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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

“The poems gently place the reader in the waving Midwest fields, then blast off, rockets and church spires piercing the grey sky. [...]” — @alyallen.bsky.social, author of “Paying for Gas with Quarters” Info on Allen’s book: amzn.to/3LTLMP2 Info on "Midwest Futures" anthology: amzn.to/4bttZd2

Book cover of "Midwest Futures: Poems & Micro-Stories from Tomorrow’s Heartland” anthology depicts silver rocket launching over a green cornfield under a sunny, contrail-filled sky. Background graphic is a red-sky planet populated with mutant blue corn plants.

Full quote from poet Aly Allen regarding "Midwest Futures": “The poems gently place the reader in the waving Midwest fields, then blast off, rockets and church spires piercing the grey sky. Looking into the future as much as at the ground beneath our feet, these poems reflect and resonate.”

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

They Took All the Titles Congress must stop the coup you know who I am talking to I am talking to you Congress must stop the coup be a voice a movement the power you claim to represent Congress must stop the coup otherwise it is down to me and

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

I will be the featured reader at Green Feather Books in Norman, OK, next month! The event takes place during the Ark Walk (Feb 14). Starts at 7 with an open mic after!!!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Give a poet a couplet, satisfy them for a day. Teach a poet to stanza, fill them with dread and

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 28/02/2024

I’ll be reading on Saturday April 6th!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 04/12/2023

I’ll be reading from my book, Paying for Gas with Quarters at Literati Press in Oklahoma City on Friday night at 730 with @jen_e_hudgens Join us for poetry, community, and fun.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 27/11/2023

Paying for Gas with Quarters book tour continues! Reading at Literati Press (their new location!) in Oklahoma City on Dec 8th (730 pm) with the wonderful @jen_e_hudgens Come enjoy poetry and support small business!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 25/11/2023

Excuse Me, I Am Sorry I tried to refrain reframe but the words unsaid whisper repeat in eat my head obligatory eye-contact rips you pass before I speak out of breath I inhale retell #poem #poetry #regret

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Charlie Sherpa @fobhaiku.bsky.social · 11/11/2023

@alyallen.bsky.social is a poet, parent, & OEF veteran. I've been privileged to get to know her through her words, and to work with her to publish her first collection. It's brave & honest stuff. So is she. She's reading in Tulsa, OK tonight, Nov. 11, 2023 at linktr.ee/whittybooks #VeteransDay2023

Author bio picture include caption "Aly Allen is a trans poet, parent & veteran. She writes about family, identity, and trauma ..."

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 10/11/2023

My book has been out for a month!!! I have my first in-person reading tomorrow and I’m stoked for that. To celebrate the release of my book I want to give 3 digital versions away. Add me on Instagram, shoot me a DM with your email, First 3 will get a Kindle copy of Paying for Gas with Quarters.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 08/11/2023

Contributor’s copy of “Things We Carry Still” arrived @middlewestpress.bsky.social Grab one to read my poem Recall and everything else!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 02/11/2023

Join us this Veteran’s Day Nov. 11 at @shopwhittybooks in conversation with Oklahoma poets, professors, and veterans Aly Allen and Bill McCloud - thank you to Whitty Books for supporting poetry- event is free and open to the public. #tulsaartists #poetry #indiebookstore #tulsaevents #veteransday

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 01/11/2023

Paying for Gas with Quarters got its first review!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 01/11/2023

My book is next to sbchilders at Bliss Books & Bindery in Stillwater, OK!!! I of course grabbed a copy of her new book Prodigals (and it was signed!) They still have a copy of her book and a few of mine on the shelf!

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 23/10/2023

If Only We Knew To Carry A Tissue When I was a soldier they did not prepare us for the tears— tears we would kill, tears we would cause, tears for tears, tears of regret, saltiness of being alive. Do not cry for the soldier. Cry out to them, before they drown the world in tears. #poetry

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 23/10/2023

This is an anti-war poem from my book, Paying for Gas with Quarters

Screenshot of a Poem by aly allen. Reads:

THERE WON’T BE ANY VETERANS committing suicide if there are no veterans. Not extermination of the current. Elimination of the future. No service. No obligation. No ultimate sacrifice. No unpayable debt. Survivor’s guilt gone. Moral wounds gone. Unscarred. Disbanding the military could prevent depression, and think of all the civilians who won’t be casualties. The condolences and monuments we won’t have to craft. And,

aly allen’s poem There Won’t Be Any Veterans continued. Reads:

if there are not veterans, perhaps also, there will be only a memory, a well-rehearsed verse about ancestors and war.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 23/10/2023

