquely in the soil of each reader’s experience.
Reason for signing up:
I love the Lexington poetry community!
Jennifer Beckett
Bio:
Jennifer Beckett is a writer and teacher. This year her creative writing students published their high school's first literary magazine.
Reason for signing up:
I love poetry like Dani Rojas loves futbol.
Jennifer Elam
Reason for signing up:
Suggestion of Libby Jones
Website:
Jennifer Gleason
Bio:
I love words and silence.
I live on a farm where the skies are still dark enough to see the stars.
Reason for signing up:
The fireflies informed me it was June.
Jenny Daugherty
Photo of Jenny Daugherty
Bio:
When not enervated by mental illness, placating gaggles of cranky elderly women at the workplace, or tending to a ramshackle (likely semi-haunted) Victorian house full of brilliant adult children and an increasingly diverse menagerie of animals & potted plants, Jen carves out time to overshare the darkest and most intimate details of her life on the page. This community college graduate's greatest hope is that she will someday read a snippet of narrative or rambling poem she’s written and think to herself, "this actually doesn't suck."
Reason for signing up:
I want to connect with Lexington's literary community in a more substantial way, be inspired by the creativity of others, and develop a discipline of daily writing moving forward as I continue to work on my manuscript.
Jerielle
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Bio:
Jerielle is a
Writer, Director, Painter, Fashion Designer, Curator, Musician, Amateur Chef, and toilet cleaner.
They believe that the purpose of life and art is to understand their connectedness, their reliance and appreciation for all the people and things that allow them to live and appreciate. To live life and to create art with this mindset is to consider both life and art as sacred.
Reason for signing up:
Writing every day is now a habit because of this wonderful event. I look forward to it, and all the trappings which surround this event, book, community, etc.
Jess
Bio:
Jess is a teacher/writer in California.
Reason for signing up:
Loved participating last year.
Jessica Stump
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Bio:
Jess resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where she writes, reads, observes, loves, and dreams. She is a native of Eastern Kentucky and holds an MFA in creative writing. Among her most favorite things are Halloween and the em dash.
Reason for signing up:
After a long hiatus from writing poetry, I’m ready to return to words, to chase my passion again.
Jessica Swafford
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Reason for signing up:
That's what you do in June in Kentucky.
Jim Lally
Bio:
Jim lives on a farm near Maysville, KY where he has been the director of the local writers group, Old Washington Wordsmiths since 2010.
JK Elias
Bio:
JK Elias lives in Kentucky.
Reason for signing up:
This is the only effective way I have found to summon the fae.
Jonel Sallee
Bio:
After all these 80-plus years, Jonel Sallee is still trying to figure it all out and thinks writing poetry might help that process along.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up on something of a whim and something of a motivator. Too bad I haven't mastered self-motivation yet.
Jordan Quinn
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Bio:
Jordan is blessed to participate in Lexington Poetry Month 2023 alongside so many talented creative voices. She relishes in coffee on her back porch in the mornings with her cat, Mindy, and finds peace in the ordinary. This year, Jordan hopes to delve deeper emotionally than she has before and become more acquainted with her truest self through her poetry.
Reason for signing up:
I’d never miss one! Can’t wait to see what this June brings to life.
Joseph Nichols
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Bio:

Joseph is originally from Frankfort, KY and has a masters in creative writing from EKU. He’s a single dad of two teenagers and various furry companions. Aside from that, he balances being a published author/poet, a world traveller, and working as an event DJ.
Reason for signing up:
Because this is my favorite time of the year (aside from Halloween ☠️)
Josey Bryant
Bio:
Josey Bryant is a young writer, eager to share his work with people.
Reason for signing up:
To share my work with other poets.
Josie Angel
Bio:
Josie is a transgender poet who also loves writing short stories, stage plays, and screenplays. She loves the escape of movies and the catharsis of theater. Her muse foods are jelly beans and bleu cheeseburgers. She’s training to become a creative life coach because she’s passionate about creativity and helping others with their creative practice.
Reason for signing up:
I’ve enjoyed participating in the past. It’s a fun opportunity to generate new work.
jstpoetry
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Bio:
Jeremy writes under the pen name jstpoetry and mostly writes confessional poetry. He has recently published a poetry collection titled Nature, Introspections, Art, and Magic. It can be found on Amazon.
Nature, Introspections, Art, and Magic https://a.co/d/gCAvRd1
Reason for signing up:
I love to share my writings and read others
Jules Unsel
Photo of Jules Unsel
Reason for signing up:
Motivation to write.
Julia
Photo of Julia
Bio:
with one foot stuck in the cement of reality and the other chasing butterflies, she escapes from the world in her poems
Reason for signing up:
Looking forward to reading the amazing LexPoMo poetry...
K Ka`imilani
Bio:
K Ka`imilani is a poet, is an essayist, is a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, a lover of land and solitude. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Hawai`i, and a Masters in Creative Writing from Eastern Kentucky University. She tries to get at least one thing published a year, but hopes to have time to do much more.
Reason for signing up:
LexPoMo is a good place to plant seeds and be inspired by what others are writing. It represents a good writing community.
K. Nicole Wilson
Photo of K. Nicole Wilson
Bio:
K. Nicole Wilson makes poems and paintings, including poems on paintings and paintings because of poems. She enjoys sharing her art, reading poems and spending quality time in community with other artists and musicians, kin and chosen family. K. Nicole dislikes bad sports officials and fascists.
Reason for signing up:
big fan of team sports
Karen George
Photo of Karen George
Bio:
Karen George, a native Kentuckian, has published three poetry collections from Dos Madres Press: Swim Your Way Back (2014), and A Map and One Year (2018), and Where Wind Tastes Like Pears (2021). She won Slippery Elm’s 2022 Poetry Contest, and her short story collection, How We Fracture, which won the Rosemary Daniell Fiction Prize, is forthcoming from Minerva Rising Press in Fall 2023. Her work appears in Adirondack Review, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Louisville Review, Indianapolis Review, and Poet Lore. She enjoys photography and visiting art museums, cemeteries, gardens, the woods, mountains, and historic river towns. Visit her website is: https://karenlgeorge.blogspot.com/.
