Washington Square On Air

Former competitive figure-skater Shachi Kulkarni chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Kulkarni describes a personal journey from the ice rink, through a political science undergraduate degree to the American University’s MFA program. An author who writes of heartache and once got a new perspective on creativity from a single episode of The Beverly Hillbillies inspires writers to follow their own path.Shachi Kulkarni’s poem, Leaving, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Shachi’s website_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Poet and public relations coordinator Andy Brent talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Brent details his poem’s connection to comedian Rodney Dangerfield and explains how he blends his perspectives on human communication with his creative skills to craft appealing and meaningful advertorials that do more than simply provide information. Andy Brent’s poem,The Heaviness, 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

Midwestern writer and advocate for veterans Rudy Verbos sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Verbos, who took creative writing courses at Lansing Community College while completing his Master’s of Social Work at Michigan State University, examines the strength of stories both real and imagined. A veteran himself, Verbos understands both the unique characteristics of post-military life and the power of narrative structure. _________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Award-winning author, scholar, and professor Jeffrey MacLachlan explores his writerly world with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. MacLachlan reads an excerpt of his poem inspired by Soviet advertisements, describes the series of politically charged posters that motivated him to create the poem, and laughs about bad art, bad books, and good times to drink alcohol.Jeffrey MacLachlan’s poem, It’s Nice to Drink Coffee with Liquor, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review.Jeff on X_________________________Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand  Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

Fighter and feminist Sarah Boland talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A University of Melbourne student with a passion for the power of the written word, Boland breaks down the female experience, why women’s literature resides on secret bookshelves in bookstores, and how to be brave without a sword.  Sarah Boland’s poem, Joan of Arc, 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

Engineering student Brandon Yu chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A cybersecurity major at the University of South Florida, Yu fills us in on his wild day at the gym, his thoughts about AI, and how he uses creative writing to fill a niche in his life.Brandon Yu’s essay, A Day at the Gym, appears in the Summer 2024 issue of the Washington Square Review._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Enjoy this conversation from the student's perspective. One comes from an island in Australia, while the other is dealing with the pressure of simultaneously managing school and band expansion._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Student and teacher engage in a personal conversation about their experiences in high school and navigating through college._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Veteran, author and student Rick Bilodeau talks about the journey of going back to school using the Reconnect Program and how he rediscovered his love of writing._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Three Lansing Community College students, Layla Mengelson, Yaretzi Sanchez, and Caylee Kerber-Anderson offer a candid conversation with Melissa Ford-Lucken about their experiences in high school, learning hurdles through the pandemic, and their transition to higher education. _________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Lansing Community College students Stephen Luea and Annabelle Ludwig talk with Melissa Ford-Lucken about relearning the concept of creative writing and utilizing the "I perspective". They also chat about their overall experiences at LCC and their expectations moving forward._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

LCC students Gabe DeGram, Lucas Molenda, & Jenifer Ugwoagonwu sit down with English Professor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. The three talk candidly about their experiences at Lansing Community College and what creative writing means to them. _________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Teacher and poet, Carole Greenfield describes how she uses geological terms and concepts to inspire her poetry. Her honest and surprising motivations for crafting and creating images from words come from her work with young children, writing workshops run in homeless shelters, and the experiences of her own life. Carole Greenfield’s poems, Equilibrium Line & Settling, appear in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.You can find Carole Greenfield’s poetry anthology, Weathering Agents, on Amazon or order it from Beltway Editions_________________________Website: Washington Square Review

