I am happy to report that I continue to have a hundred percent survival rate. This is a phrase I’ve picked up from my therapist. It shook me the first time she said it. The acknowledgment of still being here despite the struggles and setbacks over the years hit like a punch in the gut. That still being here is an accomplishment, something to build on, not just the frayed edges of just enough.
Here’s to keeping that up, all of us.
As the year wraps up, here are some things I’m proud to have produced or helped produce from the year:
First and foremost, I am proud to have my lyric memoir, Ruin & Want (Sundress Publications), out in the world! Thank you to everyone who has gotten a copy and spent time with it. I appreciate all the kind words folks have shared.
It was a hard project to get out, but a necessary one (I spoke at length of what this project entailed in an interview with Sundress Publications).
This book is a testament to that hundred percent survival rate that I spoke of above. More than anything I hope it helps people.
Also, I am honored to have helped bring into the world this powerful e-chapbook by Maria S. Picone, Water Gwisin Saves the Earth. Picone was selected as the 2023 Louisa Solano Memorial Emerging Poet Award winner over at Salamander. Such a great poet, such a great collection of poems. I encourage folks to check it out.
I am also happy to be serving on the Advisory Editorial Board over at Swing who put out their first issue this year! Proud to see them put together a dynamic issue!
Lastly, I am happy to have published a review of Dream of Xibalba by Stephanie Adams-Santos over at Lambda Literary Review. This book invites an open approach with one’s own lyric sensibility. Surprise that a book about the Mayan underworld is a trip.
Biggest highlight is still being alive.
Hope folks are staying safe out there!
Abrazos,
José
The Friday Influence 
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