Author's Statement

I remember telling everyone the first time I was eligible to apply for the NEA in 2000. Just meeting the eligibility requirements was a milestone. Since then I've had many internal dialogues reassuring myself that it was okay if I never won since hundreds of deserving poets apply. Needless to say I'm stunned and beyond thrilled to receive a NEA fellowship. I am honored and in awe of being selected by the diverse panel of poets and arts supporters. The award this year also has special significance since the poems in my application are from my forthcoming book, knowing that the poems stood out and made a connection with the selection committee just months before the book is released is a wonderful feeling. The award has sharply reminded me to prioritize my writing time and will make that financially feasible. I plan on scheduling time off work in order to deeply engage with my writing and to continue work on a new manuscript. I also plan on feeding my own literary interests and increasing my support to small presses by purchasing more books, literary journals, and attending arts events that before were beyond my budget. Receiving the NEA [creative writing fellowship] is an enormous vote of confidence and encouragement; this recognition will carry me through many solitary hours of writing and will be a continued reminder to keep going.