Interviewed on DC Public Library’s Podcast
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, […]
Read moreAuthor: Marlena Chertock
Marlena is a digital storyteller and poetry editor at District Lit. Her first poetry book, On that one-way trip to Mars, is available from Bottlecap Press.
Poetry in a Pandemic
It feels like March 2020 and December 37th at the same time, somehow. The world feels so uncertain right now. This country […]
Read moreCo-Chairing OutWrite, Washington D.C.’s LGBTQ Literary Festival 🏳️🌈📚📝
I am so excited to serve as the new OutWrite Co-Chair, along with the incredible Malik Thompson! We’re both local poets with […]
Read moreThank you, Nancy 💜
I can’t believe Nancy Podcast is coming to an end. It’s been an incredibly important podcast for me as I came to […]
Read moreLast flight for On that one-way trip to Mars
Sadly my first book, On that one-way trip to Mars, is now out of print. My publisher Bottlecap Press informed me that […]
Read moreSocial Distancing and Poetry
While self-quarantining and social distancing, it is more important than ever to engage in activities that bring you joy. That is why […]
Read moreThe Future is Disabled: Planning for Climate Change Must Include People with Disabilities
This essay first appeared in the Entropy Inherited Newsletter Last June, I attended the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C. The rainbows […]
Read moreCrumb-sized a finalist in Etchings Press 2019 Whirling Prize
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 […]
Read moreClimate change planning must include the disabled 🌍♿
Update: Read my feature on climate change and disability in the January issue of Entropy Inherited. Sneak peek: I have an essay […]
Read moreFind me at these poetry events in 2020
Last year really flew by for me. Is this what getting older feels like? If so, I’m going to try my best […]
Read moreA Year (& Decade) in Review: My 2019 Publications
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 […]
Read morePoetry mentorship? Yes, it’s a thing!
“Sometimes all you need is someone to assure you that you’re a writer, and then you start to believe it, you start […]
Read moreGive the gift of reading 🎁📚
Still need to do your holiday shopping? Why not give the gift of reading this season. If you’re looking for poetry I’ve […]
Read moreSummer reading
Looking for some summer reading? I’ve got you covered! Find me and other local writers at these upcoming bookish events: Poets in Protest […]
Read moreMicro-fiction published in Paper Darts ✨🚀🔴
Paper Darts Magazine chose my quirky sci-fi story about astronauts getting periods in space as a finalist in their Cleanliness micro-fiction contest, judged […]
Read moreThe power of sharing secrets
Earlier this summer, I attended a zine-making workshop at East City Books, held by The Lily News. The Lily, a product of The […]
Read moreBookversary! 📚
My book turns 1 whole year old today! (My book’s a Leo too). The best gift would be if you bought it […]
Read moreAWP 2019 panels accepted!
I’m thrilled that TWO of my panels were accepted for the AWP 2019 conference in Portland, Oregon! Dates/times still TBA. So keep […]
Read moreNew job with World Resources Institute!
I am super excited to announce that I’m starting a new phase in my career! After three incredible years, I’m leaving the […]
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