Writing Prompt: Write about a time you were wrong Was the change gradual or all at once? End ruminating on how things are different after

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Reposted by Aly Allen

ignacio quintero @ignacioq.bsky.social · 19/10/2023

"It should not be that difficult to look critically at the brutality Palestinians have been subjected to, and ask yourselves if it is right. It should not be that difficult to open a history book and read and learn about what has happened in Palestine..." www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 19/10/2023

www.instagram.com/p/Cyj4ehcJK8...

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

“Aly Allen weaves the chaos of war into the fabric of parenthood. Her poems crash like mortar fire over the reader in staccato bursts of heart-wrenching emotion.” —Garry Reddin, author of "An Abridged History of American Violence" $5.99 Kindle: amzn.to/3pxl3Qq $11.99 Print: amzn.to/3LTLMP2

Cover of Aly Allen's poetry collection "Paying for Gas with Quarters" depicts nighttime scene of gas station in fog. Red, blue, and white lights are visible through the fog.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

Writing Prompt: Write about rising Describe a spreading warmth or comfort

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 14/10/2023

Inside Must always lock closed doors. The click closes out the abstract. Contains the corrosion. #poetry #poem

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 13/10/2023

“War, family, life, and death collide in this collection. Allen’s reverberating lines beat with ear-splitting blasts of beauty.” —Jason Poudrier, author of “Red Fields” $5.99 Kindle: amzn.to/3pxl3Qq $11.99 Print: amzn.to/3LTLMP2

Cover image of Aly Allen's debut poetry collection "Paying for Gas with Quarters" is an illuminated gas station on a foggy night. Cool-white and magenta lights pierce the misty dark.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 13/10/2023

Writing Prompt: Write about being misunderstood Describe or use a coffin, casket, or tomb

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 12/10/2023

“… Takes the reader through the trials of parenthood, adult relationships, a military career, transitioning into civilian life, and discovering self-identity through it all.” —@lisasticepoet.bsky.social, author of “FORCES” $5.99 Kindle: amzn.to/3pxl3Qq $11.99 Print: amzn.to/3LTLMP2

Book cover of Aly Allen's debut poetry collection "Paying for Gas with Quarters" depicts an illuminated gas station during a foggy night. White, blue, and magenta lights pierce the misty darkness.

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Reposted by Aly Allen

maniacally abstrack black @upfromsumdirt.blacksky.app · 11/10/2023

ive been on bluesky for about 3 months now and the writing community was really showing up for each other, being supportive & whatnot. so, for the newer writers, please promote yourself & post links to your work in this thread. old heads can post too, if you have new pubs or good news to share—

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 12/10/2023

Join me for my online book launch reading next week!

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 11/10/2023

U.S Army veteran Aly Allen’s debut poetry collection “Paying for Gas with Quarters” is officially an “Amazon No. 1 Hot New Release” in ... - LGBTQ+ Poetry ! - Afghan War Biographies ! Check it out here: amzn.to/3pxl3Qq

Screen-captures from Amazon depict Aly Allen's "Paying for Gas with Quarters" as "No. 1 Hot New Release" in two categories: "LGBTQ+ Poetry" and "Afghan War biographies."

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Reposted by Aly Allen

Middle West Press @middlewestpress.bsky.social · 10/10/2023

Congratulations to U.S. Army veteran @alyallen.bsky.social on the launch of her "Paying for Gas with Quarters: A Parent's Odyssey in Poems"! This is home & war & all the beautiful messy stuff in-between! $5.99 Kindle: amzn.to/3pxl3Qq $11.99 Print: amzn.to/3LTLMP2

Graphic depicts book cover of "Paying for Gas with Quarters: A Parent's Odyssey in Poems" by Aly Allen. Book cover image shows illuminated street lights and gas station in misty night. Lamp and sign colors are cool white, blue, and magenta.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 10/10/2023

It’s book pub day! Paying for Gas with Quarters: A Parent’s Odyssey in Poems, debuts on kindle and in print. I hope you enjoy the journey, from the first poem to the last it took the appropriate 10 years to complete. a.co/d/4AlnBHJ

