Prologue to summer, epilogue to summer, and every sun-soaked day in between: Prolific Pulse Press is thrilled to announce the release of Indelible Ink: Postcard Poems and Paintings from the 2025 Postcard Poetry Fest by Colorado poet and painter Jennifer Gurney, available October 30, 2026.
Thirty Postcards, Thirty Poems, Two Days
Every August, writers around the world sign up for the Postcard Poetry Fest. Each receives a list of names and addresses, and through the month they write a poem on the back of a postcard and mail it to a stranger, while poems from fellow poets arrive in their own mailbox.
Jennifer didn’t just write her postcards. She painted them. In a single day at her kitchen table, with music playing, coffee within reach and her curious cat keeping watch, she painted all thirty cards. The next day she wrote all thirty poems. Every poem in Indelible Ink is a true first draft, sent out into the world unrevised, paired with the bold, layered abstract painting it traveled on.
The result is a book of summer: watermelon, fireflies, thunderstorms, and a teacher’s wish that August would slow down just a little.
A Gift Economy in Book Form
What makes the Postcard Poetry Fest special, Jennifer says, is that someone writes a poem just for you, and you write one just for them. She calls the festival the epitome of authenticity and generosity. Indelible Ink honors that community of poets and brings its spirit to readers everywhere.
The vibrant cover painting is Jennifer’s own favorite from the collection, and, like the covers of all 16 of her poetry books, it comes from her brush.
Read the Interview
Want the story behind the book? In our new interview, Jennifer talks about painting thirty postcards in a day, the German and Irish voices in her head that argue over revisions, her Art Heals project after the Marshall Fire, what her fourth graders thought of the poems, and her advice for anyone nervous about sharing a first draft.
Jennifer Gurney is a Colorado-based poet and painter who also teaches and hikes. She has published 16 books and nearly 3,500 poems internationally, with work recognized in two international contests and featured in a choral performance, a D.C. yard sign, Australian theater screens, the Rx Poetry project, and a bus sign in Racine, Wisconsin. Her manuscript We Are Never Ready: A Collection of Grief Poems earned Honorable Mention for the 2025 Concrete Wolf Louis Award, and Curvature of Life was a semi-finalist for The Word Works’ 2025 Tenth Gate Prize. As a painter, she creates vibrant, experimental abstract acrylics that have appeared in magazines, anthologies, and local exhibitions, and she was GloMag’s 2024 Artist of the Month.
Find her on Instagram at @pelican6527 and on Etsy at Jennifer Gurney Art.
Get Your Copy
Indelible Ink: Postcard Poems and Paintings from the 2025 Postcard Poetry Fest by Jennifer Gurney Available October 30, 2026
I recently interviewed Jennifer Gurney, author of Indelible Ink: Postcard Poems and Paintings from the 2025 Postcard Poetry Fest. Let’s have a fun read!
The Fest and the Process
1. For readers who’ve never heard of it, what is the Postcard Poetry Fest, and how did you first get involved?
The Postcard Poetry Fest is an annual experience. Writers from around the world register for it and we each receive 31 names and addresses. During the month of August, we write a poem on the back of a postcard and mail it to a person on our list. In return, we receive poems and postcards from our group. As a writer and painter, both, I enjoy painting my postcards as well as writing the poems. It is a joy to connect with others from around the country, and in some cases, the world. Occasionally, we write a second or third postcard to someone we connect with. I stumbled upon this incredible opportunity on Facebook one summer and am hooked. I cannot imagine an August without it.
2. You painted all thirty postcards in one day and wrote all thirty poems the next. Why do it that way instead of one card a day?
Sometimes I set a challenge for myself to see what happens. This year I loved the flow of painting the cards on the same day and then writing the poems the next day. Last summer I completed a 24-hour poetry marathon that I loved. Sometimes less is more. And sometimes more is more. This was one of those times. Getting into the flow of painting and writing can sometimes take some doing. Once there, there is a beauty to the state of creativity. I love the shimmery feeling of hanging in the balance between real life and creativity.
3. What does a day of painting thirty postcards actually look like? Music, snacks, a mess on the table?
What a great question. I have a home studio where I typically paint. It is a spare room on the second floor. But for this excursion, I set up on my kitchen table where I could look outside to the patio, be near my Bose for great tunes and close to the kitchen for snacks and coffee. My cat was curious as to what the heck I was up to and hung close that day, keeping me company.
4. When you sat down to write, did the painting lead the poem, or did you sometimes ignore the image entirely?
I tend to look at the name of the person I´m writing to (and for) and their address. Sometimes their name gives me a spark and other times knowing where they live is the inspiration. When those fail, I look at the image on the postcard to see what floats to the surface. Other times, something comes to my mind entirely unrelated. And I go with it.
