Alumni Poet Spotlight: Miranda Katz ’15

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April is National Poetry Month! National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this annual celebration.

Throughout the month of April, we will be spotlighting a few of our UCF alumni poets! Meet Miranda Katz ’15:

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Miranda, and I am from Columbus, OH but have been living in Orlando, FL for the past 10 years. When I’m not reading and writing, I love to cook, bake, and spend time with my family, friends, and my dog, Willow.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I believe I was around the age of 10. I remember getting a journal to write in and I knew it would be special.

What do you love the most about writing poetry?

I love that I can be writing about a feeling, person, emotion, or life event and someone else can read it and feel connected. Even though our experiences are different, they are still intertwined by emotion.

What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing?

I cannot force myself to sit down and write. I’ll be doing something and suddenly, a poem or idea comes to me and I’ll have to get it down on paper immediately. I think what inspires me most is the connections I have with the people in my life and my favorite spots to explore in nature.

What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer?

The American Sign Language Club! When I write, I always try to imagine how it would be if I were to sign the poem as well.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

Lang Leav is by far my favorite poet. I also love to read Michael Faudet, Sylvia Plath, and Rupi Kaur.

What else?! What are you currently working on right now?

Right now, I am writing whenever it comes to me. I have enough poems for a third book, but I am not ready to publish it any time soon. I have been exploring writing for online blogs/magazines and trying to work on something new by writing short stories.

Where can we find your work?

Both of my books are available to purchase online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. 

Miranda’s Books:

Because One Day You’ll Read This

Continuously Coping

You can connect with Miranda on Instagram at @miranda.katz.

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UCF Alumni Book Club

You can find more alumni author poets on the UCF Alumni Book Club website and browse listings for over 75 alumni authors. If you’ve published a book, let us know!

Once a semester, the book club selects a book written by an alumni author to read and discuss. Learn more about the book club and how to join!

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