Nancy Lynée Woo | Poet

Hi, my name’s Nancy, and I’m a poet in Long Beach, California.

I started writing poetry when I was eight years old. After that, I never really stopped, even when I thought I should be “doing more important things.”

Turns out, poetry is an important thing, and I just keep following that. I write every day, I connect with other writers, I teach writing, I perform, and I embrace a beginner’s mindset to keep learning all the time, to be present with what is.

My life’s work is to spread the joy and healing power of the literary arts. Just out. Out and out and out. For whoever can use it.

My vision is to see creativity flourish everywhere.

My mission is to empower creative thinking.

We are all connected to each other in this human experience.

Emerging voice

In 2015, I was an Emerging Voices Fellow with PEN America, which was a life-changing experience—a true introduction to the life of a professional literary artist. I’ve had a few poems published, a couple of chapbooks, and I’m working on my first poetry collection as an MFA candidate at Antioch University right now. I got started by simply Googling an open mic to go to near me. As it so happens, the poetry scene tends to be exceptionally warm and welcoming.

literary entrepreneurship

Before EV, I started a short-lived social justice literary press called Lucid Moose Lit that published two anthologies, each of which contained a beautiful chorus of voices in poetry, prose and art on the topics of poverty and feminine identity, respectively. This was a strong start to my entrepreneurial journey, combining my love for literature with social activism. Since then, I’ve helped build a few other mission-driven community organizations: FORTHE.org, Long Beach Literary Arts Center, WeBloom LB. I’d like to see a physical literary center in Long Beach, so stay tuned for that future development…

Professional Artist

In 2019, I was awarded the Professional Artist Fellowship from the Arts Council for Long Beach. This is an amazing arts organization that supports artists, creates artistic spaces and fosters creative community. They are truly doing phenomenal things in the city, and I’m so lucky we have them. Check this out: My poems are up on the wall at the Billie Jean King Main Library as a part of the exhibition for Professional Artist Fellows. They’ll be up until summer 2020.

Surprise the line

Teaching is one of my favorite parts of the literary life. In 2017, I decided to share my love for poetry and craft with my community. I started an all-levels poetry workshop called Surprise the Line in the Long Beach/Whittier area. We invite discovery onto the page in a warm-hearted setting, learning with each other. I also teach 5th graders poetry as an artist-teacher with Angels Gate Cultural Center.

LITERARY Events

I love bringing people together, and have dabbled in organizing events over the years. In 2016, I started a really beautiful reading series that stuck, called Off the Page: The Story Behind the Stanzas. This is a space for professional poets to share behind-the-scenes tales with an intimate audience. It’s always fascinating what you learn about the creative process. We do this about twice a year, in the spring and fall at the Long Beach Public Library.

Literary Journalism

I’ve worn many professional hats over the years, including reporter. After almost a decade away from the field of journalism, I am thrilled to be back as a literary columnist with the Hi-Lo—the super fresh arts and culture section of the Long Beach Post. I write a monthly column on, well, whatever I think people should know about in the literary community of Long Beach. Check out my column What’s Lit.

I’m also the literary arts voice for the “Hi from Hellada” weekly YouTube video/podcast for Art & Culture in Long Beach, letting you know what’s going on in the upcoming week!

Sapphire

Finally, you might find me popping up at art walks and festivals from time to time as my alter ego, Sapphire, Order of the High Priestess. She channels poems on the spot for your higher self, inspired by a bit of down-to-earth magic. Pull a card, sit and chat, and leave with a poetic blessing. All love.

I have a few more things in the works (always).

Keep in touch

on Facebook & Instagram, or email ME.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it—because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

—Howard Thurman

What else is there to do but create?

Instagram: @fancifulnance

Hey, are you looking for my creative agency instead? Go to Imaginaria.