5. Every poem in this book is a true first draft. Was it hard to let them go out into the world unrevised?
That is a very astute question. As a Virgo, I tend to want things to be in order. Tidy. Accurate. But as a creative type, I am getting better at going with the flow. I am also half German and half Irish, several generations ago. I truly think they form the voices in my head. The German side says get to work. The Irish side says take a break. I laugh when I hear them dickering. So the creative and Irish side of my brain had to take over with the whole first-draft-letting-go business. Luckily it worked. I was tempted several times to fix things, but in the end first draft-ness prevailed.
6. Was there a card you wanted back the moment it hit the mailbox? Why?
Wow, I had never thought about that. Honestly, no. When I write and paint for others, it is truly theirs from the get-go. Reminds me of a powerful experience a few years ago. Our part of Colorado experienced a horrible fire called the Marshall Fire. Over 1,000 families lost their homes. The elementary school where I teach was hit hardest. Fifty-five families lost their homes. After searching for a way to help, I landed on a project I headed called Art Heals. I pulled paintings I had made together, collected art supplies to donate and hosted 10 events for people to come get free supplies, art and make art there. After I ran out of my own paintings, I painted daily, voraciously, for the Marshall Fire Families. In about six months I gave out 800 paintings to help cover the walls of temporary housing these families were then living in. Hearing their stories at the events, painting beside the children and giving away my art was one of the most poignant experiences of my life.
The Art
7. Your paintings are bold, layered abstracts. How do you decide when a piece that small is finished?
My sense of completion is changing and evolving over time. The past eight months, I have been working on a series of pieces called Pushing the Limits. I asked myself: what would happen if I keep going after when I normally would have stopped? The results have been transformative. I couldn´t love a painting of my own any more than this series. And I never would have produced these paintings if I hadn´t asked the question. I am finding a new normal of when to stop and when to proceed. It is a fascinating process. I´m nowhere near finished with answering this question.
8. Tell us about the cover painting. Why did that one get to be the face of the book?
The vibrancy and fluidity of the cover painting stood out to me. I especially love certain color combinations, and this piece had several of them. But to be completely honest, it is my favorite painting in this collection. So it gets the prized position of cover. Don´t we all put our favorite in the best spot available?
9. You’ve painted the covers for all your poetry books. How do painting and writing feed each other for you?
There is a different kind of energy required for me to paint. I paint nearly every day, some days longer than others. Painting is a way to express my feelings and thoughts in a wordless format. There is a deep, physical element of painting for me. I love to paint big, sometimes 3×4 feet on stretched canvas, sometimes larger on flat canvas. I use music to help create the flow and I try not to look at a clock or my phone when painting so I can stay in that suspended state of flow. When I am adding layers to a former painting, or sitting to work on small studies, it takes less energy. But still takes energy. When I am writing, it is a way to communicate what is on my head, heart and soul in word form. I often write haiku-ish poems, which are only three lines. I also write prose poems which can be pages in length. There is less physical energy required for me to write, but still mental and emotional energy that is needed. I write almost every day. Sometimes to a prompt and other times whatever is on my heart. One of my favorite places to write is in nature, on the shore of my favorite lake. I also write on the back of envelopes at a red light. Poems come at all times of day and night and in every place imaginable. When I have something to capture them, they stay. I love having time to paint and write. What I love more than that is having the time to paint and write while I also have the energy to do so. Since I teach elementary school full-time and am very involved with other pursuits, the time does not always coincide with the energy. When they do, it is bliss.
The Poems
10. Reviewers have called this a book of summer: watermelon, fireflies, thunderstorms. Did you set out to write about the season, or did it just show up?
I think I write mostly about the life that I am living while I am living it. So it makes sense that during the summer, the poems would come out watermelon, fireflies and thunderstorms.
11. One poem pleads, “Summer, slow down.” What were you hoping to hold on to?
As a teacher, the summer goes all too quickly. When the calendar turns to August, I tend to get nostalgic that summer is nearly over. Don´t get me wrong. I love teaching and I love my students. But summer is my absolute favorite summer of all. So that one was just noticing that I was not done summering yet. (I´m still not and it´s October!)
12. Is there a poem in the collection that surprised you when you reread it later?
I think it has surprised me the most to hear what others have to say about my poems. This is the first time I have had others review my book. It has been delightful to hear what they find enjoyable. I also shared a few poems with my fourth-grade class on the day my advance copy arrived. Hearing their giggles and questions added a nice depth to how I view the poems. (They loved the ¨boyfriend¨ one!)
