The Divine Voice of John Waters
Place-Consciousness and Radical Linguistic Integrity
Writers, educators, and scholars whose work resonates with or is inspired by the radical place-consciousness exemplified in the films and persona of John Waters. I’m working on a proposal for AWP Baltimore in 2026.
Those working at the intersections of geography, subculture, queer identity, race, and linguistic variation, this panel will examine how linguistic and cultural frameworks rooted in place inform artistic expression.
Those whose work springs from regional dialects, immigrant languages, or queer vernaculars—this panel offers a vital corrective to dominant literary paradigms.
How do place-based idioms, moral codes, aesthetic gestures, and sociolects influence how we write, teach, publish, and interpret narrative or poetic work? How can we remain true to a place without romanticizing or appropriating it?
I will submit in early June. If you are interested, send me a message. Read more about AWP Event Proposal Guidelines here.
Thanks to those of you who’ve supported the new collection, Brutal Companion.
