Angela M Carter

Angela Marie is a poet, novelist, spoken word performer, visual artist, and tireless advocate whose work delves deeply into the themes of trauma, resilience, identity, and transformation. Her writing balances raw emotional honesty with moments of fierce hope, often blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. With a voice that is both lyrical and unflinching, Angela invites readers into landscapes of survival, empowerment, and spiritual reckoning.

She is the Executive Director of The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, where she leads transformative efforts to promote inclusivity and enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her leadership in the nonprofit world reflects the same passion for human dignity and healing that is evident in her creative work.

Angela is the author of Memory Chose a Woman’s Body (unbound CONTENT, 2014) and the forthcoming Love is the Dying Dog (2nd Avenue Press, 2026). She is also the founder and publisher of 2nd Avenue Press, an independent press dedicated to elevating marginalized voices and powerful, truth-telling literature, which was her mom’s dying wish: that she take care of her cat, Graybaby, and start the press.

Her work has been featured in an array of publications and platforms, including Silver Birch Press, Deep Water Literary Journal, Whurk, Vox Poetica, The Plath Poetry Project, City Lit Rag, The Word Ocean, Worst Week Ever, Premiere Generation Ink, Our Stories Untold, Gutsy Living, and numerous anthologies. A 2014 Pushcart Prize nominee and a 2015 Virginia Library Literary Award nominee for poetry, Angela has also performed at celebrated venues such as The KGB Club in Manhattan and Busboys and Poets. She has been a judge for the Poetry Society of Virginia annual contests in 24, 25, and 26.