Author: Penny Guisinger

Penny is a sober alcoholic, duh. She's also the author Postcards from Here. She lives and writes on the easternmost tip of Maine. Her work has appeared in The Rumpus, Fourth Genre, River Teeth, Guernica, Solstice, Under the Gum Tree, and other terrifyingly important literary magazines. Her second book, Shift, is in progress. Penny is the founding director of Iota: Short Prose Conference and a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA Program. She lives with two dogs, two kids, her wife, and a family of porcupines that trundle across the lawn like bulldozers. Penny’s stable of literary agents is currently empty, and she would welcome eager calls, emails, unannounced visits, or other stalking behaviors. (From agents only, please. Regular stalkers should know that she's friends with lots of cops.)

Host Gifts for a Disordered World

Posted on November 25, 2019November 25, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

Ever used a live hand grenade as a centerpiece at a dinner party? It’s not conventional, but a lit stick of dynamite can look quite charming tucked next to the salt and pepper shakers. You might also consider placing a landmine next to each table setting. You won’t find tips like that in etiquette guides … Continue reading Host Gifts for a Disordered World →

Keeping It Together in Sobriety: Part Two of Five

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

I have to do five things, all the time, to stay comfortable in sobriety. Taking my meds every day is one of them. I bought these earrings from Etsy. They are the structural formula for a specific molecule, rendered in silver. People often ask me about them, which gives me the opportunity to say, “They’re … Continue reading Keeping It Together in Sobriety: Part Two of Five →

Cranky Interview with Sober Author Kristi Coulter

Posted on July 14, 2019July 14, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

Welcome to the MCR sober author interview series, featuring Kristi Coulter, author of Nothing Good Can Come from This. When, what, and where was your last drink? My last drink was about six years ago in the thrilling environs of my living room. I don’t know exactly what it was other than some kind of white … Continue reading Cranky Interview with Sober Author Kristi Coulter →

The Only Way Through Is to Stop

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

I am a runner in recovery. There are a lot of us: people with addictions who have sobered up and now get our fixes with running shoes on our feet and numbers safety-pinned to our shirts, but that’s not actually what I’m talking about. I’m a runner recovering from running itself, and so I shall … Continue reading The Only Way Through Is to Stop →

Let’s Stay in Tonight

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

I went out last night. “So what?” you may wonder. “Who cares?” It’s a reasonable question if you’re a normal person Let’s review some terminology. “Going out” is a basic unit of measurement of social interaction. If we ask someone to go out, it’s a request to spend time together; to do something fun; to … Continue reading Let’s Stay in Tonight →

Trampoline of Truth

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

Every year, Facebook memories makes sure I won’t forget an idyllic Mother’s Day of the past, which started with a breakfast-in-bed menu written in crayon. I got to choose between toast and cereal, and the fact that it was two hours earlier than I would normally eat was unimportant. Only half-awake, I blissfully ate my … Continue reading Trampoline of Truth →

Where Are Your Others?

Posted on April 28, 2019April 29, 2019 by Penny Guisinger

Whatever model or program or approach or belief system you employ, your recovery is made better by the presence of fellow travelers. In other words, people who share your diagnosis are prepared to listen to your bullshit and talk you off your personal ledges. This is true of every affliction. Whatever your diagnosis, you need … Continue reading Where Are Your Others? →