My Books
I love to write about people, especially women. I am currently working on my first novel. No surprise–it’s about women! More on that later. (Update: as of early 2020, this novel is resting in a drawer! I may or may not return to it. Currently I’m considering a return to my first love–biographical portraits of women. Update on the update: Life has been chaotic but I’m still looking forward to as-of-yet undecided future projects) In the meantime, please take a look at my previous books. They are both biographies about badass women that challenged the limits imposed on them because of their gender. Click on the titles if you want more information or to purchase. You can also find me on Amazon.
Barbara Egger Lennon: Teacher, Mother, Activist
Famous activist and union members get remembered, but what about the everyday people who strive to make life better in their own community? Tina Stewart Brakebill … has done that for Barbara (Barbe) Lennon (1881-1983), a Bloomington, Illinois teacher, activist and mother who strove to represent her profession and improve local conditions. This is not only an activist’s biography, but an in-depth study of what women could and could not do in early 20th century Bloomington, Illinois. … This well-written local history is a snapshot of women’s lives in the early 20th century and deserves a place on your shelf. (Mike Matejka, Fox Valley Labor New, 2015)
“Circumstances are Destiny”
Tina Stewart Brakebill has produced a remarkably nuanced analysis of Celestia Rice Colby and her mid-nineteenth-century world. Certainly gender suggested destiny, but a miserable life was not guaranteed. … “Circumstances are destiny” is a must read for those interested in Women’s, Ohio, and Midwestern histories. (Ginette Aley, Assistant Professor, University of Southern Indiana, 2008)
Published Poetry
I was honored to have my work chosen for inclusion in The Sounds of Brilliance: The Short of It, Volume One.
I’ll let two Amazon reviewers explain why I feel so honored:
“The Sound of Brilliance, Vol. 1., is an anthology edited by Susi Bocks, a writer, based on a series of online poetry blogs, called The Short Of It. This series focused on short poetry and appreciation of. I was never a big fan of short poetry, but this is a really good collection. Maybe because Susi Bocks is a poet herself, lends her the right lens for picking up on real talent. She’s amassed an incredible line-up of gifted poets, many of who you will be familiar with as leading modern poets of today. In addition, Bocks has found some relative unknowns, but what they all share in common is their ability to write succinctly and with verve. I love the selection because it’s very varied, and show-cases the variety of forms a short poem can take, as well as giving us an amuse bouche of styles and voices. The anthology is slender, and Bocks has picked just the right number of writers to hold our interest and keep us excited, without giving us too much. This is essential with anthologies and I predict Vol 2., will have the same clever, insightful curation. Bocks has a passion for short poetry that helps people like myself appreciate it at a deeper level as well as an uncanny eye for gifted writers. The Sound of Brilliance is nothing less and I strongly urge you to consider getting yourself a copy if you are fan of modern poetry and its many delights.”
“A wonderful compilation of 120 sublime pieces by 41 authors. Beautiful and compelling reading by each and every author. The book has a stunning cover, a beautiful compliment to the works within.”
My work was also chosen for Natures Discovered; The Short of It, Volume 3.
My sequence of “Silence” pieces was born out of grief after my father died, so seeing it in print is especially moving.
I also completely agree with the following review:
“Editor Susi Bocks has an excellent feel for the unusual, the positive, the dark and the mysterious.
This is the third anthology she has compiled from The Short Of It where she encourages poets, philosophers and writers to express themselves in short bursts of poetry and prose.
Natures Discovered lives up to its title as Bocks includes an eclectic mix of writers and different poetical forms. The poems capture different aspects of human nature, in particular; love, death, family, obligations unmet passion, memories and how we interact with nature.
There truly is something for everyone. If you’ve never read poetry before, this is a perfect starting point. If you are already into poetry, this collection will uplift and inspire you.
Thank you, Susi Bocks, for taking the time to curate the work within this volume and for providing a safe environment for both newcomers and experienced poets to express the truth in their souls.”
My work also was included in 50 Haikus: The Serious poetry Journal With The Funny Name, Vol 17.
My work has been featured by Pure Haiku several times but in the summer of 2021 I was chosen as the Pure Haiku Featured Poet for the Unfurling theme. It was an honor.
My Non-Fiction Magazine Work
For over six years, I worked as a writer for the Green Bench Monthly magazine. I wrote a lot of things but I’m most proud of my two regular monthly columns. The People of St. Pete column showcased a different local person each month and the History column highlighted varying aspects of St. Petersburg, Florida’s history. Sadly, like a lot of print media, this magazine is no longer published.
Tina Stewart Brakebill 