Braiding the Essay with Conviction With Lyzette Wanzer

Wielding Words Like Excalibur With Ayesha Montgomery

Recovering political administrator and former political intern turned multi-published poet and poetry presenter Ayesha Montgomery joins Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Montgomery, who discovered the world of politics was not for her, considers the importance of the right audience for the right poem, muses about the old-school magic of the card catalog, and solves the ongoing mystery of how and when to use workshop advice and how and when to set it aside. Ayesha Montgomery’s poem, Power of the Pen, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review. Ayesha on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ms.ayeshathepoet] Ayesha on YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/@eshamontgomery8641] Ayesha’s website [http://www.300triedbywater.com] Ayesha’s poetry book, [https://a.co/d/028nsd9q] Love is My Shelter [https://a.co/d/028nsd9q] _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review [https://washingtonsquarereview.openlcc.net/] Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand [https://mfaland.blogspot.com/] Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFordWriter/] Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.instagram.com/melissafordlucken]

Remembering the In-Between Moments With Matt Thompson

High school creative writing and English language arts teacher Matt Thompson sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Thompson reveals the secrets to successful workshopping with younger writers, explores how preconceived notions and expectations hinder creativity, and uncovers the surprising beauty of being wrong about big things. Matt Thompson’s poem, Laundromat Blues, appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review. _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review [https://washingtonsquarereview.openlcc.net/] Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand [https://mfaland.blogspot.com/] Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFordWriter/] Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.instagram.com/melissafordlucken]

Turning Stories Into Novels With Joseph Esper

Actor, author and Lansing Community College student Joseph Esper chats with Professor of Creative Writing Melissa Ford Lucken. Esper, a Creative Writing major, muses about the role of acting in his creative life, reveals his intense dislike for The Catcher in the Rye, and ponders the ways gaming story structure inspires his own creative works. Joseph's website [https://www.josephebooks.com/] Joseph’s novel, Follies of Humanity [https://a.co/d/0eu5CaBP] _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review [https://washingtonsquarereview.openlcc.net/] Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand [https://mfaland.blogspot.com/] Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFordWriter/] Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.instagram.com/melissafordlucken]

Myth-Crafting Through Fan-Fiction With Sarah DeToy

Lansing Community College student Sarah DeToy joins Professor Melissa Ford Lucken to chat about her journey from high school, through trade school, to community college. DeToy, an avid Minecraft-er, cosplayer, and fan-fiction writer, expresses her deep appreciation for myths and how they unite people of different cultures and reveals how her success as a student is linked to her ability to intentionally deconstruct the “puzzles” of academic writing and research. _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review [https://washingtonsquarereview.openlcc.net/] Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand [https://mfaland.blogspot.com/] Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFordWriter/] Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.instagram.com/melissafordlucken]

A Pasodoble in Prose With Richard Stimac

Poet, massage therapist, and tango dancer Ricard Stimac talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. After years in the business and marketing world, Stimac, seeking more meaningful work, became a massage therapist. Stimac emphasizes the importance of clear writing, muses on the beauty of intentionality in words and movement, and offers an inside look at the world of tango dancing. Richard’s poem, Autumn Notes, appears in the Summer 2026 issue of the Washington Square Review. Richard on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/richard.stimac.poet/] _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review [https://washingtonsquarereview.openlcc.net/] Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand [https://mfaland.blogspot.com/] Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFordWriter/] Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken [https://www.instagram.com/melissafordlucken]