🌟 Book Launch Week & Donald E. Waterfall Scholarship Final Call: Exciting Milestones!
Spring 2025: A Season of Firsts and Growing Community
Welcome to Archipel, an ongoing dialogue between me (Cara Waterfall) and other poets and creatives of all kinds, celebrating the ways we connect through mentorship, community and transitions.If you are interested in participating, please send me an email by replying to this newsletter or click here.
Join the Archipel community today!
Archipel was also inspired by my very first poetry mentor, my father. When you purchase a subscription to this newsletter, you are paying into a scholarship fund in his name, which will support one emerging poet.
I’m proud to tell you that the fund currently has $2, 000 USD! And we will be raising funds until September 1, 2025. To learn more about The Donald E. Waterfall Scholarship Fund, click here. Applications are open NOW!
🎉 Book Launch Week: A Week of Poetry Firsts! 🎉
The launch of RADIANT WOUND was an absolute blur last week. In addition to being my first poetry collection, this spring has brought a number of exciting "firsts":
First poetry reading and book signing of RADIANT WOUND at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where Dr. Silué graciously hosted me in The American Space.
It was a memorable afternoon of sharing poetry with engaged students. The Q&A session was the highlight, with thoughtful questions about the creative process and the themes in RADIANT WOUND. I've even started an online Facebook Group, Abidjan Poetry Hub, which I am hoping will grow into a weekly conversation about all things poetry-related.
First-ever middle school poetry workshop for RADIANT WOUND at the International Community School of Abidjan, where I was invigorated by garrulous and engaging sixth-graders.
A massive thank you to teacher Patty Peters who was integral to this workshop happening, and to teachers Colby and Dr. Johnson for wrangling the kids a little bit. The atmosphere was upbeat and overwhelmingly positive. A few of the kids asked for my autograph, which was simultaneously touching and hilarious. (One student: can I sell your autograph? Me: For money?) I even did a mini-interview with a few of the students after the presentation, which was very sweet:
First social media takeover (on Unsolicited Press’ Instagram and Twitter sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of a poet's life).
My goal this year was to push myself out of my comfort zone and agreed to taking over Unsolicited Press's Instagram account. I made some reels and despite technical glitches — and a genuine sense of vulnerability — I made it through seven days of promoting myself. And I'm very glad it's over!
✨ Reminder: Poetry Scholarship Deadline June 1st! ✨
🚨 FINAL CALL: Only 7 Days Left to Apply! Don't Miss Out! 🚨
The Donald E. Waterfall Scholarship Fund applications CLOSE June 1st, 2025 (midnight UTC). Apply NOW for:
$2,000 USD* in financial support (*I’m collecting donations and paid subscriptions until September 1, 2025)
Exclusive one-year mentorship (October 2025 - October 2026)
Applications judged by talented judges rob mclennan and Salima Tourkmani-MacDonald
This scholarship carries forward my father's commitment to poetry and education. His journey, transformed by scholarships to the University of Toronto and Princeton University, inspired me to create this fund for emerging poets.
Quick Eligibility Check:
18+ years old (worldwide applications welcome)
Writing primarily in English
No previous full-length poetry book publications
⏰ Time is running out! Submit your application TODAY.
Your odds are very, very good at this point. It’s the first year and I would love to see more applications!
Thank you for reading!
With love and intention,
Cara
You keep expanding your horizons. Cheers!