When Jenny Cavallero, a D.C.-based comedian, writer, filmmaker, actor, and disabled person, approached me about being interviewed for DCPL’s Access This podcast, I was excited and in awe. Sometimes, the imposter syndrome voice grows louder in my head. Sometimes, I’m able to shush her and remind myself, hey, Marlena, you’ve published books, you’ve been writing […]
Sadly my first book, On that one-way trip to Mars, is now out of print. My publisher Bottlecap Press informed me that they sold the last backstock copy, so that’s a wrap on my voyage to Mars. On that one-way trip to Mars was published in May 2016 and was nominated for an Elgin Award in 2017. I […]
While self-quarantining and social distancing, it is more important than ever to engage in activities that bring you joy. That is why I’m so excited to be able to host a virtual writing workshop with MoonLit! MoonLit, founded by Kristen Zory King, offers low-cost, accessible and engaging literary programs in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Join […]
I’m so honored that my book Crumb-sized: Poems was included as a finalist in Etchings Press’ Whirling Prize in 2019. The theme this year was space, and you all know how much of a space nerd I am. Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Whirling Prize: Unmanned by Jessica Rae Bergamino Eating the Sun: Small Musings […]
As a new year and new decade looms, I’m reflecting back on the writing and publication success I’ve experienced. I still can’t quite believe that my childhood dreams came true this past decade! As you can see from the photo below, I’ve been dreaming of being a writer for a long time … check out […]
Hyppe Online interviewed me about Crumb-sized. Kelsey May asked really great questions! I’m so glad to be featured on her site, which celebrates community, creativity, culture, and critical thinking. Strong is the perfect adjective to describe her voice and message. This collection exhales each line confidently. Read the interview here.
While the weather outside may be frightful, plenty of writers — including this one — are giving readings through the winter months inside warm cafes, libraries, bookstores, and bars. Come in out of the cold and find me at these upcoming events: Friday, March 2: I’m one of five readers at a poetry reading inspired by the […]
It’s an honor to be profiled in my alma mater’s alumni magazine Terp. Reporter Sala Levin interviewed me about why I write, the story behind Crumb-sized’s title, my hope for the book, and more. Like she wrote in the article, I really do hope that my creative writing will reach others who deal with chronic pain. Chronic […]
This is another lucky year for me and literary festivals/conferences! First, my panel for AWP 2018 was accepted, now my panel for Split This Rock’s 2018 poetry festival was accepted as well! I’m thrilled to continue to be a part of the local and national literary community through these events. I truly enjoy sharing thoughts […]
My first book got some love today! Jennifer MacBain-Stephens, herself the author of three poetry collections, reviewed On that one-way trip to Mars in Agape Editions. Jennifer explains that with the book sectioned into planets in the solar system, reader(s) “quickly realizes how the poems reflect different characteristics of not only planets but people. Each planet possesses a different […]
Noble/Gas Quarterly chose me as their September Objects of Derision feature. They interviewed me about my inspirations for writing Crumb-sized, — being bullied as a kid and somebody actually calling me “smaller than a crumb” — and included four old and new poems. “It should be called womenstruate,” which was first published in Wicked Banshee Press’s The Devil’s […]
I’m so excited to share my second collection of poetry with you. Crumb-sized is being published by Unnamed Press in August — my birthday month! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to share another collection of poems with you, and so soon after my first was published. Crumb-sized is tired of being called short. These […]
District Lit, the journal I’m the Poetry Editor for, recently published our Disability Issue. These writers and artists share their raw truths about living with disabilities, chronic pain, invisible illness, and medical treatments. They share intimate medical histories, fears, hopes, pain, and scars. These are important voices, and I’m so excited and honored to share […]
I love summer for countless reasons. There’s more time to lounge and read, the days grow longer, my birthday falls in the summer. My spirits are always higher in this season — something about the warmth of the sun on my skin, the fireflies lighting up the night. When I was a kid, summer vacation […]
I have two poems in Wicked Banshee Press’s The Devil’s Doorbell: Vagina Edition, which was published in March. You can now purchase print copies ($10) or the ebook ($2.99), by emailing wickedbansheepress@gmail.com. I’m honored to be included in this anthology of women, trans women, non-binary, and non-gender conforming writers. We need to talk more about […]
I was recently interviewed in Wordgathering’s June issue! Editor Mike Northen asked great, difficult questions, including: how I see my role as an editor, what I look for when reading poems for District Lit, how literary magazines can be more accessible to all writers/readers, disability science poetry as a genre, and more. Read the full interview […]
I’m so excited to have two poems in Daughter’s inaugural issue. Daughter, a new literary magazine focusing on sharing the voices of women or female-identifying people, calls itself a lit mag for all women. The poems included are “This isn’t a poem about motherhood” and “Recipe to reduce pain.” “This isn’t a poem about motherhood” (pg. 22-23) is […]
I had a fantastic time bringing poetry to scientists and the public during today’s Science March in Washington, D.C. Leading a poetry teach-in for those who write and those who never knew poetry could be science-themed was so fulfilling. And even though it was pouring rain, the weather brought more people into our tent, who ultimately […]
On Saturday, I’m humbled to be a part of the March for Science in Washington, D.C. Most likely I won’t be marching, due to chronic pain, but I will be participating in another, meaningful way. Through serendipitous chance, I was invited to be a part of the poetry teach-ins that are happening during the day. […]
My book, On that one-way trip to Mars, is now available on Amazon! Bottlecap Press, my publisher, has added several of its books to its Amazon page. You can also always buy books from them directly. Remember to leave a review!