Lori Zavada

Lori Zavada takes a down-to-earth approach in writing poems, flash memoir and personal essays to strike a balance between creativity and accessibility.

This Best of the Net nominee is recognized by the Florida State Poetry Association. Her “well-written and evocative” personal essays made the semi-finalists list considered by editors of "Deep Wild: Writing from the Back Country" 2025 edition. Described as “deceptively simple lines with measure and music,” you can read her work in Gyroscope Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, Amethyst Review, Halfway Down the Stairs, Oprelle Poetry Collection, and WayWords to name a few.

Lori is Poet Laureate for the National League of American Pen Women Pensacola branch and a founding member of Northwest Florida Poets. Her debut chapbook, “First Flight,” (2021) shares poems of self-discovery. In 2023, Lori collaborated with southern women writers to publish “Words in a Web,” a mix of prose and poetry on themes of aging, compassion, the environment and more. Her latest book, “Awake in the Sacred Night: Stories and Poems,” (2025) is a co-authored collection that invites readers into otherworldly realms where unexpected moments support communion with people and the natural world. Birdwatching and meditation complement her writing practice, but she also confesses to binge-watching British murder mystery series for inspiration.

“In my mind, every poem is a friend, every story a pilgrimage. I hope you enjoy my work!”

Lori enjoys Gulf Coast living following a diverse career writing for magazines, newspapers, websites, social media and developing marketing content for medical and mental health non-profits.