Reason for signing up:
Because I’ve been writing a poem-a-day in June with other LEXPOMO poets since 2013. And I'm inspired by reading the work of other LEXPOMO poets. Having a daily deadline is a good thing for me. I work well under pressure.
Kat Cody
Photo of Kat Cody
Bio:
Kat is a lifelong writer. She has published poetry in numerous literary journals and has won several contests with both her poetry and prose. During her time living in Seattle, she was honored by the Seattle Art Museum with an evening dedicated to readings of her work. She is a former paralegal, has been classically trained in voice and in her spare times cares for and rescues animals.
Reason for signing up:
I need to bring writing back into my life. I have been working so much the last 7 years and I neglected to nurture that part of me. It is time to remedy that!
Kate Doctor
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Bio:
Kate is a high school English teacher in Lexington, KY. She is a lifelong Central KY native, having lived there since she was 5 and continuing to live there to this day. She loves books, cats, her husband, and all matter of the spooky and macabre. She hopes to one day fulfill the lifelong joke of becoming "Dr. Doctor" and publish a piece of work of her own.
Reason for signing up:
I wanted to do something a bit out of my comfort zone! I figured this could be fun!
Katelyn Weldon
Photo of Katelyn Weldon
Bio:
Katelyn studies Biology pre-med and Spanish at Thomas More University as well as being Captain for their competitive dance team. In her free time she teaches dance at a local studio and loves writing poetry. Katelyn has published pieces through various websites including those of The October Project (winning best teen poet in 2020), Pauletta Hansel, and in her schools literary magazine—which she was able to help produce the past three years as a copy editor and as publicity manager.
Reason for signing up:
I love reading the work of others and the opportunity to share my own!
Katerina Stoykova
Photo of Katerina Stoykova
Bio:
Katerina Stoykova is the author of several poetry books, most recently Between a Bird Cage and a Bird House (University Press of Kentucky, 2024). Katerina is the founder the Senior Editor of Accents Publishing, where she has selected, edited, and published close to 100 poetry collections. Katerina acted in the lead roles for the independent feature films Proud Citizen and Fort Maria, both directed by Thom Southerland. Her poems have been translated into German, Spanish, Ukrainian, Bangla, Farsi, and  The Eight Floor Balcony – a volume of her selected poems translated into Arabic by acclaimed poet Khairi Hamdan, was published by Dar Al Biruni press.
Reason for signing up:
How could I not?
Kathleen Bauer
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Bio:
Kathleen Bauer is a teen writer and recent graduate of the SCAPA Literary Arts program. She is excited to now be a part of the Writers Institute at Susquehanna University.
Reason for signing up:
because poetry!
Katie Hassall
Photo of Katie Hassall
Bio:
Katie is a musician, poet, and novice artist. She has participated in Lexpomo for the last 3 years and has loved it. She is looking forward to getting started. Is it June yet?
Reason for signing up:
I signed up because Lexpomo is awesome!
Katie Hughbanks
Katrin Flores
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Bio:
Katrin is a social worker, researcher, and writer!
Reason for signing up:
For practice, but more than anything, community!
Katrina Rolfsen
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Bio:
Katrina is a Disney devotee and part-time author. When she's not traveling the World (Showcase), she writes poetry in the margins.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up last year, and I find myself happily hooked!
Kendall Brooke
Photo of Kendall Brooke
Bio:
Kendall Brooke is a poet who resides in Lexington, KY. When she is not working in the children’s hospital, she spends her free time with her precious dog, Goose.
Reason for signing up:
It’s a tradition now and I always look forward to opportunities to further my poetry skills!
Kerfoot
Bio:
To write, is to live again
Reason for signing up:
To keep this streak going - this train is bound for glory
Kevin Nance
Photo of Kevin Nance
Bio:
Kevin Nance is a writer and photographer in Lexington. His two collections of photographs and haiku are EVEN IF (University of Kentucky Arts in HealthCare, 2020) and MIDNIGHT (Act of Power Press, 2022).
Reason for signing up:
Motivation. Inspiration. Sharing. Friendship.
Kiitan Adedeji
Photo of Kiitan Adedeji
Bio:
Kiitan Adedeji is a Canadian-Nigerian poet who serves as the current inaugural Lexington Youth Poet Laureate. She is going to be a sophomore at Lafayette Highschool where she ​is a part of the SCAPA and Pre-Engineering programs. Kiitan also participates in the Y-club at her school and in her free time she enjoys reading, learning French, and staring at the fish in her aquarium.
Reason for signing up:
My friends are doing it and I want to join in on the fun! Live, Laugh, Love and Poetry!?!?!?
Kim Kayne Shaver
Photo of Kim Kayne Shaver
Bio:
Kim recently had an amazing encount-er with a cuttlefish at the Newport Aquariu-m in northern KY. The fish locked eyes with her for 5 + minutes as it changed a myriad of colors—including a shimmering pale green with pink stripes! She believes this was its poem to her! Gosh it’s great being a poet and having extraordinary poet friends!
Reason for signing up:
I am a terribly undisciplined writer. I write poems in my head when driving, walking, or sitting at benches anywhere outside. I promise to write them down when I get home but then forget the opening lines and/or topic. However, I never forget to write during Lexington Poetry month! So, I write a month’s worth of poems every year. Thanks LPM!❤️
Kit Myers
Bio:
Kit is an English teacher in south central Kentucky where she lives with her husband and their four wild children.
Reason for signing up:
My friend told me to :)
kj
Bio:
KJ (she/they) is an occasional poet. She loves her people who help her get through the things she writes about. KJ would like to thank their people.
Kris Gillis
Bio:
Kris teaches high school English and writes. He really needs to get on the ball with submitting poems to journals, but he's often distracted by other things.
Reason for signing up:
I love LexPoMo and the writers who publish works here.