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 10/10/2023

Paying for Gas with Quarters inspiration countdown(up) pt 10 @alis.wisel Lisa Lewis was my final thesis advisor. She is the other reason I came to OSU. Her ability to find what is holding a poem back was the greatest thing I learned from her. She can cut to the heart of a poem in an instant.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 09/10/2023

Paying for Gas with Quarters Countdown(up) pt 9 My first thesis advisor, Janine Joseph, always taught her classes with a joy & love for people & poetry. I learned to use sub narratives from her, to hone the music of each poem, to take risks, & to have fun. Her work opens doors. @j9joseph.bsky.social

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 09/10/2023

Paying for Gas with Quarters Countdown(up) Pt 8 My thesis started as a hybrid CNF & poetry manuscript, that was focused on one heavy theme & went a number of directions. John Andrews & Laura Minor, pointed out what was working & where my intent was not coming across, which led to final revisions.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 08/10/2023

“Paying for Gas with Quarters” inspiration countdown(up) pt 7 Many of the poets in my graduate courses at Oklahoma State, inspired me with how inventive, alluring, vivid, and devastating their poems were. Here are some of those who wrote poems I never could have written, find & read them:

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 08/10/2023

“Paying for Gas with Quarters” Inspiration Countdown pt 6 In my graduate writing workshops, @chrissympoet & @whitneykoo always offered comments that pointed to the intent of the poem and the strengths of the poet. They saw connections where I didn’t and so taught me to look, to seek.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 08/10/2023

“Paying for Gas with Quarters” inspiration countdown (realize I am counting up 😬) Pt 5: The creative writing program at UH introduced me to so many amazing poets. Two had a lasting impact: Niki Herd, taught us that poems should matter; Kevin Prufer taught us when to know a poem was done.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

Countdown cont. @tellme_to_smile founded Defunkt Magazine, which published one of my first poems! She organized & socialized with other writers in a way I hadn’t seen before. She made it clear I could be a parent and a creative. mirandaramirezwrit.wixsite.com/wildairdrink...

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

Countdown cont. @ariskian is the first person that asked me about my writing process. Her creative works and out conversations always make me think, and very often are a call to action. She is generous and amazing. She is the current Houston Poet Laureate and her poems cut deep. ariskian.com

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

“Paying for Gas with Quarters” inspiration countdown pt 4: Two poets I met in the creative writing undergrad at the University of Houston @ariskian and @tellme_to_smile They both uplift voices & speak out with their poetry. They are powerful women, community builders, & creators I aspire to be like.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 03/10/2023

Book Inspiration Pt 3: My first writing teacher was @melissastuddard Her enthusiasm & joy for writing made me realize I wanted to be a poet & to see poetry in everything. Her words are imaginative & vivid. You can see her influence most in “Buying Gas With Quarters” melissastuddard.com/appearances/

melissastuddard.com

On the Town

Forthcoming Events 10/9/23 (7:00 P.M. CT) Traveling Mollys Reading Series, with Virgil Suarez. Virtual. 10/27/23 (6:00 P.M. ET) Hermitage Artists Retreat. Talk and Reading, with Christopher T…

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

Book release: Inspiration Countdown Pt 2 SFC Dan Carr ran the TV & Radio Station I worked at in Germany. He, like Sgt Robinson, encouraged creativity, autonomy, and rebellion. He let me develop my on-air radio personality and taught me to take risks in my writing and my interactions with people.

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

My book comes out next week! I want to highlight my creative influences leading up to the release. In the army, Sergeant Amber Robinson, taught me to make stories center on people. She also got me into distance running and made me believe I could accomplish the impossible. (Insta: @rayadeluna)

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 24/09/2023

Ringer off Notifications silent Subtitles soothe Light-switch down Darkness around Red dot glares Every outlet emptied Mind atop a chariot Arena racetrack appears Dust flounders Vendors sell salves and snacks Audience applaud selves Cricket feet chirp lullaby Morning hammer Sensory glass #poetry

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Aly Allen @alyallen.bsky.social · 23/09/2023

War of Seasons Why cannot Summer and Winter reconcile? Fall and Spring really just the same thing— a transition between enemies —polars, flaring in opposition. Each leaf a truce, a flag, waving / falling / crumbling Crisp, cool frost stops its spread. Agents of heat spring to action. #poetry

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