LCC student Tae Ngalande chats with English Professor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Ngalande describes a journey that took her from a Catholic boarding school in Zambia, through a couple high schools in the United States, before ultimately landing her at LCC. She reveals her connection to Disney movies and shares and her love of computer science._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Medieval scholar, English and Gender Studies professor, and multi-genre creative writer, Melissa Ridley Elmes chats with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. A writer inspired by both sea monsters and scholarship, Melissa describes how her creative quest took her from formal academic research to fiction, poetry, other generative forms and back into scholarship again. Elmes offers thoughts about imposter syndrome and about making wordy messes to find the right path forward.Melissa Ridley Elmes’ piece, To Belong at the Edge of the World, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Melissa on XMelissa on Instagram_________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Ohio native who now calls Brooklyn home, Kyle Rea chats with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. A graduate of The New School's MFA program, Rea shares his love of folklore, his experience arriving in New York during “Covid Times,” and struggling through several not so great jobs until finding his way to his current position at the Brooklyn’s awesome Greenlight Bookstore. Kyle Rea’s piece, The Watchman, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Kyle on TwitterKyle on Instagram_________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Scotland native, Chris Arthur talks with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. A multi-published essayist and fellow with the Royal Literary Fund, Arthur explores the magic and mystery of the ordinary objects—things such as luggage and letters—that often inspire his work. Chris Arthur’s piece, Letters from the Dead, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Chris’ Irish Essays_________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Life-long creator, Joshua Sinel explores the writerly world with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Co-founder of Storybooth, a digital platform that animates stories written by teens, Sinel describes the quick success he experienced at the start of his writing journey. That exciting beginning was followed by a 20 year gap, during which he poured his creative energy into founding businesses, until ultimately returning to the keyboard.Joshua Sinel’s piece, What You See in the Clouds, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review._________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Ohio State University student, Caily Burr chats with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. A dedicated writer and volunteer, Burr offers thoughts on how to navigate the sometimes difficult writer workshop, what she gained by writing creative nonfiction essays after focusing on fiction, and how her time volunteering enriches her life.Caily Burr’s piece, Seeking Asylum, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Caily on InstagramCaily on TwitterCaily Burr on LinkedIn_________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

High school English teacher turned college English professor, Kayla M. Branstetter talks with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. A recent TEDx presenter, Branstetter details her classroom experiences, both hard and humorous, gives us an overview of Medusa’s personal plight, and does the unlikely by using that mythological story to offer insight on the importance of providing space for sensitive conversations.Kayla M Branstetter’s piece, Ten Lessons, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Website: Kayla BranstetterKayla on XKayla on FacebookKayla on TedX: Don't be an Athena. | Kayla Branstetter | TEDxMSSU _________________________Website: Washington Square Review 

Writer, journalist, and editor, Matt A. Hanson, shares insights with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. A Massachusetts native who now makes his home in Istanbul, Hanson inspires by revealing his enlightened ambition of making meaning of life through art while honoring the humanity found in thought and creation.Matt Hanson’s piece, Mrs. Grammar, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Matt’s literary profile on InstagramMatt’s review of Nights of Plague by Orhan Pamuk at World Literature Today. See Istanbul through the eyes of James Baldwin, Matt’s essay on Fodor’s TravelMatt’s describes his journey as an art writer in Turkey on Argonotlar. Matt explores Jewish-interest culture. Website: Washington Square Review

New York City author, Erin Fischer, chats with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Fischer examines the remarkable inspiration for her WSR piece, how living in multiple cities contributes to her creativity, and details the highlights of an Erin style tour of her beloved, crazy busy city. She shares some key stops, including museums and coffee shops, then closes out with some thoughts on bagels and beer.Erin Fischer’s piece, I Can’t Win and I Can’t Get Out, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Website: Erin FischerWebsite: Erin on Muck RackWebsite: Erin on MediumInstagram: Erin FischerInstagram: Erin's Bagels Books + Brews.Website: Washington Square Review 

Lifelong writer, Taffeta "Taffy" Chime, chats with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. Multi-genre author Chime, reads from her essay, Meeting Taffy, shares her perspective on living life with a unique name, and describes her decades long journey to becoming a widely published author.  Taffeta Chime’s piece, Meeting Taffy, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.X (formerly Twitter): Taffeta ChimeInstagram: Taffeta ChimeFacebook: Taffeta Chime Website: Washington Square Review 

