Wielding Words Like Excalibur With Ayesha Montgomery

About this episode

Ayesha Montgomery discusses her transition from politics to poetry and the nuances of audience engagement in writing.

Recovering political administrator and former political intern turned multi-published poet and poetry presenter Ayesha Montgomery joins Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Montgomery, who discovered the world of politics was not for her, considers the importance of the right audience for the right poem, muses about the old-school magic of the card catalog, and solves the ongoing mystery of how and when to use workshop advice and how and when to set it aside. Ayesha Montgomery’s poem, Power of the Pen , appears in the Summer 2025 issue of the Washington Square Review . Ayesha on Instagram Ayesha on YouTube Ayesha’s website Ayesha’s poetry book, Love is My Shelter _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

People in this episode

Host: Melissa Ford Lucken

Guest: Ayesha Montgomery

Topics covered

• poetry
• politics
• audience engagement
• workshop advice
• literary arts

Keywords

• Ayesha Montgomery
• poetry
• politics
• audience
• workshop advice
• Washington Square Review
• Power of the Pen

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington Square Review, Adventures in MFALand

Books & works: Power of the Pen

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