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filler@godaddy.com
I have lived an unconventional life. Born in Charlotte, NC in1986 to two public school teachers, my parents exposed my sister and I to a variety of experiences instilling in us a love for nature exploring the woods and creeks near our home, domestic and international travel and supporting us in our athletic endeavors, they even built a regulation size youth baseball/softball field on our property. That field is where I further honed my baseball skills and gave my team at the time a place to practice. Home was a family farm in York, SC where I attended the York public school system. Active in both academics and athletics, I was the quintessential “All American” high school student earning many academic accolades as well as nine varsity letters in three sports. Late in my senior year at York Comprehensive High School during the midst of my greatest season pitching for the YCHS Cougar baseball team, life threw me a curve ball forever changing my plans. I did graduate with a number of academic honors, was voted the MVP in baseball and named to the all-region team. In 2007 I became a semi-finalist for the PEN Emerging Voices Fellowship. In the winter of 2017, I spent several months in Iowa City on a pilgrimage to the Iowa Writer's Workshop where I couch surfed with Iowa poetry professor and Fulbright winner, Jake Montgomery and my best friend from York, Robert McFarland. The time spent in Iowa was akin to an awakening as that experience instilled in me the drive to pursue writing full-time which ironically was never in "the plan." Why and how my life was changed is contained in some of my writings.
My poem " Truth" will be published in a 2022 North Carolina Bards anthology. I will be giving a reading at both book launch events.
Thursday August 25
Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena
1200 Hurricane Way
Raleigh, NC
7:30 PM ( doors open at 7:00 PM)
and
Sunday August 28th
Courtyard Charlotte Arrowood
800 W Arrowood Rd
Charlotte, NC
3:00 PM
Come see me!
there is a 5$ cover charge for the launch and anthologies will be on sale
My poem "Uncultured" , “ Molly” and “Knife Party” and " Plush Safe" will be published in print and online at beatnikcowboy.com.
send them some love! They support independent artists.
In the late Summer and Fall I will be giving readings and signing copies of my first Chapbook, “Naked Shadowboxing “ at indie bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Stay tuned for a complete tour info!
Steve Leake Sr. for help with the website
Mom , Lesley and the Leake and Walker Families
Allison Black for endless inspiration
Clint Alexander for his mentorship and critiques
everyone in York, SC that has followed and supported me over the years
I appreciate it!