“ I've been on a years-long journey to complete my first collection of poems…”

September 6, 2026

NBM: What is your process like for writing poetry?

SP: I like the tactile sensation of paper, the feel of my pen gliding across the page, the visual of my words taking

shape. A lot of my poetry begins with a journal entry. I enjoy visiting a park, a bar, a café and taking in the scene. When I see something that piques my interest I write it down.

September 2, 2026

POP, POUR & POETRY –

June 18, 2026

Proprietor Cammie Lee with Savi's Wine Shop in downtown New Bern graciously presented a special toast on a late-spring evening to celebrate the kick-off of the publicity tour for my first collection of poems, POLYHYMNIA. There was standing room only in the garden for this intimate event of live poetry readings, cold champagne and juicy strawberries, and lively discussion of stories behind the poems. I was honored to read “Plutzik’s Heaven”, “Eighteen”, “The Barn Owl”, “The Tuskegee Airman” and “What the Poet Does Know.”

From Verse to Visual

June 20, 2026

Executive Director Jonathan Burger of Craven Arts Council & Gallery welcomed me June 20th at Bank of the Arts in downtown New Bern to present the unveiling of the book cover for my forthcoming collection of poems, “Polyhymnia”. I had an engaging conversation with artist Ashley McDaniel and photographer Nick Matthews about the inspiration and creative process behind the work, and presented how poetry, art, and photography came together to bring the book cover to life. I read “The Barn Owl” (previously published in the Craven Arts Council poetry collection, Ekphrasis) and “Salt,” each poem reflected in the book’s lavish, original cover art.

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