Washington Square On Air

Award‑winning author, researcher, and teacher Lyzette Wanzer chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wanzer traces the journey of her ground‑breaking anthology from a quick idea for an Association of Writers and Writing Programs panel proposal, to a book proposal, to a published volume. Her book, Trauma, Tresses & Truth, explores the complex relationship Black women continue to have with their hair among the still‑remaining systemic biases in schools, academia, and corporate America, and was named a Top 10 Best Social Sciences Book by Library Journal.Lyzette’s edited anthology, Trauma, Tresses & Truth, is available from Lawrence Hill Books.Lyzette on LindedInLyzette on Insta_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Poet, playwright, singer, and songwriter Michael Waterson chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A Pennsylvania native who now calls the California wine country home, Waterson reveals his lifelong interest in dark fairy tales, puzzles over writing for that mystical, sometimes fleeting, moment of joy, and divulges some secrets of a vineyard’s wine‑tasting room.Michael’s poem Fairytale Ending, appears in the Summer 2026 issue of the Washington Square Review.Michael on FacebookMichael on InstaMichael’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

High school English teacher Jonathan Lawrence, who teaches at the same school he once graduated from, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Lawrence, in the way only an experienced teacher can, reflects on the art of arranging poems in an anthology, considers the delicate balance between guidance and restraint, and explains how and why poets need to stay out of the poem’s way.Jonathan’s poem, Imagination on Eleven in Church, appears in the Summer 2026 issue of the Washington Square Review.Jon on Insta_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Historian and author John Frame talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Integrating research and real life into fiction gives this writer the opportunity to find new meaning in past events and imagine lives lived. This conversation also explores the differences between creative and scholarly writing and the danger of an unwanted crush.John Frame’s story, Dorothy, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.John on BlueSkyJohn’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Pop culture scholar and professor Courtney Crisp sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. This conversation covers the hot topics such as crusader rhetoric found in tabletop role playing games, Dungeons and Dragons, for example, to the magic of old-school printed-on-paper fanzines, to the difficulties of explaining pop culture scholarship to family members who struggle to understand how Pathfinder and Hello Kitty are worthy of scholarly research.Courtney on BlueSky_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Artist and comic archivist Jerico Woggon chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Woggon, grandson of Ink Pot award recipient Bill Woggon who created the Archie comics’ character Katy Keene, inherited his grandfather’s decades old research, original art, and documents collection. While the mission of organizing the truckload of materials into an archive is new and ongoing, this artist has been living and leading in creative worlds his entire life.Note: The Katy Keene character discussed in this episode is the same character of the CW’s short-lived Katy Keene television series.Jerico on FacebookJerico on Instagram Jerico’s Hand-crafted tiesArticle: Biding Time Under Lockdown with Legendary DTLA Artist Jerico WoggonJerico’s Music Festival Art Installation _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Bulgarian writing partners, Radus & Mareto, chat with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. The creative partners explore how the intersection of history and myth provoke thought, the importance of reflecting on the human condition, and why writing novel length works is easier than writing short stories.Radus & Mareto’s story, The Orphans, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Radus & Mareto on FacebookRadus & Maretos’ book series publisher_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALandFacebook: Melissa Ford LuckenInstagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Western Michigan University’s Writing Center’s Assistant Director Christopher Russel chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. An author who has work-shopped manuscripts as both an undergraduate and graduate student as well as worked collaboratively with writers through his work at WMU’s Writing Center, Russell demystifies writer’s block and breaks down the best strategies for ensuring an inspiring and successful workshop experience by honoring your own creative process and meeting yourself where you are.Christopher Russel’s story, Fifteen Minutes, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Christopher on InstagramChristopher’s Western Michigan University faculty profile_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Columbia University graduate student Ashni Math sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer who prefers to ignore definitional boundaries, Math explores the similarities of poetry and creative non-fiction, shares her lessons learned from work as a poetry editor, and offers her perspective on what makes a successful college application essay.Ashni Math’s story, Pastoral, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Ashni’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Debut fiction author and accidental memoirist Michelle Slater talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Slater, whose first novel, The Lunatic, tackles the tough truth about invasive technology and the potential grip it has on our lives, is no stranger to difficult topics. Each of her memoirs goes against conventional wisdom and challenges modern culture’s scientific assumptions.Michelle on InstagramMichelle’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Author, artist, and life-long creative, Timothy Dodd talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. West Viginian native and world traveler, Dodd examines the creative differences between poetry, fiction, and art, the magic of nostalgia, and the mysterious ways