University of Illinois Springfield English Instructor Jennifer Whalen is releasing a new book of poetry titled “Eveningful.” Pre-orders are now available for the book that is expected to be published in May 2024.

“Eveningful” is the 2022 recipient of the Lightscatter Press Prize. Selected by published poet Rick Barot, the prize recognizes emerging writers whose work reflects diverse voices, experiences and identities. “‘Eveningful’ is about elation and sorrow and the way they can happen almost at the same time, together,” Barot states.

Whalen, a poet and educator from the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio area, explores the complexity of vulnerability, especially for young women. Her poems offer a powerful reflection on connection and solitude, both their dangers and allures.

Her poems have also been published in Gulf Coast, Denver Quarterly, Southern Indiana Review, New South, Glass: A Journal for Poetry, The Boiler, Grist and elsewhere. Between 2015-2016, she served as writer-in-residence at Texas State University’s L.D. & LaVerne Harrell Clark House.

To pre-order "Eveningful" and learn more about Whalen and the Lightscatter Press Prize, visit the publisher website. There is currently a 15% preorder discount if the book is ordered prior to the publication date.