All this to say—I’ve wanted to be part of this for a long time, and it means more than I can say that I am this year. This has been so special ❤️
Last one! A couple years ago I read with @kjmoulton.bsky.social’s husband at a book festival, and he was very kind and welcoming to me. And later that same year I read a book of Gilmore Girls essays; hers was my favorite one and then I put it all together. Connections!
And @mlfaliveno.bsky.social read part of her incredible Everclear essay at an AWP rock and roll reading I did with her, and that’s part of what put this tournament on my radar. It meant so much that she wrote about something I care about deeply—loving what we love, no matter if it’s “cool”
The connections are my favorite part. @nanette.bsky.social referenced Sweet Valley High’s Regina Morrow trying cocaine once and dying; I have a poem about that! @ponytailup.bsky.social mentioned Bath & Body Works Country Apple—what high school smelled like! And did half of us play the flute in band?
The focus during my @marchxness.bsky.social matchup with @jvbennett.bsky.social was Celine vs REM, but I was more struck that we both wrote about losing our dads. I loved his essay and so read his Fadness “Tarzan Boy“ essay and discovered we also both love pro wrestling (and Jungle Boy Jack Perry)!
I absolutely love this exchange. I’m not built for competition (so it’s funny that I’m in one), but support like this, kindness, connection—I’m here for this.
That is beautiful. I love that.
Man, this is so wonderful ❤️
Hello 👋
Can you hear me? 👂
Can you hear me? 🎧
Can you hear me? 📢
Last chance to vote for KISS THE RAIN! marchxness.com#/2ndround-my...
I love “Round Here” but almost find that song timeless; “Kiss the Rain” puts me right back onto my teenage couch, watching Dawson and Joey yearn for each other. I think @mlfaliveno.bsky.social’s essay is stunning, but @allisonwrites.bsky.social’s essay is too and perfectly captures that yearning.
I'm so happy for you!
Oh my God, I could not love this more!
Whoa!!! This is INCREDIBLE. So happy for you!
It was wild--I looked you up to read your work, and then I realized I had this on my shelf! Yes, totally meant to be! ❤️
@allisonwrites.bsky.social and I have become friends through @marchxness.bsky.social. I love her essay and I love her! Also, I have a surprise for her—a while back, I realized we were in an anthology together before we ever met! Look at our names on this TOC page foreshadowing our friendship!
I love both essays in this matchup, but this one really got me. One of my favorites here for what it says about growing past thinking our taste defines us and being uncomfortable with vulnerability/real emotion
Oh wow, thanks! That means a lot to me too. It feels almost sacred to be reading such personal things about everyone—it feels both connecting and overwhelming.
Oh thank you! You know, I think what I appreciate most about yours is something present in mine—this examination of our past self as almost another person.
I truly love both essays in this match-up, but you've got my vote.
One of my favorites of the whole tournament. I felt this deeply, and I love the song.
I absolutely love your essay.
As this intense battle (two @marchxness.bsky.social essays with a similar theme over very different songs) winds down, I'll say that as a poet going against nonfiction writers, as a newcomer to this tournament, as someone who selected an "uncool" song, this turnout means the world, no matter what ❤️
I love Amy's essay!
I’ve never been on here so much! I’m having so much fun
I loved your essay! It hit me where I live. I have a poem about Regina Morrow trying cocaine once and dying!
The one I’ve always wanted to do but never have is Margot Tenenbaum. You’re inspiring me to try mine! I would also have to explain the reference at this point, but I am a high school teacher so that is my whole life
Wow--I think she is the most beautiful, especially in that movie, and I always felt like the world was so bonkers for dragging her like that. What a hard time to be a young woman--well, I guess that's anytime, all the time. And Eternal Sunshine is also incredible, and you look amazing!
What a wild ride--my @marchxness.bsky.social essay was up, and now it's down. If you haven't voted yet, here's the link for the night owls. The REM essay is beautiful; no shame in losing to it if that's what happens. marchxness.com#/round2-dion...
That's a beautiful act. I love your essay, and I love this.
Oh, thank you! I love this ❤️