new experiences generate ideas and inspiration.Timothy Dodd’s story, The Darlene Conspiracy, and poem, Skyeaters, appear in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Timothy on InstagramTimothy’s WordpressTimothy on AmazonTimothy on GoodreadsTimothy’s art website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Author Dylan Hoover chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer who has workshopped his stories internationally, Hoover reflects on the difficulties of crafting dialogue, the importance of placing emotion in the center of a story, and puzzles over the continued devaluing of historical fiction in literary communities. Dylan Hoover’s story, Aztec, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Dylan on Instagram_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Professor, student advocate, and writer, Deanna Oudelha, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A teacher and student who loves learning and teaching, Oudelha breaks down the hidden beauty of the English language, her frustration with academic gatekeeping, and how she embraces all possibilities in her work with first year students at the University of Omaha.Deanna Oudelha’s flash essay, I am humming, a living thing woven into countless lives among many, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Deanna's website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Former combat U.S. Marine and lover of poetry, Grady VanWright, talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A lifelong writer, VanWright explores the differences between therapeutic writing created for the self and polished writing created for an audience, learning how to use feedback from other writers, and the beauty of having time later in life to dedicate to craft.Grady VanWright’s story, The Wormhole Killers, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Grady on InstagramGrady on Facebook_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Interdisciplinary creative, Renée LoBue, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. An experienced recording artist who has performed all over the world, reveals the surprising power of harsh rejection, the beauty of creating works across mediums, and the importance of the often overlooked development of the artist.   Renée LoBue’s story, Mountainside Pool, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review.Renée on InstagramRenée’s Linktree_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lifelong writer, newly published author, Michael Feeny, chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A former corrections officer, Feeny creates stories about people meeting in dark places and how the unexpected, profound experiences of life reveal the unique characteristics that result in complex humans.Michael Feeney’s story, Across the River Styx, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review._________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lifelong writer of books for toddlers to teens, Annie Fox, talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Fox, who published her first book before she was old enough to sign the book contract, describes her approach to meeting readers where they are, reflects on  the emotional beauty of nature, and surprising lessons learned while replying to the hundreds of advice-seeking letters she’s received over the years.Annie on BlueSkyAnnie on InstagramAnnie’s websiteAnnie’s book Leeta Simtar: A Life on Two PlanetsAnnie’s book People are Like Lollipops. Annie’s book The Girls Q&A Book on Friendship_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Crime journalist and memoirist, Gina Tron, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Tron, whose third memoir recounts her high school experience of being labeled a "school shooter,” describes how she blends research, real life, and creativity into her writing and explores the unexpected rewards of sharing shameful and embarrassing experiences. Gina on InstagramGina on BlueskyGina's websiteGina’s book Suspect_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Screenwriter turned novelist, New York native Alex R Johnson chats with Washington Square Review editor, Melissa Ford Lucken. Johnson, who wrote his first novel, Brooklyn Motto after establishing himself as a film writer, reveals hidden truths about being a working screen writer and reflects on how life’s turning points can motivate creativity. Alex on Instagram Alex on Bluesky Alex’s book’s websiteAlex’s film website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lansing Community College student Nicole Hunt chats with creating writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Hunt, a published multi-genre author, breaks down the elements of successful writer workshopping, tackling new genres, and the importance of building a creative support system.Nicole’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lansing Community College faculty John Beery sits down with creating writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Multi-published author and master auto mechanic Beery describes his interest in the often maligned second person point of view, coming to college later in life, and how living in a small midwestern town influences his writing and perspective.John on Instagram John’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Former gambler, current professional dog trainer and life-long creative M.K. Punky chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Punky, aka Konik, once a high stakes gambler, discusses how evaluating his intentions led him to living a very different life–one as a professional dog trainer. A lifelong writer, he muses over how his journalist mindset has contributed to his creative vision.M.K. Punky’s poem, Married to a Crystal Ball, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.MK Punky’s author websiteMK Punky’s dog training websiteThe giant poetry art project described in the show_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lansing Community College student Isaiah Wummel shares his educational journey with Professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wummel, who became a “foster kid” at the age of 14, offers an inside view of how constantly changing schools, being forced to adjust to ever-changing living conditions, and negotiating multiple systems requires a person to craft their own