KW
Bio:
Kelly Waterbury is an educator, a writer, a singer, a hiker, a maker of art, but most importantly, a mother. She has spent the past 33 years teaching children and raising four of her own. Poetry has been a source of personal growth and introspection. She is looking forward to a month of revisiting her love of words and reflecting.
Reason for signing up:
The one selfish act I get to immerse myself in during the year is writing for the joy of it.
L. Holbrook
Bio:
Lauren has always had a passion for writing. She just recently found her love for poetry again. She finds it easy to express herself through her writing. She is passionate about many things, and she wants to share it with the world.
Reason for signing up:
I have always loved to write, but just recently found my love for poetry. I want to be able to share my pieces and express myself.
laney
Laura
Lauren Myfelt
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Bio:
Lauren is the opposite of Ada Limón. She moved from Kentucky to California and it hurts her heart. Sometimes, the poems help.
Reason for signing up:
Someone a long time ago told me to.
Lav
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Bio:
Lavanya is a writer and artist, and uses many forms of expression. She grew up and lives in Lexington.
Reason for signing up:
My friend Eugenia told me to sign up and this seems interesting and fun so why not? I like this opportunity to create a lot of work and hopefully getting published would be a big accomplishment.
Laverne Zabielski
Photo of Laverne Zabielski
Bio:
Laverne Zabielski is a writer, artist, and publisher. She received her MFA in Writing at Spalding University in Louisville in 2004. In 1990 she founded The Working Class Kitchen Inc., a forum for poetry readings, performance art and workshops. In 2022 she created Cafe Luigart to create opportunities for others to read their work in a casual "cafe" setting. Her poems have been published in numerous journals, including Last Stanza, The American Voice, The Thinker Review, The Sun and Southern Exposure. Her memoir, The Garden Girls Letters and Journal was published in 2006 by Wind Publications. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Alternate ROOTS and The Kentucky Women’s Writers Conference.
Reason for signing up:
To get organized about my writing.
Lee Chottiner
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Bio:
After 30-plus years as a journalist, Lee Chottiner has returned to his real passion: poetry. He draws from the world around him, and sometimes his own family history, for inspiration. His work has appeared in October Hill, Poetry Super Highway, Poesis, Pokeberry Days, Brink Zine, Jittereview and Weelunk. He lives in Louisville with his wife, daughter, and basset hound.
Reason for signing up:
I am taking the Poetry Gauntlet at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. Some of my classmates encouraged me to enroll, saying this is a supportive community of poets, which is exactly what I always look for.
Lennart Lundh
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Bio:
Lennart Lundh is a poet, photographer, historian, and short-fictionist. His work has appeared internationally since 1965.
Reason for signing up:
Because the visions require words.
Lennie Hay
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Bio:
Lennie Hay is a poet who lives in Southern Indiana and Florida. She’s a Spalding MFA graduate. Her work has appeared in a variety of National and international publications. Her first collection, “Lost in America,” will be published by Broadstone Books in 2024.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up as a creative challenge.
Les the Mess
Photo of Les the Mess
Bio:
Leslie is an artist who writes instead of fights: poems, songs, a folk opera and morning pages (sometimes in the afternoon). Creative writing and music make her happy on a daily basis. She's a retired accountant who leads Free Writing Practice at the Carnegie Center, plays with Old Time Jammers at the Rockhouse Brewery and figure draws and paints at UK SAVS.
Reason for signing up:
Always good to have some homework to help me "keep on truckin'"!
Leslie Davis
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Bio:
Kentucky born and raised.
Reason for signing up:
Need to retrain my writing muscles!
lhmartin
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Bio:
Lisa is a retired public school librarian, middle school ELA and Reading teacher who lives in Tempe, AZ.
Reason for signing up:
I had a wonderful time last year, and acquired new skills. I couldn't wait to come back.
Libby Falk Jones
Bio:
Libby Falk Jones is the author or co-author of four books of poems, most recently For Your Good Health, Drink Flowers (Bass Clef, 2023) and Yakety Yak (Don’t Talk Back) (Workhorse, 2022). She taught writing, including creative writing, at Berea College for 29 years and, since 2020, has co-led Coming of Age, a project for Kentucky women writers over 55.
Reason for signing up:
Being part of this creative community is stimulating and fun.
Linda Angelo
Photo of Linda Angelo
Bio:
Our inner world and outer experiences are both delicate and profound. Linda attempts to shape these perceptions into poetry, with a dash of humor where possible.
Reason for signing up:
to keep writing and read from others in the community
Linda Bryant
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Bio:
Linda Bryant (Davis) is a retired journalist who is now dedicated to writing with more creativity and imagination than her career required. She lives in Berea, Kentucky and owns Owsley Fork Writers Sanctuary.
Reason for signing up:
This is my fifth year of participation. I'm a creature of habit and community.
Linda Caldwell
Bio:
Poet mostly
Reason for signing up:
I have been signing up most years. I enjoy the writing.
Linda Freudenberger
Photo of Linda Freudenberger
Bio:
Linda enjoys writing poetry & short stories. She will be published by Finishing Line Press in January 2024- “The other side of the bed and beyond “
Reason for signing up:
To share poetry with other likeminded souls.
Lisa M. Miller
Photo of Lisa M. Miller
Bio:
Lisa M. Miller is an inclusive, trauma-informed, tree-hugging artist community-builder. Specializing in mind-body health, especially for women, Lisa facilitates conversations and practices that help provide a compass for meaning, intuition, and well-being.

Limited series podcast: The Women's Well: Nourish Your Health and Spirit
Lisa's most recent book: The Heart of Leadership for Women.
Reason for signing up:
I love poetry, community, writing and reading poetry in community.
LittleBird
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Bio:
Jennifer “LittleBird” has spread her wings to take on a world beyond marriage, motherhood and fear. Squarely at middle age, she hopes to live WELL for another 50 years, gladly gifting her feathers to those with bare caps.
Reason for signing up:
Writing is medicine for my soul. This will be my 4th year and I quite fond of and thankful for this supportive community.
Liz Prather
Photo of Liz Prather
Bio:
Liz Prather is a Kentucky writer and teacher. She holds an MFA from the University of Texas-Austin and is the author of three books on writing pedagogy from Heinemann Press.
Reason for signing up:
Today is the day.
Lori Taylor
Photo of Lori Taylor
Bio:
Lori Taylor enjoys poetry and participating in Lexington Poetry Month with the talented, eclectic LexPoMo group. She has also met the National Novel Writing Month, NaNo WriMo challenge four times and has an additional four in progress. She likes to read, write, craft, solve demanding Sudoku puzzles, travel, spend time with family and friends, and generally attempt to make the world a better place.
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy the yearly challenge for myself and reading other poets’ works.
Louise Tallen
Photo of Louise Tallen
Bio:
Gobsmacked by the natural world, Louise is a lover of all things wild and furry. She believes in magic, mystery, mischief.
Reason for signing up:
This is my third year and I'm still not sure why I do this, except that it scares me and it's fun.
LUBRINA BURTON
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Bio:
Lubrina is no poet. On a rare day, she might be a writer.
Reason for signing up:
My friends told me to, and I bow easily to peer pressure.
Lucy James
Bio:
Lucy is a poet living on a rural hillside in Eastern Kentucky. Her work has recently appeared in The Uncommon Grackle.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up because I love poetry. I’ve signed up several years, but only participated one year. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
Luke Brannon
Photo of Luke Brannon
Bio:
Raising a family in the Pacific Northwest, Luke keeps a hand writing in his spare time. Influenced by language poetry, his micropoetry focuses on capturing the moment and its interplay with the reader’s own experiences where meaning is then derived between the two. When not writing, Luke codes and illustrates line-art inspired by the American Southwest.
Reason for signing up:
Had a wonderful time with lexpomo in 22 and have been looking forward to ‘23
M R Heltzel
Photo of M R Heltzel
Bio:
Maggie Heltzel would not call herself a writer. The practice of writing has always just… been? It has been an act of self-exploration, of processing global happenings, of playing with new words, and of screaming quietly.
She is a journalist turned third-grade teacher, a lover of all things art and outdoors, and an aspiring extrovert (because being introverted has stifled opportunities to experience the world).
Reason for signing up:
LexPoMo is, and always will be, the highlight of her year. Maggie loves the opportunity to hear from talented writers and to engage with them in small, but mighty, ways.
M. O. Shade
Photo of M. O. Shade
Bio:
Long time reader, first time participant, M. o. Shade decided it was time to throw his hat out of the silent, incantatory ring.
Reason for signing up:
To finally step (one step) into the light.
M. Wells
Bio:
Maggie is a repeat poet during Lexington Poetry Month. She also moonlights as a mother and a teacher.
Reason for signing up:
To write.
Madde Conn
Bio:
Madde Conne writes in the Bluegrass and cannot drive a manual transmission.
Maddie Coleman
Madonna Fechter
Maggie Ruth
Photo of Maggie Ruth
Bio:
Maggie Ruth is a sophomore at Bellarmine University majoring in Criminal Justice and English. Her writing is often centered in hope, home, and both the challenges and beauty that life brings.
Reason for signing up:
‘tis the season for poetry
Magnolia
Maira Faisal
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Bio:
Maira Faisal is a rising college sophomore enjoying her summer before her next semester of stress starts.
Reason for signing up:
The first year was because of a teacher's recommendation; every year since then has been because of my enjoyment.
Makia Adkins
Bio:
Makia is a poet who is coming out of hiatus. She is a bit shy, but uses her voice through her writing. She can be very vocal.
Reason for signing up:
I want to challenge myself to write more and learn more from others and different styles of writing poetry. I'm a bit of a story telling poet.
Manny Grimaldi
Photo of Manny Grimaldi
Bio:
He writes, translates, and edits poetry, enjoys sober clean living, he's published single pieces here and there, he has iterations of a full length manuscript which is a veritable Frankenstein, and this summer he brings to LexPoMo a taste of his chapbook of new translations of Andalusian Spanish poets Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti. Look forward folks to Volume 2 of Yearling come December, there are astounding voices to greet your bedroom, and a bathroom in your house should you choose! Would love to talk to you more about it.
Reason for signing up:
it is a wonderful thing to meet poets, read their work, and make new friends. this is what June means in Kentucky for writers.
mari leet
Bio:
Marianne is a member of Old Washington Wordsmith's creative writing group . The group is led by Jim Lally.
OWW is a group of people that
have superb listening skills and are also excellent givers of encouring words!
Reason for signing up:
Marianne enjoys the writing process. It enables her to speak through her fingertips!
Marianne Peel
Photo of Marianne Peel
Bio:
Marianne is a poet who just recently moved to lexington. Her debut collection of poetry is No Distance Between Us , through Shadelandhouse Modern Press. Marianne lives w her partner Scott and has four daughters and one granddaughter. She has a second book coming out Fall of 2023.
Reason for signing up:
To read what everyone is working on…
Marianne Tefft
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Bio:
Marianne Tefft is a poet and voice-over reader who daylights as a Montessori teacher on the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. Her poems appear online and in print in North America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. She is the author of the 2022 poetry collections Full Moon Fire: Spoken Songs of Love and Moonchild: Poems for Moon Lovers.
Reason for signing up:
As I'm writing daily, poet-friend and former LexPoMo participant Lennart Lundh suggested that I might enjoy your challenge -- and I'm sure I will!
Marta E Dorton
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Bio:
Marta E Dorton is a Lexington author and visual artist working in poetry, memoir, painting, print making and mixed media. She values creativity and its positive impact on individuals and communities. She shares her love of writing and art in workshops and classes that she attends as well as those she presents in her Lexington art studio.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up for the challenge to submit a daily poem and the opportunity to learn from the process. And to write with this unique community of lofty-goaled poets.
Mary Allen
Bio:
Mary Allen writes and studies poetry and turns her critic's eye to crime fiction. She lives in Lexington.
Reason for signing up:
It's June. Time for the inspiring, satisfying and validating experience of LexPoMo's poetry collective.
