iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

My latest open mic reading heralds a new season of book launch parties, award announcements, and more readings. Stay tuned! #openmic #poetry #poetsinc

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I was honored to have my poem “Ode to Chianti” included in this new anthology titled “The Language of Desires.” It’s a sultry take on sipping a pleasurable glass of wine while dining in Italy. Published by Wingless Dreamer Publisher, the anthology is available on Amazon. #poetry #winglessdreamer

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

While traveling in Southern Italy, I came across a combo bar and library in Monopoli. Intriguing spot that lends great atmosphere for open mic readings! #monopoli #puglia #italy #libraries

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

For the writers out there, I found the Hemingway Bar in Stresa, Italy and ordered the Hemingway Special. It was not my “cup of tea,” but the entire region was magical! #stresa #italy #hemingway #borromees #lakemaggiore

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I’ve had a few poems published lately. This latest titled Ode to Chianti is a sultry take on savoring a glass of Chianti while contemplating its evolution from grape to glass. The publisher thought it fit their theme perfectly!🍷❤️ #poetry

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Yesterday am I woke up to this congratulatory email! Such an honor. Will be published in the Nov/Dec 2026 issue. This warrants a traipse through my garden and a nod to writers groups. #writingaward #writersdigest #poetry #rosegarden 🍾🥳🥰

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Scenes from Andalusia. Some villages are havens for writers and other creative types.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Sharing a taste of my travels throughout Spain. Always impressed with the historical emphasis on literature and art in these old countries. Fascinating to learn more about the Moors and the intersection of different religions. All so inspiring! #spain

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

My final poetry reading in celebration of National Poetry Month took place during a Poets INC (Inland North County) open mic session in Escondido, CA. Poets were invited to read their poems from San Diego Poetry Annual in honor of its 25th anniversary. Kern County’s poetry laureate joined us #poetry

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Hoping to bring a little joy to your heart with beautiful spring blossoms. #springflowers #spring #roses

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

This past weekend I read two poems at San Diego Community College District’s annual emeritus program’s music festival. We enjoyed music performances and a silent auction filled with artwork. One of my poems “A Blossoming Passion” is published in San Diego Poetry Annual 2025-26 available on Amazon.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

At San Diego Poetry Annual’s 20th anniversary book launch, I was honored to have my poem “A Blossoming Passion” highlighted in an article on Substack’s Constant Feed. You can read it at constantfeed.substack.com/p/poets-pack.... #sandiegopoetry #sandiegopoetryannual #poetry #poetrylover #poetry

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

San Diego Poetry Annual celebrated its 20th anniversary with a book launch this week at Point Loma Library. I read my poem (a ghazal) titled “A Blossoming Passion” which was featured in a review written for Constant Feed on Substack. You may the article at constantfeed.substack.com/p/poets-pack....

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

From protest to poetry, I had a pretty full day yesterday. Started with a “No Kings” rally and ended with an open mic at the San Diego Writers Festival to kick off National Poetry Month. Both events provided an opportunity to contemplate the importance of freedom. #nokingsday #openmic #poetry #peace

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

My poem “A Blossoming Passion” is published in the new San Diego Poetry Annual!The book launch happens April 15 at Point Loma Library. I’ll also read at the San Diego Writers Festival on March 28, which will feature Jodi Picoult, #1 NYT bestselling author! #sdpa #sandiegowritersfestival #poetry

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

This anthology, Freestyle Ink Fest (open theme), was just released by Wingless Dreamer Publisher. My poem The Land of Recall made the cut! From the publisher: “It was a pleasure featuring your piece, truly…Your poem very well deserved to be published in our anthology. Congratulations.” 😇✒️

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Been a while since I posted something, so I thought I’d start the New Year sharing my first acceptance of 2026. Hoping this is a sign of more to come! (Image of writer is AI generated). #writinglife #writingcommunity #winglessdreamerpublisher #writers

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

Just returned from a visit to Portugal where I visited some very old university libraries. I wanted to curl up in a giant chair and take in a dusty tome or two. It was nice to not be bombarded with tons of negative news. Thought I’d share a few images that might just make you smile! #portugal

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Touring Portugal and have come across some amazing bookstores and university libraries. #lisbon #portugal

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Came across this example of determination that brought tears to my eyes.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

Haven’t posted anything writing related in a while. But I continue to write nearly every day despite the lure of a golf outing amid fantastic summer weather. Something else I enjoy doing is converting my garden into a meal as reflected in my photos. Just trying to stay sane these days! 🌷🏌🏽‍♀️🌺

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

How can I play with focus and determination when I’ve got all this beauty to gaze at? Though I’m not writing while enjoying the Monterey Peninsula, the ambience of Steinbeck country is sure to stimulate my muse. #montereypeninsula #steinbeckcountry #pebblebeachgolf #golfinglife

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

WriteGirl, a creative writing organization that mentors teen girls/gender-expansive youth in Los Angeles and beyond is looking for women/gender-expansive women to help steer teens to higher education and careers. visit www.writegirl.org/volunteer for more info. Deadline: August 1; 213-253-2655.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

I love sun, color, and flowers. May each day be filled with something pleasing to lift your spirits. 🌷🌺💐 #flowers #nature

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Just got published in this month’s edition of The Sun! My essay submitted in response to their themed call on “complexion” was published in their Readers Write section. Those of you in the know understand the extremely low acceptance rate of this publication. Calls for a celebration! #writinglife

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

No Kings peaceful protest San Diego county. #nokings #democracy

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Peaceful No Kings protest in Del Mar, CA (San Diego Co.) #nokings #peacefulprotest #democracy

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

We’re one week away from Cautionary Tales, a dance theatre production of thought-provoking prose and poetry choreographed to carefully curated music to reflect upon the turbulent times of 2025. Performances take place June 5-7 in La Mesa, CA where my new chapbook will also be available.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Architectural scenes from Noto, Sicily. Inspiring! #notosicily #italysightseeing

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

My first chapbook, Cautionary Tales: Evocative Prose and Poetry to Contemplate for 2025, was released May 22 and will be available for purchase at the June 5-7 dance theatre performance produced by award-winning choreographer John Spencer Powell of Mounarath Powell Dance. #bookrelease #dancetheatre

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Just felt like brightening someone’s day with two California sunsets, red roses, and irresistible sweets. May your light shine a little brighter!❣️#sunsets #goodlife #joy

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Reposted by Michelle

Mrs. Betty Bowers @mrsbettybowers.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

ICE agents *know* what they are doing is probably illegal, which is why they try to conceal their identities with scarves and sunglasses. #AmericanGestapo

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Just got my copies of the latest edition of San Diego Poetry Annual. Excited to share that I have two poems published in this edition: "The Butterfly" and "Ashes to Ashes." #sdpoetryannual #poetry #poetryanthologies #sdwritersink

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Tickets are now on sale for my latest dance theatre collaboration Cautionary Tales. If you're in the San Diego area next month, please check it out. Thanks. mpdance.org/events/list/...

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Due to my travels, I missed April's National Poetry Month readings; however, I read one of my poems ("The Butterfly") published in the 2024-25 edition of San Diego Poetry Annual this past weekend at Poets INC (Inland North County). Next up, my dance theatre collaboration "Cautionary Tales" June 5-7!

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

If you happen to be in the San Diego area this weekend, I'm reading one of my poems published in this issue of San Diego Poetry Annual. Hope to see you there! #sdpoetryannual #sandiegopoets

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Back from travels and just received this new graphic about an upcoming project I've been working on. Stay tuned for more! #performingarts #playwriting #creativearts #mpdance #authorsguild #dramatistsguild #sandiegowritersink #choreography

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

While visiting South Africa, I had a wonderful opportunity to listen to former Mandela prison guard Christo Brand speak about meeting and looking after Mandela during his final years of imprisonment. Lucky to get a signed copy of his book chronicling their time and friendship spent together.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Pleased to announce that my poems "Ashes to Ashes" and "The Butterfly" were published in San Diego Poetry Annual 2024-25 (sandiegopoetryannual.com) just in time for National Poetry Month. It's Open Mic time! #sandiegopoetryannual #nationalpoetrymonth

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Reposted by Michelle

Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Here I react to the shameful encounter between American leaders and media and the Ukrainian president. No doubt there were more, but I saw five failures on our side: of hospitality, decency, democracy, strategy, and independence. Please watch and share. snyder.substack.com/p/five-failu...

snyder.substack.com

Five Failures in the Oval Office (video)

America hurt itself badly today.

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Reposted by Michelle

John Fugelsang @johnfugelsang.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Donald Trump and JD Vance may have just done what Joe Biden couldn’t - get Ukraine into NATO.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

This week I attended an interview with Jesmyn Ward at the 30th annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea at Point Loma, San Diego. Talk about inspiring! #jesmynward #authorsguild #dramatistsguild #decolonialpassage #writinglife #booksigning

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A Voice Crying in the Wilderness @cryingwilderness.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Battle Cry! 💙 America’s history is both complicated and inspiring. And we will defend it against those whose hateful hearts seek to destroy it! #Thisiswhywefight #Bluecrew #Resistance #Resist #TruthWarriors

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Interesting streak of light in tonight’s evening sky. At some vantage points, I could convince myself that I was seeing moonlight brightening a shelf of clouds; not sure how else to describe this, but it was quite stunning.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Tonight’s crescent moon with Venus shining bright.

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Michelle @thequillster.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

So I attended a speakeasy dinner with friends. I enjoy dressing the part. I read that writers are often into role playing. I think it has to do with how much character development goes into our stories. 🎬🎷🎺🎥

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