unique set of creative problem solving skills. _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Independent bookstore owner, researcher, and scholar Matt Grossmant sits down  with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Grossman, owner of Lansing’s wine bar, cafe, bookstore Hooked tells tales about running an independent bookstore and offers insights on the inner workings of this unique business.Hooked’s websiteHooked on InstagramMatt Grossman’s Scholarship_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Women’s fiction author Reem Kashat meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Joined by fellow author and long term friend Aliza Mann, Kashat shares insights on successful author branding via social media, developing a strong and unique writer voice, and argues with her writer bestie, Aliza, about Alexander Skarsgard. Reem’s link tree Sage’s link tree Reem’s book, Forgive & Remember _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Romance author Aliza Mann sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Joined by her long-time friend and fellow author Reem Kashat, Mann shares a journey which took her from corporate manager to writer, reveals some hidden realities of being a career-building author, and talks about how she and now bestie Kashat started out as work-place enemies. Aliza’s webAliza’s link treePatty B Comedy on TikTok _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

MFA student Jill Bronfman returns to chat again with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken about feminist fiction and its place in the literary world. Bronfman shares her perspective on the current trends in publishing, 3 ways to determine if a book is feminist, and discusses the potential merits of the romance novel “bare chest” cover.Jill Bronfman’s poem, She Read It Wrong, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Jill’s websiteJill’s LinkedIn _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Bukowski scholar and poet Rich Glinnen talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Glinnen muses over the importance of daily writing (even when in a lazy funk), how a writer’s voice develops over time, and what to do when your poem is actually a short story in disguise. Rich Glinnen’s poem, “Neptune,” appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Rich on TumblrRich on Instagram_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Self-taught multi-genre writer Harrison Zeiberg talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. This playwright reflects on watching his play, We the People, be performed, describes how the experience gave him new insight into the writing process, and considers the importance of creativity in his busy life.   Harrison Zeiberg’s story, The Patrolman, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Harrison on LinkedIn_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Professor Jerry Wemple talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A multi-published author who experienced the tumultuous times of the 1970’s while growing up in several states, reflects on how he has seen communities handle traumatic events and the joys of teaching over the decades.Jerry Wemple’s story, Bus Stop, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Jerry on Instagram _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Poet and assistant Director of the Solstice MFA in creative writing program Quintin Collins talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Collins tells the story of the happy accidents that introduced him to poetry and the community that became his literary home. He also provides inside information on MFA programs: how to apply, what to expect, and how to make the most of the unique opportunity.Quintin on InstagramQuintin’s MFA program website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

MFA student Benjamin Clabault talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A composition instructor and freelance writer, Clabault is intrigued by the ways myths travel through cultures and how individuals integrate those myths into their own lives. He chats about those interests and how he entered the literary world by way of sociology. Benjamin Clabault’s story, The Mothman and la Llorona, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Website: Benjamin ClabaultBenjamin on X (Twitter) _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Kuwait-based AR Arthur talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Living in the UK, the United States, the Netherlands, and Kuwait and coming from a multicultural, multiracial family, Arthur has a unique perspective on concepts of productivity, respect, and what it means to be a writer in the world.AR Arthur’s poem, Productivity, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.X (Twitter): AR ArthurTikTok: AR ArthurWebsite: AR Arthur's Blog_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Pharmacist turned prolific author Mark Putzi sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer of short stories and poems who appreciates the courage of living through life’s dark times, Putzi shares his thoughts on the importance of being arrogant and why there are times when writers don’t need friends. Mark Putzi’s poem, When They Come, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review. Mark’s listing on Poets & WritersMark on Substack_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Multi-genre writer Jack Johnson meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. History, culture, and politics come together in the work of Johnson who reflects on research rabbit holes, the creative benefits of digging in the dirt, and life in Richmond Virginia. Jack’s blogJack on FacebookJack Johnson’s story, The Gardener, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review._________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