The Community
13. What was it like to open your mailbox every day and find postcards from strangers?
It was so cool! Every summer when the first one arrives, it is a sharp intake-of-breath moment.
14. Do you remember a card you received that stuck with you? Tell us about it, please.
My first card that referenced my poem I had sent them felt like connection.
15. Postcard poetry is very much a gift economy. What does it give you that publishing in journals doesn’t?
The fact that someone else wrote a poem just for me, and I just for them, is unique. In a world that values AI, plastic surgery and one-up-manship, this festival is the epitome of authenticity and generosity. It lifts my soul.
The Bigger Picture
16. With nearly 3,500 poems published, how does a project built on speed and no revision fit into your practice?
It is a once-a-year experience that I look forward to. To send my poems into the world and find poems in my mailbox is a gift.
17. What would you say to a reader who wants to try the Fest but is scared of sharing first drafts?
There is nothing to be afraid of. You have a poem on your heart right now. Just write it down on the back of a postcard. And add a stamp and mail it. Then do it again each day for a month. And you will find your voice in setting your poems free.
18. Why turn this exchange into a book? What did you want readers to take away from it?
I love this collection of short poems and small paintings. And I love this Postcard Poetry Fest. Pulling them together into a book is a way of honoring this community of poets and bringing a taste of summer into the world in book form.
19. Where can readers find you and Indelible Ink online?
I am hoping to have a website at some point in the future. For now, you can find Indelible Ink and my other books on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you search ¨Jennifer Gurney poetry¨ or ¨Jennifer Gurney art¨ you can find other examples. I have a small Etsy site that is Jennifer Gurney Art. And my Insta is @pelican6527.
Announcement about Unhoused – Yearning for Home Anthology of Poetry, Art, Photography, and Essays. Lighthouse background with book cover forefront with art featuring a bench, backpack, shoes under a beacon of light on a rainy night. Homes with lights on are in the background.
About Unhoused – Yearning for Home
UNHOUSED – Yearning for Home is a powerful and deeply human anthology exploring the realities of homelessness, displacement, migration, statelessness, and the universal search for belonging. Through evocative poetry, poignant flash writing, true stories, and compelling artwork, this collection gives voice to those who have experienced the loss of home—whether through war, poverty, immigration struggles, discrimination, economic hardship, or social instability—and to those who bear compassionate witness to these experiences.
Far beyond politics and headlines, UNHOUSED – Yearning for Home focuses on the emotional truths behind displacement: the grief of losing safety, the ache of isolation, the resilience required to survive, and the enduring hope of finding connection, identity, and peace. The anthology shines a light on the invisible struggles faced by unhoused and marginalized individuals around the world while honoring their courage, humanity, and determination to endure.
Editors Jia-Li Yang and Candice Louisa Daquin are both immigrants with extensive experience working in homelessness and crisis support services. It was their inspiration that drew the interest of Prolific Pulse Press LLC. This collection continues the press’s tradition of publishing meaningful social justice anthologies that amplify underrepresented voices. All four editors offer a glimpse of their experiences in the foreword.
Raw, compassionate, heartbreaking, and hopeful, UNHOUSED – Yearning for Home invites readers to look beyond stereotypes and statistics to witness the deeply personal realities of what it means to search for safety, stability, and a place to call home.
A portion of the UNHOUSED – Yearning for Home proceeds will benefit The Women’s Center of Wake County, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Kaelen’s mother recently discussed her daughter’s book, “Wings and Whispers,” and family support.
Background and Inspiration –
1. Can you share a bit about Kaelen’s early interest in writing and illustration? When did you first notice their talent?
The real story with Kaelen was…her internal struggles often held her back. When my daughter Kaelen was born, she had a major hearing loss (100%) in her left ear. From age three, the Special School District provided her with special services while diagnosing her with five language processing impairments, learning disabilities, and unilateral hearing loss. She was the only student who received it during kindergarten. I will say…she didn’t read at age five.
By the time she was in first grade, Kaelen began to have a knack for reading.
I must admit…school was a struggle for Kaelen. She fell behind because all the classes were harder for her. Including math and writing were the hardest for her. Though science was easy for her, and she always loved it. Overtime, my mantra was to break down every word, the synonym, antonym, and re-teaching all the schooling methods at home. Even though Kaelen felt lost, she begged me to stay home from seventh grade on. Due to the five language impairments, and five language barriers really deterred Kaelen from feeling successful.
