Writer Revew 2023: 2.2 - J. Michael Norris, His Gift of Relatability & the Revival of Louisiana Words

J. Michael Norris has been contributing to Louisiana Words since 2020 and has been the most instrumental person in the revival of Louisiana Words. A native of Baton Rouge, J. Michael brings a sense of normalcy to his progressive writing. He has the ability to make his readers engaged in his characters, regardless of their gender or sexuality. This authenticity transcends his writing. In 2022, J. Michael invigorated Louisiana Words by sharing a variety of diverse work that put him as the top writer 18 weeks out of 31 weeks. This inevitably led to him becoming the top Allstar for Louisiana Words: Allstars 2022 last Christmas!

J. Michael’s writing has many underlining themes: avoidance (“Your Very Own Robot”), duality/masks ("The Mirror Twin" & “A Visit with the Psychologist”), sexual expectations (“wassup”), love/longing (“The Last Day at Monterey Bay”), & gender roles (“A Meeting of the Presidio Library Womyn’s Book Club”). J. Michael has a true gift of creating real people in real situations. The engine behind his writing is the power of truth.

Because of J. Michael's dedication and influence to Louisiana Words, he was made host of Louisiana Words Live in late 2022. He also sits comfortably in the All-Time Top 10 with the short story, "Mirror Twins." It's likely that you will find J. Michael trending often on LouisianaWords.com throughout the year. He will be co-hosting a new Instagram Live with creator, Louis Toliver Jr, on Louisiana Words's Instagram page (louisianawords1). Let's please continue to show J. Michael support!

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Ash Wednesday (Brian Falcon - New Orleans, LA)

It’s forgettable- the number of times I was called a “fucking faggot” as a kid. As a former child of god, I wasn’t expected to know what those words meant. I was taught that repentance was vital to achieving everlasting life. My momma made me go to church every Sunday. I said my prayers as I was told. But I eventually learned that Catholicism was never my sanctuary. Christianity was never my safe-haven. God never stopped the cheap shots. He never once prevented the harassment or pure embarrassment that I felt from the words of my “kin in Christ.” Now, picture me- a helpless faggot, blinded by the incandescent lights of an old catholic church. I was home from college spending Spring Break in my former hellscape. So, naturally, my momma yet again made me go to church. This time, on a Wednesday. It was Ash Wednesday. When I was among the folks from home, I felt out of place. So much that I’d imagine camouflaging myself. Like saber-tooth in hiding. But the difference? I had a far mo...

Louisiana Words Remembers Jorge Arturo

There’s nothing that hurts more than when we lose someone from our Louisiana Words family. But, the beauty of our writing movement is that the words of our loved ones live on with us. On June 20th, 2023, Louisiana Words Allstar, Jorge Arturo, moved on from this world leaving our hearts broken. He was a charismatic and talented human being. Jorge resided in New Orleans, LA and had been active on Louisiana Words for over a year. To honor Jorge’s life and work, we will be sharing his writing and live performances all Summer 2023. Please help keep his spirit alive by sharing his work. We know that Jorge’s words will connect with our readers and we hope to keep his spirit alive. Jorge’s first submission: “The Dog Show” debuted on February 6th, 2022 and is his most successful piece to date. In 2022, Jorge spent 10 weeks in the top with “The Dog Show,” “Weavers,” “They Say Love Kills, This Time It Really Did,” and “If Hell is Real, It Looks Like an Airport.” His la...

Nobody Said There'd Be a Day Like This (Sam Ray - New Orleans, LA)

I know how this should be: I've seen it, you see, In soap operas, Movies. Your eyes are closed, As if in sleep. Perfect peachy skin Atop a snow white pillow Under flawlessly matched sheets. The heart monitor, Quiet bleeps. The ventilator, A steady hiss. None of that is this. Your eyes Stuck open Seeing without sight Yellow sclera Dumb tears streaming. Tubes, taped to your face Delicate skin torn Where nurses Repositioned them To feed you To heal you You never liked being told What to do. Your whole torso spasms Spastic, Every 40 seconds. A machine Forces your lungs to act. Your hands are warm From hemodialysis But don't respond When we each grab one Give it a kiss. We spend the day Brushing your hair Telling stories Singing songs. Praying prayers. You're not there. Hospital staff Are more lovely If less pretty Than on TV. When the time comes They gently walk us From the room Close the curtai...

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