Mary Potts
Photo of Mary Potts
Bio:
Mary is a social worker who grew up in Lexington, now living in Versailles with her 9 year old enthusiastic daughter. She loves being in nature, trips to the beach, laughing and watching her daughter play soccer. Mary's adoration for words started from the time she could speak, eventually putting together words in form of poetry before she knew of the term. Mary has worked with a vast array of individuals in the community through social work related fields, but maintained a dream to pursue writing beyond hobby and personal outlet purposes. She has used written words to ground herself when facing adversity and turmoil throughout her life. After various forms of confirmation over the last few years, that the blank pages are holding space for her outside of her little notebook, she is pursuing means of sharing her filled pages with the public.
Reason for signing up:
The timing of stumbling upon this challenge is undeniably star-aligned. I set a goal for 2023 to share my writing publicly; whether it be spoken or otherwise. Recently, I have experienced many life changes that have brought about grief and turmoil and words have flowed from within me like never before. I was reflecting on how I can help myself heal, and perhaps share with others to provide support to those in the community who may be hurting as well... And boom! I found this website. I am very grateful.
Matt F.
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Bio:
James Matthew Fenig is a KY native, volunteer firefighter, and occasional writer.
Maya Pemble
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Bio:
Maya is a rising senior in college studying French and Comparative Literature. They're happy to be back this year!
Reason for signing up:
We go way back.
McKenna Revel
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Bio:
McKenna Revel is a poet and writer from Mount Sterling, Kentucky.
Reason for signing up:
Accountability, y’all.
Melissa Olson
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Bio:
Melissa is a designer, photographer, and writer (among other creative pursuits) based out of Akron, Ohio where she lives with her husband Cory and their cat Novella.
Reason for signing up:
I have participated in several seasons of lexpomo at the encouragement of my dear friend Susan, and it has led me to a more regular practice of writing that I'm excited to continue.
Melva Sue Priddy
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Bio:
Melva Sue Priddy, a LexPoMo participant since it's beginning, is author of The Tillable Land, her debut collection of poems. In addition to writing, she loves her family, grands, gardening, sewing. She is a native Kentuckian. You may contact her at melva.priddy@gmail.com
Reason for signing up:
Love the challenge and the community!
Meredith McCurry
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Bio:
Meredith is a June poet and soon-to-be-bride!
Reason for signing up:
Because I love the way I think differently during the month of June! And this June I’m getting married :)
Michael Moloney
Reason for signing up:
Somebody has to hold me accountable to myself.
Michayla Gatsos
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Bio:
Michayla is a native Lexingtonian, but will be moving to North Carolina for grad school soon. She loves her cat, playing guitar, and painting. She’s also a barista and performer at North Lime Coffee and Donuts.
Reason for signing up:
Excited to write for the third (or fourth?) year in a row!
Mike Wilson
Photo of Mike Wilson
Bio:
Mike's work has appeared in various journals in his book, "Arranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic," political poetry for a post-truth world.
Reason for signing up:
It's fun
Miles Reding
Reason for signing up:
For everything I can’t bring myself to say out loud.
Misty Skaggs
Mizzhefk
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Bio:
Someone once called Heather a glow-worm and she really liked that. Even if she doesn't glow outwardly all the time.
Reason for signing up:
I have learned that I really love a time-bound writing challenge! My friend sent me the info for LexPoMo. She and I keep each other in the loop about opportunities and encourage each other's writing lives.
Morgan Adams
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Bio:
Morgan Adams is a poet and bookstore manager who lives in Lexington, Ky., in an old brick house.
Morgan Evans
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Bio:
Appalachian Folk Artist, Poet,Childhood abuse survivor
Gritty and honest confession poet
3 books I'm proud of 2 not so much
Bukowski obsessed and Anne sextons child
"No, I do not have a lighter"
Reason for signing up:
For Fun!
Mya Sophia
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Bio:
Mya Sophia is a Black biracial poet with poetry in the anthology from Skinner House, Shelter in this Place, and BLUU Notes. She loves to write about identity, justice, and spirituality. When she is not writing she can be found talking about books on youtube, spending time with family and friends, and practicing joy as resistance.
Nancy Gourde
Bio:
Nancy Gourde is a retired teacher from North Dakota who finds poetry in ordinary things and in ordinary ways.
Reason for signing up:
It was recommended to me by my writing group last spring.
Nancy Jentsch
Photo of Nancy Jentsch
Bio:
Nancy K. Jentsch writes poetry from her historic home in rural northern Kentucky. Her work has been published in on-line and print journals and anthologies. Her debut collection "Between the Rows" was published by Shanti Arts in 2022. She adores the LexPoMo Community.
Reason for signing up:
Couldn't imagine June without LexPoMo!
Naomi Clewett
Bio:
Naomi Clewett has been enjoying co-hosting Open Mic Nights at Lexington Public Library and wants you to join us. Wed June 14 5-7 at Farish Theater, Central Library, and the 2nd Wednesday of every 2nd month (i.e. August 9, etc.)
Reason for signing up:
Community.
Natalie P.
Photo of Natalie P.
Bio:
Natalie is new to creative writing and poetry, but has always been drawn to understanding people's lived experiences and expressing this understanding through text. In her day job, Natalie is a social work professor and doctoral program director. She is passionate about qualitative research and is learning how to incorporate creative arts into social work research.
Reason for signing up:
I wanted the encouragement to write more poetry and to connect with other poets.
Natasha Collier
Reason for signing up:
I enjoyed participating last year and found that it was great to get my creative juices flowing.
nel
Photo of nel
Reason for signing up:
i love poetry
nellykuo624
Bio:
My name is Nelly and I am studying Biology and Anthropology and Sociology at Littlestown / United States.
Nettie Farris
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Bio:
Nettie Farris is the author of four chapbooks of poetry: The Alice Poems, The Wendy Bird Poems, Fat Crayons, and Communion. She writes book reviews, interviews, and profiles small presses. Currently she is experimenting with micro creative nonfiction.
Reason for signing up:
Because I wanted to?