London-based author Lorcán Black chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer who delves into conflicting emotions, reflects on crafting political poems that are more emotional than political, honoring a creative process that defies definition and reveals unknown aspects of life in Ireland. Lorcán Black’s poem, Sweetbread, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Lorcán on TikTokLorcán on Instagram_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Accountant turned poet L Lois talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. An author who doesn’t hesitate to write through the darker sides of life, L Lois reveals how a chance meeting with a writer led her to discover the healing magic of poetry. A prolific writer who is dedicated to supporting others, she marvels at the beauty of a poem's white space and the power of words not written.L Lois’s poem, Culpability, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.L Lois' website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

MFA student Jill Bronfman sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Bronfman, who has been writing a poem every morning for over a year, chats about fostering rabbits during Covid, balancing writing with life’s other obligations, and tells the story of writing her first novel.  Jill Bronfman’s poem, She Read It Wrong, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Jill’s websiteJill’s LinkedIn _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lifelong advocate for justice, Paul Grussendorf meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A career as an attorney representing refugees and asylum seekers gives Grussendorf unique insight into our legal system and how it impacts individuals and families. He offers surprising information on the legal system and the backdrop for Zora Neal Hurston’s novel Barracoon. Paul Grussendorf’s essay, School President, Class Clown, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Paul’s legal memoir, My Trials: Inside America's Deportation FactoriesPaul’s music on YouTube: Kassola Is My Name, Quality of Mercy, Union Station _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Artist and writer Amanda Gattshall meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Environmental scientist, researcher, and writer, Gattshall shares fun facts about sea turtles, muses about cute little robots, what it means to be human, and how Dungeons and Dragons influences her perspective on story building and characterization. Amanda Gattshall’s story, Sanctuary, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Amanada on LinkedInAmanada’s Sanctuary playlist_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lansing Community College student Isaiah Wummel shares his educational journey with Professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wummel, who became a “foster kid” at the age of 14, offers an inside view of how constantly changing schools, being forced to adjust to ever-changing living conditions, and negotiating multiple systems requires a person to craft their own unique set of creative problem solving skills. _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Jennifer Matson, a composition student and creative writer, shares her journey into writing and the evolution of her craft with host Melissa Ford Lucken. From her early days of scribbling stories as a child to her current aspirations of becoming a published author, Jennifer reflects on the importance of having a voice and expressing her thoughts through writing. She discusses the challenges of balancing life and writing, especially after becoming a parent, and how she has recently rekindled her passion for storytelling. The conversation delves into the significance of writing as a personal outlet and the transformative power it holds in exploring deeper subjects and perspectives. Through their dialogue, listeners gain insight into the creative process and the encouragement to pursue their writing dreams, no matter the obstacles._________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Artist and writer Leonardo Chung chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Boarding school resident and magazine editor-in-chief Chung explores tropes in genre fiction, the importance of making friends in new environments, and how badly Chat GPT writes poetry. Leonardo Chung’s poem, haute cuisine & hyperboles, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Leonardo’s Clepsydra Literary and Art MagazineClepsydra Literary and Art Magazine on Instagram Leonardo on Instagram _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lansing area local Chuck Parker sits down with creative writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. A software architect with a background in genomics and molecular genetics, Parker reveals how the restlessness of the Covid lockdown and desire to write a novel led him to enroll  in Lansing Community College’s creative writing courses. Parker discusses how the coursework he completed over several semesters helped him continue writing his novel, organize his extensive research, and wrestle with poetry.Chuck’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Middle school English teacher Alyssa Troy chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Troy describes how the unexpected rescue of her classroom plants led to a poem. As she talks about teaching, she reveals why her students love Flowers for Algernon and one of SE Hinton’s lesser known novels as well as how to encourage young writers. A prolific poet, she imparts wisdom for other writers who want to begin getting their work out in the world.   Alyssa Troy’s poem, An Orchid Replaced by Plastic Plants, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Alyssa's poetry book, transfiguration, on Amazon_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Artist and writer Taylor Rae meets up with creative writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Rae, who wrote the majority of her novel’s first draft prior to enrolling in LCC’s creative writing courses, takes listeners through the drafting and revising process and shares the extra boost she received by watching Shrek in our Writing the Novel class.Pinterest page Spotify playlist for Taylor’s novel, The Echoes of Hollow Manor_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Lifelong creative and seeker Harry Edgar Palacio chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Palacio takes us on a spiritual journey shaped by a study of religions, mythology, and perspective. A musician, visual artist, and yoga teacher, this writer strives to bring meaning to his life’s creative path and inspire others to do the same. Harry Edgar Palacio’s poem, Midst of Fire, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Harry on Goodreads_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken