Before looking forward to 2022, I want to pause and reflect on my accomplishments this year. I am typically uncomfortable with sharing my own work, agonizing over Instagram posts and dreading the always-asked what are you working on? However, self-promotion is vital to my success as a writer. I am extremely proud of the year I’ve had, and I’m not going to wait around for someone else to pipe up for me.
Last month, I bought a tote bag from City Books and mailed it to Jenna for her birthday. She recorded an unboxing video, talking over sirens as she tears open the package to reveal the canvas bag wrapped in tissue. I love it she says, and continues to read the Willa Cather quote printed on the side:
Pittsburgh was even more vital, more creative, more hungry for culture than New York. Pittsburgh was the birthplace of my writing.
Wow, she looks into the camera, eyes bugging. Oh my god?? Kelsey, that’s an insane thing that this bag says. Is it true about you too?
This Year:
I commissioned and published the Memory Collective, a ten part series exploring the act of remembering. It was an honor to collaborate with other artists on this project and something I look forward to doing more of in 2022. You can view the Memory Collective in the archive of this newsletter.
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My essay, The End of Small Talk, was published in Hobart Pulp’s f*cked up modern love column. I was blown away with the outpour of praise and support.
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I was named a City Books Writer-in-Residence for the Fall 2021 term. This opportunity led to many firsts: my first stipend to support my writing, my first true designated workspace, my first reading. I curated a book list. Each week, every week, I wrote.
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I completed multiple articles for Very Local Pittsburgh, including this fun account of tailgating or this guide to my favorite vintage spots.
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My essay about Lorde’s Solar Power was published in The Pittsburgher. I really enjoyed writing this piece, and ultimately view this as the beginning of a series.
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I received several encouraging rejection letters — notably one from a writer whose book I admire greatly. Something wonderful and sweet knowing a writer I look up to has read my essay and said nice things.
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(Not) A Story About New York was published in Hobart Pulp. I love this essay.
Call for Submission: Six-Word Memoirs for 2021
How would you describe your year in six words? Send me a six-word memoir to describe your 2021. Or send several! I encourage you to ask your family and friends. You can reply right to this email, leave a comment, text me, email me or write me a postcard. I’ll publish the collection in an upcoming newsletter.
Rushing out the door to the Bar Marco and the ballet so please forgive any typos!