The Backstory Above is a new space for writers to work, learn, and gather. Located just a few blocks from where I grew up, I’m thrilled to be teaching classes there beginning January 2026, most of them together with my beloved friend Cal Calamia!

Krissa Lagos, Aleo Landeta, and Caroline Mar are three mixed-heritage queer creators living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Based on our friendships and values, we decided to join forces and skills as a collective in 2020. Caper Collective exists to make beautiful narratives that increase diversity in children’s books.

We caper, we play, we adventure, we resist.

This digital and printable pamphlet is designed to help youth understand their rights in the face of increased ICE oppression. Currently available in Spanish & English; more languages coming soon. Download a copy today and share widely!

With a mission to foster vital literary voices and initiatives, and a vision of a world in which literary community is vibrant, inclusive, and well-supported, Friends of Writers provides scholarships to MFA students and fellowships to MFA grads since 1991. Carrie has served on the board of FOW since 2014.

A home for women writers.

Stay in the loop by sending me a message to sign up for my infrequent personal mailing list! xox