Website:
nina
Reason for signing up:
trying to write things again :)
Nita Marie
Noel Cagney
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Bio:
I make movies
Reason for signing up:
Inspired by Goethe & Goldberg.
Nollie Palmer
Bio:
Nollie is a Lexington based visual artist and poet, his art can be found at halfwitchdisaster on Instagram.
Reason for signing up:
Lexpomo has been a consistently fascinating experience and a powerful force for personal growth over the last several years.
Olivia Kalinowski
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Bio:
Olivia fancied herself a poet since her childhood growing up in Detroit. Now a Kentuckian, she's putting rusty pen to virtual paper and rediscovering her love of prose.
Ondine
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Bio:
Ondine (they/them) is an artist, writer and activist who has called Lexington home since 2005. They published a Cuban cookbook in 2022 and are working on their first book of poetry.
Reason for signing up:
My friend Samar!
Pam Campbell
Photo of Pam Campbell
Bio:
Pam is a daughter of the Appalachian Mountains. She favors the song-like qualities of poetic form and how form serves to contain human suffering and joy.
Reason for signing up:
This will be my third Lexpomo. Good community. good challenge to write a poem a day in the month of June, and read poetry of others striving to do the same!
Pamela Dae
Photo of Pamela Dae
Bio:
Pamela joined LexPoMo in 2022 and although she self-identifies as fiction, she enjoys the poets who are so much more fluent with the condensed brevity of verse.
Reason for signing up:
To challenge myself
Pat Owen
Photo of Pat Owen
Bio:
Pat Owen is the author of 3 books of poetry. Crossing the Skybridge published by Larkspur Press and Orion's Belt at the End of the Drive and Bardo of Becoming both published by Accents Publishing. She divides her time between Sarasota and Louisville
Reason for signing up:
I've done it for so many years it feels like a normal addiction to go back to.
Patrick Johnson
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Bio:
Patrick Johnson lives and writes in Morehead Kentucky. Currently he teaches at Morehead State University as an Instructor.
Reason for signing up:
It's the best way to generate poetry. And I love the community.
Patrick Maloney
Bio:
Patrick is a poet
Reason for signing up:
To fuck around and find out
Patrick Walden
Bio:
Patrick Walden is an outsider artist in both his writing and paintings. He is the father of two. When he’s not pretending to be an artist he works as an grocery clerk somewhere.
Reason for signing up:
Space and time
Patti Miller
Bio:
Patti is a KY native and currently lives in Georgetown.
Reason for signing up:
I love the inspiration of LexPoMo.
Paula Dixon
Bio:
Paula is a longtime poet. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, spending time in nature and playing music.
Reason for signing up:
To keep myself writing in June.
Pauletta Hansel
Photo of Pauletta Hansel
Bio:
Pauletta Hansel is the editor of But There Was Fire in the Distance, our 2021 anthology. Her nine poetry collections include Heartbreak Tree, winner of the Poetry Society of Virginia's North American Book Award, and Palindrome, winner of the 2017 Weatherford Award for Appalachian poetry. She was 2022 Writer-in-Residence for The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and Cincinnati’s first Poet Laureate, 2016-2018. Her writing has been featured in some journals, too.
Reason for signing up:
It is June.
PBSartist
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Bio:
Write. Paint. Create. Live life this way and be part of the upleveling.
Reason for signing up:
Community!
Philip Corley
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Bio:
Philip Corley has lived in the Lexington area for all his life and has been writing for half of it. Passionate about mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, he uses poetry to dive deep into the challenges of being human while trying to celebrate the beautiful moments found along the way. He dreams big, even if he still struggles to get those dreams off the ground.
Reason for signing up:
Writing is therapy to me and being a part of the poetry community, as working life allows, is always beneficial.
Queso
Bio:
Local poet inspired by local poets. Service industry. Mask enthusiast.
Reason for signing up:
To chat.
R.Rad
Bio:
Reyna is a part of Lafayette SCAPA’s creative writing program and has been writing for consistently for about 4 years. Reyna also plays ice hockey and is an avid reader.
Reason for signing up:
To have an easier way to write everyday.
R.Sexton
Bio:
Caretaker of feral children and heirloom plants
Reason for signing up:
Accountability for writing more
Rachel Bollman
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Bio:
Rachel Bollman reads to kids by day at Storytime in a Kentucky public library then whisks across the Ohio river to write and paint children’s books.
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy June, placing words in fresh cut grass…letting tendrils take hold.
Rayny Palmer
Bio:
Rayny Palmer is alive.
Reason for signing up:
I could not make up a better reason not to.
Regan Strehl
Photo of Regan Strehl
Bio:
Regan Strehl is going into her senior year at the University of Kentucky as an Honors-English major. She will also never get over how weird it is to refer to herself in third person.
Reason for signing up:
My poor therapist deserves a break from my intrusive thoughts.
Reid Goins
Photo of Reid Goins
Bio:
Reid is from Frankfort and has lived in Lexington for 5 or 6 years now. He may or may not be forklift certified. He plays in the band Naptaker and sometimes writes poetry.
Reason for signing up:
It was my New Year’s resolution to be more open about this kind of stuff, plus I actually remembered this year!
Renee Rigdon
Bio:
Renee Rigdon is a widow. A sober, nonbinary, and genuinely freaking funny artist, writer, and mindful creativity teacher. They are always seeking an opportunity to be in cahoots.
Reason for signing up:
I like the attention. Just kidding. Sort of.
Rithika Chopra
Bio:
Rithi is a teenager rediscovering her love for writing!
Reason for signing up:
I love to write!
River Alsalihi
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Bio:
In love with friends and uninvested in melancholy. Recently graduated senior from SCAPA Literary Arts.
Roberta Schultz
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Bio:
Roberta Schultz, author of four chapbooks and one full-length collection of poetry, is a songwriter, teacher, and poet from Wilder, KY. She writes some of her songs on a mountain in North Carolina. She is co-founder of the Poet & Song House Concert Series with her Raison D’Etre trio mates. You can find out way more than you’d ever want to know about her at these websites:
robertaschultz.com and raison3.com
Reason for signing up:
I enjoy the challenge of writing in this community each June.
