Courtney Birst grew up on a farm in the Midwest but always longed for more. Moving to the Washington, DC area proved to be just the thing this one-time farm girl needed. Now she loves to travel the world and is constantly on the lookout for a good book of poetry, a great glass of wine, a trail to run, and a reason to relax with friends. She has been published in numerous literary journals, including Connections, Welter, and Plum Biscuit, and has just published her first book of poetry, Words Meant to be Spoken. Find her on facebook. Contact her at courtney (dot) birst (at) gmail (dot) com.