What’s the Buzz?

“Have you heard?” said one egg to the other. “No, I’m decorated with tic-tac-toe, not ears.” “That online book launch they keep talking about, the one on April 26th at 2 PM, is going to be something else altogether.” “Explain?!”

Salon-style Format

Two talented panelists will be asking the author questions, inviting her to read, engaging in a lively conversation. And the audience can ask questions too! You won’t have to have 2 cups of coffee beforehand to stay present. Who are the panelists, you ask? [In their own words, with some additions by Amelia to brag on them (= sneakily ameliorated)].

Nancy E. Allen is a poet, yoga teacher, and DC-based criminal defense attorney whose practice is primarily homicides and violent crimes. She has been part of Amelia’s poet group since they met at the Tinker Mountain Writer’s Workshop at Hollins University in 2012 (which is to say Amelia begged her to join and is so glad she did). (Nancy’s exactingly-crafted, often wry poems have been featured in the Kenyon Review, JMWW, Shot Glass Journal, and elsewhere).

Alanna Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, author, and playwright based in Toronto. (Her one-woman play Seasick, based on the book of the same title, won accolades at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She and Amelia met in college in Toronto and froze their buns off at an International Women’s Day parade/event on March 8th. Alanna was Amelia’s inspiration to get out in the streets and make one’s voice heard. They also recently hiked the St. Cuthbert’s Trail in Scotland together and Alanna’s feature article about the adventure is here.)

Species of Influence Art Gallery

If you’ve registered for the online event (e-mail wildink@pm.me to register) you’ll gain access to a special gallery/natural history show — an online version of the live event gallery featuring the work of local artists, natural history displays, and artifacts that influenced the poems in Species of Concern. Also registrants will receive a packet of the featured poems – so you can follow along. Of course, if you buy the book ahead of time you won’t need the packet.

Inkling and Blink

At the live launch we had a terrific spread of food catered by HoneyBeeFed, local wine (Cardinal Point Winery), and an inky-colored cocktail invented by Amelia, called The Inkling. The poetry packet for the online launch will include the recipe for The Inkling and its zero-proof cousin, The Blink. That way you can celebrate (but you’ll have to provide bring your own snacks).