Lin Nelson Benedek , a third generation Californian, lives at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena, California, with her husband and son. After working for many years as a psychotherapist, Lin went back to school for an MFA in Writing with a concentration in poetry. She had the great privilege of learning about poetry from some of her favorite poets: Kwame Dawes, Dorianne Laux, Joe Millar, Vievee Francis, Anna Journey, Sandra Alcosser, Marvin Bell, Ellen Bass, Eduardo Corral and Tyehimba Jess.

Lin’s poems have been published in a variety of journals and anthologies. She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Quartet LIterary Journal in 2021 for her poem “Musings of an Okay Poet of the 21st Century.” Her three full-length collections were published by Kelsay Books in 2017, 2018 and 2020 respectively. She is currently revising a fourth book of poetry and a memoir. Lin bows to poetry for all it has brought to her life: truth, beauty and treasured friends. And for bringing her home.

Artist’s Statement

I want to write generous and big-hearted poetry. Earthy and ethereal; ecstatic and meditative; traditional and experimental; reverent and irreverent. I want to speak from my soul, to speak up for justice, to take leaps. I want to write about lived experience, the beliefs that guide us, the sorrows and joys that make up our lives. I want my poetry fo express my love for people and my love for the world. I want my poetry to touch, console, inspire, delight. I want my poetry to be brave, gentle and bold. I want to write about animals, trees, witnessing, peace, home, memory, ancestors, waves and sand. I want my poetry to reach far and go deep. I want my poems to possess lift and loft; to be unruly, maybe, at times; reckless, but not unwieldy. I want my work to be layered, allusive, self-reflexive, expressive and welcoming. I want to write about love in its many forms and guises. And forgiveness. I want my poetry to be true and I want to live true to my word.