Ruthie May
Bio:
Words have saved me when I was young!
When I take time to write ✍️ now they express briefly but clearly
Reason for signing up:
to read others poetry
which can prod me to write more.
Ryan Oppegard
Bio:
Amateur landscaper, handyman, and poet
Reason for signing up:
To improve my writing
Ryan Eby
Bio:
Ryan Eby will be a junior at Lafayette High School when school resumes. He is in the SCAPA writing program. You can often see him at Teen Howl.
S. J. Dean
Photo of S. J. Dean
Bio:
Sara Joy Dean is a poet, writer, and artist. She holds a Masters in Literature from California State University Northridge, and her poetry was featured in the Consecrate/Desecrate Great Salt Lake Anthology published by the Great Salt Lake Collaborative in 2022 to bring awareness to the dying lake. In 2020, she and her mother left their entire California life behind to make a cross-country road trip to settle in the Bluegrass. She dreams of owning her own land, growing her own vegetables, and returning to California for a week or two to empty the stupidly expensive storage unit she has there.
Reason for signing up:
What better way to get to know the talent I'm surrounded by and challenge myself?
Saikrish Kolli
Bio:
Saikrish is a dormant poet who decides to write when he feels like it or has the time.
Reason for signing up:
Because its been quite a while since I wrote a poem and I just wanted o try to get back into it.
Sam Arthurs
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Bio:
Sam is an Appalachian poet and horror author, who resides in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky where she was born and raised. Growing up she developed a deep love of words, which has only flourished over time. She composes much of her work at Folklore Studio, located on her family's ancestral property, and spends her free time reading and traveling. Her published works include the Dreadful Seasons series, the Rust series, and a host of poems that have been featured in various anthologies.
Reason for signing up:
I'm hoping to compose some new poems to include in a book next year.
TTPD secretary
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Bio:
Samantha is an amateur poet who enjoys cats, art, and the musical stylings of Nils Sjöberg.
Reason for signing up:
I love the aesthetic of poetry and wanted to try my hand at it
Samar Johnson
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Bio:
Samar (they/them) is a Black, queer and gender expansive writer. Besides writing poetry, they are also working on a Southern Gothic novel that centers on the life and spiritual experiences of queer Black women.
Reason for signing up:
Who doesn't want a reason to write 30 poems?
Samuel Collins
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Bio:
Samuel Collins is a writer living in Lexington, KY. He loves living downtown, Star Trek, his cat, and everyone on his mother's side of the family.
Reason for signing up:
Poetry month seems like a fun challenge and a great opportunity to share my work!
Sawyer Mustopoh
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Bio:
Sawyer Mustopoh is recent Lafayette Highschool graduate attending the University of Kentucky for Public Policy. He is a poet, horseman of the apocalypse, and civically active citizen. He enjoys writing, the gym, nature, and spreading misinformation for fun.
Reason for signing up:
Because I'm cool
Scott Wilson
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Bio:
Scott is a carpenter, blues harp player, hiker, poet, tutor, and student.
Reason for signing up:
It’s fun.
Sean L Corbin
Bio:
Sean L Corbin is the author of THE LEPER DREAMS OF SNOW (Finishing Line Press) and teaches poetry at the Carnegie Center in Lexington. He also coordinates medical simulations, sips peach Ale-8, and picks up heavy things and then sets them back down.
Reason for signing up:
I need it.
Shaun Turner
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Bio:
Shaun Turner writes in central Kentucky. He serves as Fiction Editor for Stirring: A Literary Collection. His fiction and poetry can be found in Still: The Journal, museum of americana, and the Appalachian Review, among others.
Reason for signing up:
To be a part of the community! I look forward to LexPoMo every year.
Sheena Roller
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Bio:
Sheena is a poet and a mother and a wife and a teacher. She “ran” the poetry guantlet in 2020 as things were getting back to “normal” whatever that ever means. She likes to be creative and finds peace in sharing her wonder of the world, but is never as disciplined as she wish she was.
Reason for signing up:
Because Tabitha told me to.
Shelda Hale
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Bio:
Shelda writes poetry, fiction and memoir and offers online and in-person workshops. She loves reading, bookmaking, pop and classical music and photographing wildlife, She does Japanese small loom weaving and creates botanical silk items to wear. Shelda lives in Lexington and treasures the vibrant creative community that thrives around her!
Reason for signing up:
I am a better poet when I commit to a project with daily goals. Reading the poetry of others inspires me, too!
Skinny legs
Bio:
Love to share my passion
Sonya Pavona
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Bio:
Sonya is a writer currently attending Georgetown College and majoring in English Education.
Sophie Watson
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Bio:
They are a junior year SCAPA Literary Arts Major at LHS in Kentucky. They'll spend part of June in France in an exchange program with Lexington Sister Cities and look forward to writing daily poems about the experience.
Reason for signing up:
I completed Lexpomo last year and already write a poem a day.
SpitFire1111
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Bio:
Glenna Meeks is a Poet, Screenwriter and Director originally from Louisville, KY., and is a graduate of the Poetry Book Bootcamp. Glenna is finalizing her poetic memoir, “The Black Madonna,” about the women who raised her and herself as a mother. She resides in New York City.
Reason for signing up:
I signed up to write everyday.
stefani heller
Reason for signing up:
write read repeat
Steve Cummings
Bio:
I really try to write simply and clearly - so often I've failed, but a new June has arrived!
Reason for signing up:
A creature of habit
Steve Meadows
Sue Leathers
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Bio:
Sue taught high school and college classes for over 30 years but recently stepped away from worrying about GPAs & APA updates to have fun teaching middle schoolers. Probably the best grandmother ever, she is also an avid disc-golfer and Pokemon master. Sue lives in Casey County, KY.
