Lauren Burstein is a high school English teacher from New Jersey who attempts to understand and celebrate the chaos through poetry. Her work has been featured in online and print publications, including American Writers Review, Cathexis Northwest Press, North Jersey Bards, among others. An eclectic array of writers inspire her, including: Sandra Cisneros, Virginia Woolf, William Blake, Sally Rooney, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Jason Reynolds. Her ultimate goal is to speak truthfully and promote acceptance (for the self and others) and resilience, while acknowledging the pain and longing. Lauren is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at the University of Illinois, and her dissertation will focus on how writing poetry helps alleviate anxiety among adolescents.
When not writing or teaching, Lauren can be found playing piano, singing, taking a dance class, or attending a theatrical performance. Her love for the performing arts inspires her writing and gives her opportunities to engage with different forms of meaning-making. Lauren also enjoys nature-related activities, especially hiking. Following the ideals of Romanticism, she is awestruck by the natural world, which finds its way into her poetry. Lauren is eager to connect with other writers and artists!
Tempered Runes Press Contributions
“The Beginning” – Poem – Volume 1, Number 1 of Bluing the Blade