The Poets of 2019 Q4
Stephanie Grattan
Originally from Brooklyn, Stephanie Grattan is a children's Librarian and writer living in East Nashville with her giant black cat, Frank.
Her work is a stream of consciousness, trying to capture a moment exactly how it feels. Often funny, sometimes dark, always emotionally charged.
This is her fifth published piece.
Caleb Jones
Caleb Allen J. is a Nashville native and poet whose words are inspired by his creative community, sexuality, postmodern occultism, and southern heritage. As of late, he has focused energy into creating zines with talented friends for their poetry and illustrations.
Ryan Wilson
Ryan Gabriel Wilson is an undergraduate studying Creative Writing at Lipscomb University. His poetry explores the ideas and language surrounding relationships, growing to meditate on topics such as Darwin's finches, the killing of the moon, and the absence of the divine. Wilson hopes to begin pursuing a Masters of Fine Art in Creative Writing in the Fall of 2020.
*Ryan Wilson is a 2019 Q3 alumnus.
Sarah Morris
Sarah Morris is an artist and Art History student living in Nashville. As in her ink drawings, her writing focuses on themes of the natural world, light and whimsical moments, and celebrating the small. She uses writing as a means of introspection, observation, and escapism.
Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith, a Nashville native, grew up in Brentwood, TN. He currently attends Lipscomb University and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2020 with a double major in English and Spanish. After undergraduate, he hopes to pursue an MFA in poetry. Outside of poetry, Matthew enjoys his nieces and nephews, hiking, and playing soccer.
*Matthew Smith is a 2019 Q3 alumnus.
Jessica Armstrong
Jessica Armstrong is a writer and artist living in Hermitage, Tennessee. Her work has appeared in Ampersand, Novus, and Tennessee's Best Emerging Poets: An Anthology.
*Jessica Armstrong is a 2019 Q1 alumnus.
Alexandria M. Rowland
Alexandria M. Rowland was born in Panama City, Panama to a shy Panamania woman, and a gruff American Naval Officer. Due to her upbringing, she spent most of her life believing that she should push down her emotions, which often spilled out as panic attacks. Alexandria’s poetic voice came during a period of spiritual healing, as a way to express her inner “secret” self. She is originally from Texas, but calls Nashville home.
*Alexandria M. Rowland is a 2019 Q1 alumnus.
XEAH
XEAH is a poet and songwriter who explores the relationship between sexuality, the body, and spirituality. Former content creator for Fortune 500 clients, story consultant, and songwriter featured on major network television, XEAH’s mixed-media background helps her explore storytelling through visual, auditory, and literary devices.
*XEAH is a 2019 Q1 alumnus.
MM
Michelle M (MM) is a Nashville native, a lover of good fries, traveling, and being around good people. The poem featured in NPQ Q4 is the first poem she’s shared publicly.
E.H. Hoffman
E.H.Hoffman is a poet based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Inspired by the likes of Charles Bukowski, Sylvia Plath, and Rainer Maria Rilke, she resonated at the age of 18 with the latter poet’s advice: “...confess to yourself you would die if you were forbidden to write.” Since then, she has only confessed that to herself more ardently every day. She enjoys hearty laughter, morning coffee dates with her cat ChiChi, and living in the fair city of Nashville.
Bay Rooney
Bay is a 23 year old writer and curator who dwells in Nashville, Tennessee with her Husband, who is a full time musician, and their two Golden-doodles, Boomer & Ollie.
She started writing when she was young - at first it was songs, then poetry, and prose. Today, she still loves writing and considers it such a gift. For her, writing is about opening up and connecting with others.
*Bay Rooney is a 2019 Q1 alumnus.
Tova Oberon
Tova is a 27 year old graphic artist with a great love for writing poetry as a personal healing and empowering experience. Exploring the winding trails life have brought her intense joy, heavy sorrow, and ultimately a deep understanding of what it means to be human. With roots in northern Minnesota, Tova's writings often emphasize her bond with the beauty of nature, as well as its gifts and wisdom.
APA
My name’s Andrew (APA). I grew up in South Nashville. I work with refugees. I write. I read. I pray.
*APA is a 2019 Q3 alumnus.
Wendell Moon
Wendell is impacting the marketplace as a Brand Architect, transforming businesses through dynamic storytelling. His creative consultancy has collaborated with Red Hat (IBM subsidiary), Chiro-CEO (co-founded by Dr. Josh Axe), Tidelift, GiANT, and Lenovo. With 150+ hours in film and television, Wendell’s production portfolio includes Netflix, Discovery Channel, NBC, and CNN. Wendell is passionate about creating impactful experiences through written and visual storytelling. He lives in Nashville with his wife and newborn son.
*Wendell Moon is a 2019 Q1 alumnus.
Magnolia Lee
Magnolia Lee is a poet born in Tennessee, and raised by the wolves of her mind. She wants to be polite but she doesn't really try.
Joanna Collins
Joanna is a Nashville poet who moonlights as a government lawyer. Her writing style can be described as “If Sylvia Plath did vaudeville”. She has written a romantic haiku for each of our presidents (many of whom did not deserve her love!). One day she will finish her Supreme Court musical (step one: learn how to write music). Collaborators welcome.
*Joanna is our 2019 Q4 FEATURED POET