ABOUT ME

Writer, curious researcher, life-long scholar, reader, & tender creative.

Hello there! My name is Maggie Finch. I’m a poet and essayist from Appleton, Wisconsin. I received my B.A. in English from UW-Oshkosh in 2015. I graduated with my Master’s Degree in English in the spring of 2020 after completing my book-length thesis titled TOUCHING THE CENTER THAT BURNS: AN EXORCISM. I’ve been writing professionally, academically, and creatively for over 9 years.

I know and respect the power of words.

Admittedly, I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do for a career. Since I was old enough to fantasize about dream jobs, I cycled through becoming a school teacher, patisserie chef, psychologist, world-renowned actress/dancer/singer, and fine artist. And believe me: I can’t draw to save my life. It wasn’t until 2013 that I finally decided to follow my ever-nagging intuition about studying literature and focusing on my passion for writing.

I’ve kept a journal since I was 9-years-old, and I’ve been unstoppable with a pen ever since. When I’m not journaling or working on nascent poetry drafts, I enjoy writing creative nonfiction essays, flash essays, and even flash fiction on occasion. My peers and colleagues have described my work as tender, raw, honest, and image-driven. Whenever I sit at my desk to write, my goal is always to reflect on and tell the truth. My desire is to offer my readers an immersive experience full of color, dimension, and honesty. I live for the em-dash and use too many adverbs.

So it goes.

My educational background has afforded me extensive training in academic writing. I’ve composed countless literary analyses, essays entangled in literary theory, conference-length essays about canonical novels, craft essays, and persuasive/argumentative pieces. I’ve spent many years honing my written communications skills, and I am well-trained in the writing process, from beginning research to the final proofread. My background in academia has also afforded me proficiency in conducting research, employing appropriate citation styles (I am well-versed in MLA style), using appropriate grammar, and project management with crucial deadlines. Finally, my university experience also provided me with a solid background in working for literary magazines (both digital and print). I am enthusiastic about providing my skills to the literary arts while being able to immerse myself in the work of talented writers. I’ve had the pleasure of working for The Wisconsin Review, Passages North, and Flypaper. Most recently, I’ve taken part in an anthology internship with Black Lawrence Press.

When I am not writing, I am voraciously reading. Any genre will do. Recently, I’ve enjoyed the work of Toni Morrison, Carmen Maria Machado, Jane Austen, and Leslie Jamison. I’m also obsessed with the work of The Lost Generation — Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and company. Additionally, I enjoy tending to my house plants, taking long & aimless walks, watching Gilmore Girls (again), playing Animal Crossing, putting my cat’s name in the lyrics of popular music, cooking vegetarian fare, dreaming about living in Paris, and consuming large amounts of coffee. I’m an advocate for mental health awareness, abuse survivors, eating disorder survivors, ADHD living, and folks who come from families touched by addiction. I am happiest when I am building a community, being creative, and dedicating my time to personal growth.

Please snoop around and read my scribblings. To consume more of my rambling, you can follow me on Twitter @hell_cat_maggie.