Want to Make the Cut for The Whiskey Tree? Here’s How You Get Noticed

Listen up, poets. I’m going to let you in on something: The Whiskey Tree isn’t your average poetry gig. It’s not a fleeting moment of glory, not a ‘Hey, we published your work—best of luck, goodbye!’ situation. No, this is bigger. Much bigger. If you’re one of the fourteen poets invited to join a wave, it’s because I see you as someone who’s ready to step up, connect, and grow. And trust me—I’m always scouting for the next wave.

Let’s talk about what being a Whiskey Tree poet actually means. Look at #Wave1. Those fourteen poets didn’t just get their names in lights—they were everywhere. They appeared on two podcasts, celebrated three book launches, and had companion publications and tailored submission opportunities to expand their reach. They were the stars of an interview series and a spotlight series that dove deep into their work, their process, and their voices.

And I didn’t stop there. I published their work three times in one calendar year, with a fourth appearance already in the works for the final Whiskey Tree volume in 2027—a culmination of every wave, every poet, every voice that’s come together under this project.

That’s what being part of this series can do for you. It’s a platform, a megaphone, and a legacy-builder all in one. But it’s also more personal than that. During #Wave1, we forged new relationships, built a community, and collaborated in ways that made every poet better. These writers didn’t just share pages; they shared ideas, challenges, and triumphs. Being a Whiskey Tree poet means being part of something bigger than your own poems.

And that’s what I’m looking for: poets who are all in. Writers who aren’t just talented but engaged. If you’re selfish with your time, if you only turn up to collect applause and then disappear, I’m not interested. I need people who understand that this project is about connection—lifting each other up, building new creative alliances, and being part of a community that thrives on collaboration.

Now, here’s the part where I lay it on the table. I’m always scouting. It’s like poetry Big Brother, but without the creepy overtones. I’m on Bluesky every week running #PoemsAbout. That’s your shop window. I set the theme, you write, and if you want me to notice you, you engage. Not just with me, but with other poets. Show me your brilliance, sure, but also show me your curiosity, your generosity, and your drive to connect.

Here’s what I pay attention to:

• Are you sharing your work consistently?
• Are you offering thoughtful responses to other poets?
• Are you part of the conversation, or are you just here to dump a poem and ghost?

Selfish writers don’t last in this space. I need poets who bring their best work and their best selves. If you want to catch my eye, show me you’re serious—not just about your own craft, but about the craft as a whole.

If you make the cut for #Wave3, here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Three publications in a single year. Yes, three. This is about amplifying your voice, not just giving you a fleeting spotlight.
• Podcasts, interviews, and features. I’ll put your voice and your story in front of audiences who need to hear it.
• Deep dives into your work. Spotlights, close readings, workshops—whatever it takes to show people why your poems demand attention.
• A final, legacy-building volume. In 2027, your work will join the other poets from every wave in the tenth and final Whiskey Tree publication.

This is a serious commitment. And trust me, I’m as committed as it gets. I’ll champion your work, promote your achievements, and open doors for you—but only if I see you’re equally invested in the process.

So, if you’re wondering how to get on my radar, it’s simple: show up for #PoemsAbout. Write your heart out, engage thoughtfully, and prove that you’re ready to be part of something bigger. I’m not sitting in some shadowy corner taking notes (okay, maybe I am, but it’s all in good faith). The point is, I’m paying attention, because I care about finding the poets who’ll make this project what it’s meant to be—a movement, a celebration, and a damn legacy.

You want in? Show me. And while you’re at it, show the world why your voice matters.