It was an honor and a privilege to stay home, for the sake of my daughter’s suffering. As far as Kaelen is concerned, here are the crucial elements that have kept her in the game. First, the undeniable talent. And she does art every day. Next, she has always had a burning desire and tenacity beyond any other. Never give up attitude, hard work ethic. There will be lots of “no’s” and one must know that will happen. She’s had mentors who have followed her since she was thirteen. Ibiyinka, the art ambassador of Nigeria, award-winning authors Ginny Rorby & Kirby Larson, her art teachers at Parkway South (Southwest Middle and Wren Hollow) and her professors at Memphis College of Art. Jean Holmgren, Tom Green and more. The last two are professional artists too.
Getting all her supports in school (kindergarten through college) and attending an art school were keys to her newfound success.
Though she never stopped dreaming. She held her head up high and pushed through every obstacle. There were a lot of delays in writing, it was a challenging task to put words together in the sentence. Since she didn’t read much at first, Kaelen illustrated and drew the stories instead of writing. When she was in kindergarten, that was mostly what she did with communicating the words, instead of detailing it in writing.
Every assignment she turned in was illustrating a visual event in drawing pictures. Completely from imagination. Kaelen was a great speller! Somehow, her brain knew how to spell the hardest words. One fun fact, my daughters were in two distinct aspects. Her sister and her were very inseparable as kids. But, despite all that, it was a challenge for Kaelen to write and read…because her hearing loss caused processing issues which led to learning disabilities. Nevertheless, Kaelen rose like the phoenix…and she proved to herself she could do it.
My little girl was reading downstairs in her and sister’s room, a book called, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Never in my wildest dreams was I so surprised. Kaelen Elise Felix was reading to herself and watching every word while trying to figure out how to write.
I recall Kae said… “Mommy, this book inspires me. I think this is my calling.”
Why do I mention these hurdles? This makes Kaelen’s dream possible; these setbacks shaped her into the lovely young lady she is today.
At age 13, Kaelen started to have a zest for writing after she emailed her favorite author, Kirby Larson, about becoming an author. While Kaelen suffered so much with written communication, even putting a sentence with all knowing where the commas needed to be placed was hard.
Seventeen years later…it brings me happy tears my daughter achieved her dream!
2. What were some of Kaelen’s favorite books, authors, or illustrators growing up?
Without a doubt, her favorite books were all about animals, of course. Eric Carle inspired her to see the beauty in life full of imagination and colors. She adored Dr. Suess, because it was one of her favorites to be able to break down the numbers, characters and more, given the internal disabilities she had. His characters and rhythm are a great asset to Kaelen’s fondness for children’s literature.
And I made sure to keep all these precious books for Kaelen. We recently found them downstairs in the basement.
I know Kaelen…she was moved. Kaelen has instilled in her the values of kindness, genuineness, and humbleness.
Some of her favorite illustrators are from the whimsical period of Art nouveau from the 1900s period. Without a doubt, she continues to love this one artist called Chuck Close, and his use for detail or photorealism motivated Kaelen more by the day. The intricate number of features of additive colors in every circle allowed her to be able to break it down.
She is very much inspired by Vincent Van Gough, especially from her book in the chapter with the frog.
3.How did Kaelen come up with the idea for Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship?
The title didn’t even exist at first as “Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship Volume 1). It was originally written like, “…A is for alligator.” It was more of a tell than sharing the intricate details. Kaelen had a desire to publish it for her final BFA thesis. But then, she wasn’t ready to share it with the world. So, it was put on hold.
The book she crafted over 9+ years. Presented to Ginny’s editor and Kirby’s editor, both said no.
She went back to rewriting it, reworking it, and a publisher, which is so wonderful. We found you, Lisa! I am so happy she found you too!
That was almost two years ago in December. The first book was edited, and she spent 4-1/2 months creating eighty-four hand-drawn illustrations, designing the book layout, and creating it. She has a contract deal for Volumes 2, 3 & 4. And she is in the middle of illustrating another client’s book. She’s having a blast of doing it, for sure! But she will continuously work on hers too.
She initially wanted to create a book about figurative language but decided to mesh poetry with it, too.
4. Did any real-life experiences or friendships inspire the story?
Several years ago, Kaelen was severely depressed. Kaelen kept battling bouts of mental health and discouragement.
She struggled finding relationships with people she would connect well with. Having a support group on Facebook and Instagram allows her to keep going, and these supportive groups are professional poets, illustrators, artists, or even fans.
She became depressed and lonely. One day I, as her mother said to her, “I think you should just try to go back to doing ‘art every day.’ And inner fire and desire allowed Kaelen to not stop drawing, outlining, painting, and you name it. She did it! She didn’t give up. The dream never ever went away, it was always there. Though Kaelen didn’t talk about it. Even if she did illustrations for other clients, she gave her more insight into the publishing process and what should be included and not included. Lisa is a gem and has been a wonderful help for Kaelen!
