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Meet LPB Intern: Erin Austin!

A senior at Duquesne University, Erin is majoring in History and Women and Gender Studies as well as getting a certificate in public history. Erin talks to LBP about poetry as visual art, how rap music drives her focus, and the benefits of using a book club to connect and recharge.


LBP: How did you discover your passion for poetry and visual art? 

Erin Austin: I discovered my passion for visual arts, specifically poetry, in elementary school. We had a writing competition when I was in first grade where three winners from each grade would have their works published in a poetry book that year. I worked really hard on a poem about the color green and why I liked that color and all that good stuff. This was my first interaction with poetry and I was very interested in it, especially how there were no rules we could write about whatever we want, however we want with any words we wanted. I ended up being one of the three winners from my grade.


Example of blackout poetry by Tyler Knott Gregson.
Example of blackout poetry by Tyler Knott Gregson.

 Later, in sixth grade, I was introduced to blackout poetry and I became obsessed with that as well, and it’s still my favorite form of poetry honestly. I spent the whole summer making blackout poetry that year because of how amazing I found it.




LBP: Do you have a dedicated space? What does your space look like? What is not included?

EA: Interestingly enough, I don’t have a dedicated space for writing. I really like to use whatever is available to me, but I do like to be comfortable while I write. So I’m often cuddled up in my bed or sitting in a comfy chair or couch with my legs up while I work. I find I’m more productive when I’m comfortable and less when I’m sitting at a table or something along those lines. Typically, no matter where I'm sitting either my dog or my cat will kepp me company. I can also only listen to rap music while I work. It helps me focus, think and stay motivated if I’m listening to 21 Savage or Three 6 Mafia while I work which I have been told is super odd.


Erin's dog Buddy.
Erin's dog Buddy.

LBP: Longhand? Typed? When? Why?

EA:  More often than not I will type up all of my work, it’s so much more efficient than handwriting in my opinion since my brain is constantly moving so it's easier to type my thoughts out as they come rather than writing them out. I’m also slightly dyslexic so the typing helps with spelling when I need it. However, I am very wary of relying solely on typing as I’ve had my computer go kaput with all my files and work on it in the middle of working on a project.


LBP: What do you do in your non-generative times? How do you recharge?

EA: In my non-generative time I’m in a book club with my best friend and her family. I find it’s a great way for me to learn about books I may not have had the chance to read outside of the book club and I enjoy the thoughtful discussions and perspectives everyone brings to the table. Both the diverse book selection and insightful comments from the other people in my book club inspire and influence my writing through themes, topics, writing style, etc. The books we read are often fantasy and definitely romance with a touch of adventure including the Zodiac series by Romina Russell and Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison.


Erin's cat Harvey.
Erin's cat Harvey.

LBP: Any recommendations for us?

EA: Sure!


Blackout Poetry:


Music:

Book Club Books:

  • Zodiac Series by Romina Russell Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

  • Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison




Lefty Blondie Press First Chapbook Award

Submit your chapbook manuscripts from JANUARY 1 - MARCH 31, 2026


2026 chapbook contest judge:


We welcome poetry chapbook manuscripts written by those who:

  • self-identify as a woman or non-binary individual

  • 40+ years old

  • writing in English

    have yet to publish a poetry chapbook or full-length poetry book before September 30, 2026


Pay-what-you-can reading fee via Duosuma tip jar!



​All tip jar donations support LBP's mission

to promote the poetry of self-identifying women and non-binary people.

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