Michelle
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thequillster.bsky.social
Michelle
@thequillster.bsky.social
Award-winning writer and poet; playwright; healthcare professional; avid golfer. Member: The Authors Guild; Dramatists Guild. Writer's Digest 2023 18th annual poetry competition finalist.
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
October 25, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Touring Portugal and have come across some amazing bookstores and university libraries. #lisbon #portugal
October 2, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Came across this example of determination that brought tears to my eyes.
I hope this inspires you like it inspired me.
September 6, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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! 🌷🏌🏽‍♀️🌺
August 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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
August 4, 2025 at 8:27 PM
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.
July 28, 2025 at 2:43 AM
I love sun, color, and flowers. May each day be filled with something pleasing to lift your spirits. 🌷🌺💐 #flowers #nature
July 23, 2025 at 3:50 AM
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
July 4, 2025 at 1:58 AM
No Kings protest in San Diego County #nokings #democracy
June 15, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Del Mar, CA No Kings peaceful protestors #peacefulprotest #nokings #democracy
June 14, 2025 at 10:46 PM
No Kings peaceful protest San Diego county. #nokings #democracy
June 14, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Peaceful No Kings protest in Del Mar, CA (San Diego Co.) #nokings #peacefulprotest #democracy
June 14, 2025 at 10:39 PM
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.
May 30, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Architectural scenes from Noto, Sicily. Inspiring! #notosicily #italysightseeing
May 28, 2025 at 2:38 AM
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
May 24, 2025 at 8:55 PM
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
May 20, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Reposted by Michelle
ICE agents *know* what they are doing is probably illegal, which is why they try to conceal their identities with scarves and sunglasses. #AmericanGestapo
May 10, 2025 at 2:58 PM
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
May 9, 2025 at 11:56 PM
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/...
May 8, 2025 at 4:47 PM
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!
May 8, 2025 at 1:32 PM
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
May 2, 2025 at 10:08 PM
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
April 17, 2025 at 2:21 AM
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.
April 6, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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
March 7, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Reposted by Michelle
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...
Five Failures in the Oval Office (video)
America hurt itself badly today.
snyder.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM