Hello Everyone,
It’s the first of July and I’m up at 5am writing my newsletter, clearly eager to step into a new month, more than ready for something to shift. These days, I’ll take whatever I can get when it comes to a reset. Before first light, I stood in the kitchen with the kettle on and wiped the calendar clean. I need something to change this time around, filling in the dates, leaving the days blank to the best of my ability. I told myself that after months of planning my book release and tour, after traveling and giving my all on the road, I’d have July to rest. This is when I was hopeful I’d win that big grant that would have afforded me some breathing room. Now, under the incredible weight of summer’s humidity, I’m afraid there isn’t much pause in sight. At least there are some wonderful things to look forward to in the coming weeks and that’s what I’ll focus on, that’s the news I have to offer up.
I’m happy to say that I successfully organized another Detroit poetry reading at our beloved co-operative bookstore Book Suey on July 18th with some of my favorite local poets. Please join us at 7pm to hear inspiring words from Suzanne Honda, Reynaldo Hinojosa Jr, and Katelyn Durst Rivas. Get all of the info and RSVP here if you please.
At the end of the month I’m beyond honored and excited to travel to Yosemite with Detroit Outdoors and 10 local high school students for a week-long camping trip. I’ve been working with Detroit Outdoors for the last few years, partnering with InsideOut to bring literary arts into green spaces, nurturing community connections with nature on and off the page. When the magical D.O. team invited me to join them in Yosemite, I jumped at the chance to experience such a sacred place with students from Detroit. I’ll bring poetry, prompts and creative writing into our shared adventure and I can’t wait to witness the world through their eyes. You can learn more about this special trip here and here. I imagine I’ll come home with a notebook full of striking images and earthly inspiration.
I have one old poem about a trip to Yosemite that appears in my book The Edge of the Continent Volume One - The Forest and I thought I’d read it for you all today. You can listen here:
While working with D.O. at Hamtramck High School back in April, I met two students who had recently published a book called Sun-kissed, a fully illustrated, educational story about diversity and the importance of sun protection for people of color. After our time together discussing the craft of poetry and ecology, I got a message from these talented writers asking if I would be open to mentoring them. We got together to discuss publishing, branding and local opportunities at a coffee shop. It was such an inspiring meeting and I loved collaborating with them, seeing the way my insights and skill-sets helped bring clarity and direction to these young writers. What a gift it is to know them! Please check out their beautiful book.
As I hustle to figure out the next phase of my career, I’ll close this month’s update with a list of ways you can support my work. I can’t believe I’m 40 years old with 9 books under my belt and I’m scrambling to find a way to pay my bills, income tax and property tax, but here I am, feeling humbled and honestly pretty busted. I’ll say it again and again: what a wild ride it is. If you like the work I do in the world, supporting young writers and birthing books, please help keep me going.
-Buy my books. You can order books online or through me directly. I have a big stock in my studio right now and love putting together personalized packages of signed copies. If this excites you, please email me – jacquelinesuskin@gmail.com
-Order poems. I just had a long-time customer purchase another year subscription of poems as a gift for her husband on their 38th anniversary. Now each month he can look forward to a one-of-a-kind poem in his mailbox. You can order a subscription, too! Learn more about ordering poems here and if you’d like a 6 month or full year subscription please email me – jacquelinesuskin@gmail.com
-Sign up for a one-on-one creative consulting session. I’ve helped so many people bring their books and projects into the world. I have space for a few more this month. I’m currently editing a memoir, crafting a personalized DIY MFA, and editing a book of poetry. If you need writing guidance or help calling in the Muse, I’m here for you. To learn more visit my site.
-Sign up for my paid newsletter. Each month I write this Poetic Update for free, but I also publish and additional personal essay once a month and people seem to like them. This is a very affordable way to show your support and currently these essays are the only thing keeping me grounded in a consistent writing practice.
-Sponsor me! This might seem silly, but I do so much unpaid labor and as I get ready for Yosemite, as I turn toward mentoring, as I try to weave in moments of rest, any monetary support you have to offer could really release some of this insane pressure in my chest. I’m building curriculum, working on a children’s book, researching, participating in community planning, and none of this work is paid yet, my paid work can’t happen without these efforts. Most folks I know don’t have anything extra to spare right now, but if you do, you could make a major difference in my life right now. As I write this I’m ruminating on Keats and all of the potent old poets who were fully funded by wealthy benefactors. Even the thought of this soothes me.
Finally, if you have an idea for an appropriate, fabulous job that won’t completely destroy my soul, let me know. I’m open. I’m immensely tired, but I know how to restore myself and I’m trying my best, drinking my nettles, stretching my body, casting my lines and tending to my garden. I’m relentless, in love with life even when my mental state feels truly broken. My box of skills is overflowing, so I’m sure the next path will show itself sooner than later. I trust the weird flow. I’m awestruck and on the hunt. The hustle continues and I guess I can’t be stopped even as my mind melts in this sweltering season. I’ll see you at Book Suey. I’ll see you at the river. I appreciate the shares, the likes, the love in any form.
Thank you for reading, for sticking with me, for making it through another day on this spinning orb that we call home.
Onward,
Jacqueline
