Hello Poetry Marathoners!

I am thrilled to be participating in my third half-marathon. I want to thank Caitlin and Jacob once again for giving us this fabulous opportunity. The last two years, I came away with several poems I have been able to edit, and I hope with this year to be able to do the same. It is a tough contest, and I usually prepare by checking out the prompts and writing for an hour, then doing another prompt. A few days later, I replicate the same practice, but add in another hour and another prompt. Last year, I was able to get up to four hours in one day as a practice session before the actual contest.

I also usually prepare snacks and meals to have on hand for fuel, and I always get one walk in – during the hour I feel most stuck, or the hour I have something written fairly quickly. I am so looking forward to this year’s round. The prompts are challenging, but brilliant, and the community of poets offering feedback and encouragement are so inspiring.

I am a published author of eight YA Hi-Lo novels and though I have created my own chapbooks of poetry, I am still waiting for a publishing break with my poems. Happy writing to all!

Cristy