FAQs
What if you don’t finish a poem by the time I’m leaving an event?
At the time of purchase and within the first moments of conversing, I will take your address in the event of a public market/fair or at a larger private event. This allows me to finish them immediately following the event and to send in the mail within the next few days. Poems that have to be mailed due to high inventory and wait times will receive 50% off of a Surprise Poem for a friend.
(Your address will only be used for mailing purposes and will not be saved anywhere, only on the envelope you write it on!)
How big is each poem?
I will generally type on paper that is 6x6 inches.
For select events, I offer the option to personalize the paper.
What kind of questions do you ask to start my poem?
To get my brain started on your poem, I’ll ask your name, spelling, and a few quick things about you or what you like. Pretty pain-free!
What if you mess up while typing my poem?
Ha! Well, that’s inevitable! If the error isn’t too bad or obstructing the reading of the poem, I usually leave it be (as this is what I love about all things analog…the mistakes are not just mistakes, they are a part of the process) however, if the error is large or long enough to prevent a concise reading or understanding of the poem, I will start typing on a fresh paper.
What Kinds of events are you available for hire for?
All kinds!
Weddings of any size where the couple finds joy in writing, poetry, unique guest experiences/favors, or anything revolving spontaneity!
Public Markets or Art Fairs where the setting and location allows!
Business Pop-Up Celebrations and Openings where our crafts are similar and complimentary to a slow lived life that honors creativity and funky gifts!
And private intimate gatherings where the guests invited would enjoy a small piece of a stranger’s impression of them on paper for them to keep and cherish!
Do you travel?
Yes! I am based out of Louisville, Kentucky but am willing to travel to you based on availability, timing, and location of your event.
For events within a reasonable driving distance from Louisville, I charge for mileage and a small per diem fee.
For events requiring air travel, I charge reimbursement for round-trip flights, bag fees, a 2-night stay, and car fees (whether rental or rideshare fees).
Is there a way I can purchase a poem without waiting to find you at an event?
Of course! While most of what I do is meant to be in-person, on the spot, I love being able to offer surprises in the mail for people.
Under the “Surprise a Friend” tab, there is a form you can fill out with some information regarding a friend you may want to surprise with a poem — whether for a special event, celebration, or just because! While this is meant to be for a friend of yours, you can use it for yourself, too — no judgement here!
Otherwise, keep an eye out on Instagram for what events near and far I’ll be at!
Do you just use black ink?
My typewriter - the Olivetti 44 - has the ability to type in both black and red ink. I prefer to save the red for things of note or when I feel like red ink makes sense depending on the paper chosen. Otherwise, I like to stay true to tradition on that one with primarily using black ink!
What kind of typewriter(s) do you use?
My beloved Underwood Olivetti Studio 44! She’s from 1961 and as beautiful as ever.
It was designed as one of the first portable typewriters and she weighs a good 17-lbs but this contributes to her performance and stability!
She also comes to us all the way from the Olivetti plant in Barcelona, Spain — world traveller she is!