Barrelhousing with Assistant Poetry Editor Lauren Holguin

In this new interview series, we’ll be getting to know some of the very essential folks who work behind the scenes here at Barrelhouse, our Assistant Editors. These are the people on the front lines, generously donating their time to read submissions and help put great new writing out into the world. Today we’re sitting down with Assistant Poetry Editor Lauren Holguin.

1) Okay, first: tell us about all the things you do that aren’t Barrelhouse-adjacent.

I teach fourth grade special education in New Jersey (shout out to Camden!<3) and work on phonics curriculum for several schools. I love to be active and don’t really sit still for long. Movement definitely helps me process ideas and relax. Despite recently getting my drivers’ license (I know, I’m a late bloomer, but also I was scared to drive for a long time), I prefer walking or using public transit around Philly. I also pick up a basketball sometimes, go running, or play the drums (poorly). I recently had an urge to start Flamenco dancing again because I love the sounds I get to make stomping my feet and playing castanets.

2) What made you want to work with us?

Barrelhouse is such a great community of humans who genuinely have fun together navigating the world of words. Getting to know the editors over a few Barrelhouse camps showed me that the magazine was a space invested in promoting poems and stories that remind me why I love to read and write in the first place—to discover new things and to have fun. I appreciate also the intentionality to give voice to the strange, off-beat, and atypical words (which I think are some of the best things out there to read!). :)

3) What are you looking for in poetry submissions? What makes a poem stand out from the slush pile for you?

I usually am drawn to narrative poetry that almost feels like listening to a good song. Also, if I see something formally or visually unique and striking, it definitely stands out to me. I’m looking for words to make me want to get up from my computer and walk around awkwardly or give me that feeling of discovering a special sidewalk treasure. I want to smile, think, cry, or feel a tiny bit different than who I was when I started reading the piece. If all of the above happen, I know I just came across a poem I should spend some more time with.

4) Who are some of your favorite contemporary poets?

Some of my favorite poets I’m currently reading and re-reading are Ross Gay, Tommy Pico, Diana Khoi Nguyen, C.A. Conrad, Natalie Diaz, Fariha Róisín, Victoria Chang, and so many more!

5) If you could change one thing about the current lit world, what would it be?

I would change lots of banned and challenged books into required reading in classrooms. As a teacher, it’s really outrageous to see it happening firsthand. I would also want to provide resources and training around creating healthy environments for students to engage with what some people find provocative, traumatic, or challenging literary content.

6) We’re legally obligated to ask you this: what’s your favorite Patrick Swayze movie?

I would have to say To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar. It was definitely one of my favorite movies as a kid. Carol Ann says it perfectly in that final scene at the Strawberry Social, Swayze as Ms. Vida Boheme is an angel.