March Roundup of Museums and Books
Matt is our host for Poetry Friday today. Hop on over there for the roundup.
March Museum Roundup
It might come as no surprise that launching a book took a lot of my time this month. I only made it to one museum—and it was the Lucy Burns Museum where my launch took place.
7. Lucy Burns Museum, Lorton, Virginia
March 29, 2025
I’m so grateful to Alli Hartley-Kong who was my in-conversation partner for the event. She asked me wonderful questions, and the audience also posed great questions as well.
Fellow Poetry Friday friend and local librarian, Linda Mitchell brought me these beautiful flowers.
My book also was the subject of a podcast episode of Wonder Book Cafe this week. I’m so grateful for each and every bit of press that this book gets.
I also found out that my book has gone into its second printing. If you are looking for signed copies, they likely won’t be in stock again until mid-April.
March Books
Middle Grade Books I’ve Read So Far in 2025
by Ibi Zoboi
A verse novel I highly recommend.
by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia
Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
by Allison Pataki
Marjorie Post’s DC residence is now a museum, so it’s on my list of places to visit this year.
Challenger (audio)
by Adam Higginbotham
The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us (audio)
by Rachelle Bergstein
by Harryette Mullen
Writing for Impact (audio)
by Bill Birchard
Haiku of the Week
aged seed pods
wait for wind
reincarnation
Photo Taken: March 15, 2025 at Green Spring Gardens
Haiku Written: March 26, 2025
RECREATE
I’m still propagating plants, taking care of seedlings, and cleaning up my garden.
After my launch, I hung out in nearby Occoquan with some friends. They have a fabulous stationary store that I have to visit every time I’m in the area.
I managed to make my way into DC on a school night again this week. This time to see Maggie Smith as she promoted her newest book, Dear Writer.
I got to see Poetry Friday friends Linda Mitchell, Heidi Mordhorst, and fellow Pomelo Poet Marilyn Garcia.
20 Comments
Margaret Simon
I have to admit sheer jealousy over the Maggie Smith event. I’m sure it was worth it! I am savoring every page of your book. What an amazing accomplishment! All my best as you continue to launch her out into the world.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much! I hope it’s worth savoring. The Maggie Smith event was definitely worth it. I can’t wait to read her book (saving it for spring break).
Linda
I agree with Margaret, your book is an amazing accomplishment. I just read Linda M.’s post about your book, and I am so excited for you. You’ve worked hard and deserve to enjoy the launch of your beautiful book!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Linda! Linda M’s post was so lovely!
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I don’t know how you find the time to accomplaish all this, but Well Done, Marcie! Sounds like you’re having a great time.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Matt!
jama
LOVE that photo of happy you. What a beautiful smile! You’ve been very busy. Congrats on the second printing and thanks for writing such an important book. I’m sure you’re thrilled and proud of your accomplishment.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much, Jama!
Karin Fisher-Golton
Congratulations on your book launch! I’m looking forward to reading One Step Forward. I like your haiku. All of it together made me think of how when we accomplish a goal we head out into the wind for growth and change.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much, Karin!
Molly Hogan
Oh my gosh! I keep wandering onto links that you’ve shared and have now ordered WAY too many books, including yours! Congratulations on your book publication. I really can’t wait to read it. Also, I love your photo and poem–I’m fascinated by the architecture of dried garden matter and love how you used “reincarnation” here. Thanks for sharing all the wonders in your world!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I LOVE dried garden matter too! I have loads of pictures of it from the last several years. It’s just so interesting. Noticing it has made me appreciate the winter much more than I previously did. And sorry about all the book orders. Teehee!
Rose Cappelli
I love that picture of you at your launch event, Marcie! It’s the epitome of happiness. And what a gift to hear Maggie Smith! Thanks, always, for all you share.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much, Rose!
Linda Mitchell
A second printing! Yay! I’m enjoying celebrating ‘One Step Forward,’ still. And, the Maggie Smith event was wonderful. I was reminded of how much I love a quick trip into DC. The lights, the people walking out on the street, the poetry in a public library. It was a fabulous artist date! Thanks for the book recs. I must get the book about Marjorie Post for my mother in law….well, OK me. But for her too.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I love going into the city in the evening too. If only VRE had a later Manassas-bound train, it would make these evening events so much easier!!! I can get INTO the city on the 4:06 VRE, but I can’t get back out…
Sarah Grace Tuttle
Congrats on a second printing– that’s great news! I’ll have to look at the Maggie Smith craft book.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much!
Karen Edmisten
As always, Marcie, a post packed with goodness! So happy to see all the good stuff happening with your new book.
I didn’t realize Maggie Smith had a new book coming out, so thanks for that heads up!
Denise Krebs
Marcie, congratulations! I’m so excited to read my copy. It came in the mail the day I was going out of town. As I told Linda on her post, it was so exciting to see librarians pushing against the nonsense of history denial that’s going on these days. Librarians and authors and artists will continue to make this country rise. Thanks for all you do.