Reason for signing up:
exercise and community
Sue Neufarth Howard
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Bio:
Sue Neufarth Howard: Poet and visual artist, residing in Long Beach, CA. Former Cincinnatian. Past member of Greater Cincinnati Writers League (GCWL) and, Linton Street Writers. See my poetry at Facebook/DanceOf WordsPoetryPage-Poems BySueNeufarth Howard. Participant in Ohio Poetry Day Contests and previously published. My poetry books available on Amazon.com. Contact me at fhunt10jhkh@yahoo.com.
Reason for signing up:
Love to share my poems
Susie Slusher
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Bio:
Barista by day, poet by night
Reason for signing up:
Who doesn’t need a creative outlet?
Sylvia Ahrens
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Bio:
Sylvia Ahrens is a poet, Carnegie Center mentor, and Bracelet Gang member. She recently published a cozy mystery entitled When the Bough Breaks. She writes as Allison Thorpe. You can find her at https://www.allisonthorpe.com.
t.l andry
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Bio:
tina andry is a poet with delusions of grandeur. she’s from outer space.
Reason for signing up:
fame and fortune.
t.m. thomson
Bio:
t.m. thomson is co-author of Frame & Mount the Sky (2017), a chapbook of ekphrastic poetry, as well the author as Strum and Lull (2019) and The Profusion (2019). She is a lover of animals, art, trees, surrealism, black and white movies, walking in autumn rains, feeding wild birds in winter, playing in spring mud, & bat-watching in summer. Her first full-length collection of poems, Plunge, comes out in 2023.
Reason for signing up:
I appreciate the encouragement to write, write, write, & I love reading other people's poetry.Ju
Tabitha Dial
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Bio:
Tabitha Dial encourages you to create your fate. She believes everyone has the gift of poetry and intuition. She reads tarot and tea leaves, is a published author and now substitutes for various classes and grades at Princeton Public Schools.
Reason for signing up:
Lexington reignited my poetry career, through the vibrant community here, along with Carnagie Center/Poetry Gauntlet, and Accents Publishing. I grayefully return to the practice.
Tania Horne
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Bio:
Tania lives in Ohio with her husband, two surly but occasionally sunny teens and an embarrassing array of cats.
Reason for signing up:
I like the challenge of seeing how much I can pull from the ether each June, and I love the community, and reading all of the entries. I feel blessed by this opportunity.
teja
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Bio:
teja is a poet, friend, and loving mother of a cat named soup.
the bluegrass warbler
Bio:
just hope i can help the ball club..
Reason for signing up:
because it is fun and fun is good.
Thomas Phillips III
Bio:
Thomas Phillips III is a native of Maywood, IL, and a resident of Lexington, KY for 10 years this August. He is the father of two amazing boys, the founder of the non-profit organization BrownOwl, and, last but not least, a writer to his heart.
Reason for signing up:
Because if Jude is in it, it's gotta be fun.
Also haven't written in a while.
Tom Hunley
Tony Wheary
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Bio:
Tony Wheary is still an aspiring poet learning from other amazing poets that meet in the dark of night to bare their souls through laughter and tears.
Reason for signing up:
LEXPOMO is an amazing community that encourages artists to develop through mutual support. The chance to be a small part of this endeavor echoes long after the month has ended.
Trish Lindsey Jaggers
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Bio:
Trish Lindsey Jaggers is a Kentucky-born feminist poet, educator, amateur photographer, and vintage/antique/primitive collector. She earned her two undergraduate degrees (AS and AB) at WKU and an MFA in creative writing (poetry emphasis) from Spalding University.
Her work has appeared or is upcoming in Kentucky Monthly Magazine, Pirene's Fountain; New Millennium Writings (winner of the NMW Poetry Award #26); 'Merica Magazine; The Briar Cliff Review; The Louisville Review; The New Southerner; The Red Rock Review; Clackamas Literary Review, and other journals and anthologies.

Her chapbook, De-Composition: Rigor Mortis (a finalist in the NaPoWriMo contest) was published in 2019 by Local Gems Poetry Press, NY, and Holonym, Poems, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2016.
She’s currently working on Birdshot: The Pellet Poems, narrative poems in her mother’s voice: poems that retrace the woundings from many, many little pellets—injuries that had her redirecting her pain (physically) onto her adopted daughter—woundings that culminated in a fatal self-inflicted gunshot.
Trish Lindsey Jaggers’ “Crazy Eights” writing motto insists on intricate simplicity:
“Write so an eight-year-old can read it,
an eighteen-year-old can understand it,
and an eighty-year-old will have lived it.”
Reason for signing up:
I signed up because, while writing is indeed a solo occupation, words should never exist in solitary confinement.
upfromsumdirt
Photo of upfromsumdirt
Bio:
i write & i art.
Reason for signing up:
to write some art?
Anesa
Victoria Gross
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Bio:
Mostly I am just three raccoons in a trench coat. But I also write and stuff.
Reason for signing up:
I'm a regular!
Victoria Woolf Bailey
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Bio:
Victoria Woolf Bailey is the author of two chapbooks, "Dragging Gunter's Chain" (2014), "Under Glass" (Finishing Line Press 2023) and a full-length collection, "Cannibalism and the Copenhagen Interpretation, a Love Story" (Finishing Line Press 2022) She has been a member of Green River Writers for a number of years and is thankful for all she has learned during her time with the group.
Reason for signing up:
I have been having trouble with my writing practice lately and need the challenge of writing a poem everyday this month. I participated last year and it was great.
wendyjett
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Bio:
Wendy is a long time fitness instructor, loves to write, and attempts Improv with Central KY Improv. She does the best she can every day. Some days she does better than others.
Reason for signing up:
Community!
Z.Z. Van Tappan
Bio:
Z.Z. has filled up a hot-air balloon after 85 years of breathing.
Reason for signing up:
Some feeble attempt to explain Me (to my great granddaughter)
zralos
Томаш Витя
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Bio:
Tomasz, more commonly referred to as Tony, is a poet who focuses on inner conflict, war, and the interconnectivity of love and violence. Student at Lafayette High School, he as a love for the macabre, beauty, and tech.
Reason for signing up:
Friends :)