The friendship part is more inspired by the arrival of my granddaughters. Evie and Thea changed Kaelen’s life! She loves being an aunt so much. Her sister has always been incredibly supportive of her, too. Kaelen plans to dedicate her second book to her sister.
Creative Process and Development
5.What was Kaelen’s creative process like when working on the book? Did they focus on writing first or illustrations?
At first, nine years ago, it was the writing. She didn’t like the tone of it. I recall she would video call me from Memphis College of Art andI would give her some tips. The illustrations in the book came first in this scenario because she loved creating all the ecological animals from imagination.
Kaelen often filmed reels on her iPhone recently, and she’s gotten better at the process, too! She used to thumbnail tiny placements of where the artistic storyboarding is going.
Then, she transfers all the details on the watercolor Strathmore Illustration paper, drawing in pencil, outlines it. Her craft is all about using gouache and watercolor paints, along with creating an overlay of colored pencils.
6. Were there any challenges Kaelen faced during the creation of the book? How did they overcome them?
The main challenges faced during the creation of the book were mainly when she first started, her mentors’ editors rejected it. Kaelen did feel a little defeated, but she didn’t let that stop her. That’s where you came in, Lisa. You and Kaelen’s collaboration fits just like a glove!! If it weren’t for you, Lisa…none of this would have been possible. I simply have to say…thank you!
7. How did Kaelen balance her life while working on their debut book?
Kaelen would go to work, and then come home, and work on her craft. She hardly spent time cooking because she had to keep working on the book. Though, at times, she made some efforts to do it.
Before the book debuted, Kaelen worked tremendously hard to put the book together. She relaxed for a while. She does an excellent job of making sure to take care of herself better than ever! I am extremely proud of her for that.
8. As a parent, did you play a role in encouraging or supporting Kaelen’s creative work?
I wanted to be the best role model for my daughter as best I could. Given when she was little, I traveled for a living. I had to have surgery here and there. But I always made sure to spend time with my child. I encouraged the saying, “Remember…it is the story you tell yourself that you want to put on paper or canvas.”
I told her art every day for her is especially important, and she has always been able to listen to me on that one as well.
I will always support and encourage my child to the best of my ability as possible to show her and be a great mentor to her.
Publication and Reception
9. How did Kaelen react when she learned the book would be published?
I can remember Kaelen was screaming happiness from the top of her lungs. She couldn’t believe it at all. This was the dream she pushed herself to work hard on for so long.
10. What has been the most exciting part of this journey for Kaelen and your family?
I would say…the fact my grandchildren get to be a part of this journey in the story sets the record straight, too. A lot of my followers from grade school and onward couldn’t believe my daughter did this. The fact that my father’s sister Margaret created, wrote, and published a book at age 7 is truly remarkable.
11.What do you hope young readers take away from Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship?
Readers should know…my daughter was a shy little girl growing up with internal struggles herself. She, in a way, relates to a lot of the characters, too. My hope is that the reader will learn to be nicer, kinder, and less brutal to younger kids. I never raised my kids to act that way for sure.
Looking Ahead
12. Does Kaelen have any plans for future books or projects?
Kaelen is planning to continue authoring books. She doesn’t know yet, because Wings and Whispers holds a special place in her heart at this moment. She hopes to continue illustrating for clients with Lisa. If not, she will always keep working on her stories as well.
13.How do you see Kaelen’s writing and illustration evolving in the future?
I would say…Kaelen does plan to continue to work in her current job. That’s what I would want for my child is to have a steady income for right now.
Kaelen spends a lot of her writing, illustrating, and designing outside of work. She is constantly thinking about what her next art piece will be about. Perhaps more publishing companies will pick up her work. We must see what the future holds for her.
14.What advice would you give to other parents who want to nurture their child’s artistic and literary talents?
If you have a child with special needs to get as many special education supports in place to overcome their disabilities. Along with following their dream. I want other parents to understand I have lived that journey! And I will never give up on my child. Though, I think Kaelen is on the best path possible.
Even emotionally and mentally, she is in the best place in her life. And I couldn’t be prouder of her, along with her accomplishments. I could stand before my parents and say I did the best I could to provide the special needs services for her. Again, as her mom, I will always be a great mentor to many of her friends from Memphis College of Art and more.
Thank you to Linda Felix for taking the time to complete this interview. I believe you will find this interesting and inspirational as I have.
As a teacher, I will always remain a student. In the classroom of life, l wish to work with and educate others. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or just your average person, here are a few of my "TEACHERble" moments.
