Q: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up primarily in Colorado. I’ve lived in Oregon since 2002.
Q: What sparked you to become a writer? How did your literary journey begin?
My mom was a big reader. She read to me and my three siblings from the time we were very young. So I guess my desire to write grew from a love of reading—that magic of losing yourself in a good story. When I was around 13 I started journaling and wrote my first poem, which was about my love of rain and how each raindrop is utterly free. (Clearly, I was destined to end up in the PNW!) From that point on, journaling and writing poetry have been my therapy. There’s just something very healing about putting pen to paper. It helps me clarify my thoughts and process feelings the way nothing else can.
Q: Have you ever struggled to write something, or are there certain genres or forms of writing you just don’t like or feel confident in?
I’ve never felt confident enough to even attempt writing a novel, which is strange because I love reading them. I think they just feel overwhelming.
Q: How do you deal with writers’ block and/or the urge to do anything else but sit down and write?
Setting a timer for 20 minutes and freewriting has been a reliable trick to get me going. I often remind myself of the faucet analogy—when you first sit down to write, it’s like turning on the tap. The words, like the water, can be cold or murky at first, but keep going, keep letting it flow, and soon you’ll be rewarded with the good stuff, clear and hot.
Q: How do you describe your teaching style?
My style is facilitative, collaborative, and encouraging – I like to encourage open discussions more than lecturing. I think it’s helpful to have structure, but allow room for curiosity and exploration, to be flexible and adapt to the needs of participants.
Q: What do you believe is the key to fostering a creative and inclusive classroom environment?
Emotional safety. Sharing creative work is one of the most vulnerable things we can do as humans, so building and protecting a supportive environment should always be a top priority for any writing workshop.
Q: What can people expect if they decide to participate in your class?
This workshop will offer an overview of common poetic devices and techniques as a foundation for giving and receiving feedback. Participants will receive guidance for reading a poem in an engaged way. They’ll also receive resources related to both writing and developing critique skills.
Q: How can a student make the most of their time in your course?
Do your homework as best you can, be fully present during our sessions, be kind — to yourself and others, and have fun.
Upcoming classes you might enjoy
Nap-a-thon: a fundraiser for people who are tired. Which, statistically, is everyone.
Nap Ambassador sign ups close Sept 30.
Napping and fundraising happens Oct 1-31.
Come share a meal with other writers and talk shop—craft, process, money, motivation, publishing, rejection, weird writing habits, and whatever’s currently living rent-free in your brain.
Friday, Sept 18 | Noon–1:30 pm
Ages 18+
Get your novel out of your head and onto the page in this 6-month novel-writing cohort with Daryll Lynne Evans.
Begins October 5 | Ages 18+
A 12-week, 6-session critique class for writers ready to move their work forward—with kind, constructive feedback and a welcoming crew of fellow creatives.
Every other Tuesday. Fall Memoir/Creative Nonfiction cohort starts Oct 6, 2026 | Age 16+
A 4-week writing accountability and co-working group to help you make real, steady progress on your writing.
Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm | In person or online | Next cohort starts Oct 7, facilitated by Daryll Lynne Evans | Age 16+
Share your words in sweet community at our monthly open mic emceed by spoken word poet Jorah LaFleur.
Second Thursdays, September through June | Age 14+