I grew up in a small town called Canastota and lived on a dead-end street, where an abandoned dump truck waited for me at the line between pavement and weeds: giant rusted grill, spider-web smashed windshield, flat tire, and on that same side, a missing headlight. That truck was caught in a wickedly constant wink, planning just the right time to come alive and get me.

High-school taught me about poetry through an English teacher named Santo. He used to play the Moody Blues and tell us, ‘Take out a blank sheet of paper’. Little did I know I was being set up for an endless battle between working a “real job” or living in a roach-infested apartment in order to write.

Once upon a time, I resided in Bloomington, Indiana. The literary community there was welcoming and honest (thank you Tonia, Jenny, Terry, Tony, John, Matrix and of course - 5 Women Poets). I performed at Soma and The Waldron Arts Center, read on local radio (WFHB), and was published in three anthologies of Indiana / Midwest poets.

I am slowly establishing myself in the Western New York writers’ community, having been invited to read by Just Buffalo at the Center for Inquiry, Rust Belt Books, and The Book Corner.  I have had the privilege to perform at the Screening Room (thank heaven for Rosemary and Bill).  I am fortunate enough to have a husband who understands the need to express, and we are now working together on the musical adventure of The Mexico Room. We'll be playing on the last Friday of every month at a new club called Buffalo East (thank you Verneice and Fred!). Check out my Projects page for more information.

My first publication, "Evil is a Terrific Rubbery Goblet" is currently available for purchase. These days I am pretending to be working on my second writing project called, "98.6", which includes my poetry as well as excerpts from individuals close to me while being interviewed on the topic of the book. 

I want you to read my words because I have truths to be told. Events to expose. Reports to file. I believe I have something to contribute to your awareness.

You decide.
cspadter@hotmail.com