Author, professor C.S. Griffel talks with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. Griffel connects setting and inspiration, describes how research generates ideas, and uses her background in theatre inspires her writing.C.S. Griffel’s piece, Sandia, appears in the Summer 2023 issue of the Washington Square Review.Facebook: C.S. GriffelWebsite: Washington Square Review 

Susan Serafin-Jess, co-editor of LCC's Washington Square Review chats with writer, JC Reilly who was nominated for both the Pulitzer Prize and The Pushcart Prize.Website: JC ReillyWebsite: Washington Square Review

LCC alum N’omi Hawthorne chats with Creative Writing Professor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Writer Hawthorne shares her fulfilling experiences with found family, personal growth by writing from trauma, and how she seeks to empower others through her creative works. Website: N’omi HawthorneEmail: N’omi HawthorneWebsite: Washington Square Review

LCC alums Judy Ringstaff and Eli Jones, sit down with creative writing Professor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Journalism major Ringstaff and creative writing major Jones exchange surprising views on poetry, the challenges of writing about real life, and offer encouragement for those considering enrolling in LCC’s creative writing courses.Instagram: Judy as Trix Bailey on InstagramTrix Bailey’s Man of Blood on Kindle VellaInstagram: Eli JonesInstagram: Eli’s book reviews & book talk on InstagramWebsite: Washington Square Review

Dreamer and doer, writer DA Henneman talks with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. Fantasy romance author Henneman explores her love of mythology, her passion for research on witchcraft, and how she blends the elements together to create satisfying, feminist leaning romance stories.DA Henneman’s piece, Persection, appears in the Summer 2022 issue of the Washington Square Review.DA’s website: dahenneman.comDA on Instagram: @dahennenAll the other socials, links to buy books, and a free ebook on DA’s Link Tree.Website: Washington Square Review

Multi-genre creator, Kevin Novalina (Brown), sits down with editor, Melissa Ford Lucken, in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. Pushcart Prize nominee, film and television script writer, and author of poetry and fiction published in over 200 literary journals, Arkansas native Brown, chats about his how his real-life experience does and doesn’t show up in his creative work.Kevin Brown’s piece, Half A Whole, appears in the Summer 2022 issue of the Washington Square Review.Kevin’s website: kevinnovalina.comKevin on Twitter: @KevinNovalinaWebsite: Washington Square Review

University of Georgia Ph. D student Saurabh Anand talks with editor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. Saurabh reveals some of the complexities of being an international student and talks about surprising his composition by using poetry classroom.Academic creatives will want to take note of how he blends his creative work into his scholarlylife. Saurabh Anand’s piece, I Miss Ya, Minnesota, appears in the Summer 2022 issue of the Washington Square Review.Saurabh on Twitter: @_saurabh_anand_Saurabh on LinkedIn.Saurabh reads his poem, F-1 Visa, for the Journal of International Students.Website: Washington Square Review

Editor Susan Serafin-Jess connects with Michigan journalist and poet Beau Brockett to talk about the three poems he contributed towards the summer 2022 edition of Washington Square Review.Website: Michigan Environmental CouncilWebsite: Washington Square Review

California author and accomplished blues guitarist Terry Sanville chats with Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On-Air. Terry began writing creatively after retiring from urban planning, a career that includes many, many hours at the keyboard. Listen in as he shares writing inspirations and compares his two writing lives to playing tennis and badminton.Terry Sanville’s piece, Deciding for the Dead, appears in the Summer 2022 issue of the Washington Square Review. Terry’s Amazon page: Terry Sanville on AmazonWebsite: Washington Square Review

Susan Serafin-Jess welcomes Cheryl Caesar to this episode of Washington Square On-Air.Website: Cheryl Caesar on AmazonWebsite: Washington Square Review