Picture a poet who weaves the quiet beauty of New Mexico’s deserts into verses that linger like a sunset—meet Carrie Fountain! An award-winning poet, novelist, and children’s book author, Fountain has captivated readers with her lyrical storytelling. From her National Poetry Series-winning debut to her heartfelt young adult novel, she’s a literary gem based in Austin, Texas, where she inspires as a writer-in-residence.
Born in Mesilla, New Mexico, Fountain’s work pulses with the landscapes and multicultural history of her roots. Her poetry and prose explore the human experience—love, loss, and identity—with a voice that’s both intimate and universal. Let’s dive into the world of this Texas Poet Laureate and discover why her words resonate so deeply.
The Making of Carrie Fountain
Growing up in Mesilla, New Mexico, Carrie Fountain was steeped in a rich tapestry of cultures, with family ties predating the Gadsden Purchase. Her love for poetry bloomed in college at New Mexico State University, where a workshop sparked a lifelong passion. She honed her craft at the University of Texas’ Michener Center for Writers, earning an MFA and meeting her husband, playwright Kirk Lynn. This creative partnership would shape her life in Austin, where she balances writing, teaching, and raising two children.
Fountain’s early career saw her poems published in prestigious outlets like The New Yorker and Poetry. Her talent earned her fellowships and awards, including the Marlboro Poetry Prize, setting the stage for a remarkable literary journey. Her New Mexican roots remain a touchstone, infusing her work with a sense of place and history.
Carrie Fountain’s Unforgettable Stories
Fountain’s debut poetry collection, Burn Lake (2010), won the National Poetry Series Award, selected by Natasha Trethewey. Set in southern New Mexico, its poems grapple with progress, violence, and sexuality, blending narrative depth with vivid imagery. Critics praised its grace and historical resonance, marking Fountain as a poet to watch.
Her second collection, Instant Winner (2014), explores parenthood and spiritual longing with wry, accessible poems. Lines that capture the ‘pure holiness in motherhood’ sit alongside the mundane, like the thud of dumpsters, creating a soulful meditation on daily life. Her third collection, The Life (2021), delves into fleeting moments—children growing, personal marvels—offering a guide to navigating life’s signs and symbols.
Fountain’s versatility shines in her young adult novel, I’m Not Missing (2018). Set in Las Cruces, it follows Miranda Black, a half-Latina teen navigating her best friend’s disappearance and first love. Praised for its rich characters and authentic depiction of friendship, it’s a love letter to New Mexico. Her children’s book, The Poem Forest (2022), celebrates poet W.S. Merwin’s ecological legacy, blending nature and poetry in a vibrant tale.
Why Carrie Fountain Matters
As the 2019 Texas Poet Laureate, Fountain has left an indelible mark on American literature. Her work bridges the personal and political, especially as a woman and mother writing about the body and family. Her teaching at St. Edward’s University nurtures new writers, while her NPR podcast, This Is Just to Say, amplifies poetic voices. Fountain’s ability to find the sacred in the everyday inspires readers to see their own lives with fresh eyes.
Her multicultural perspective and commitment to place—especially New Mexico—add depth to contemporary poetry and fiction. By exploring universal themes through a specific lens, she invites readers into a world both familiar and profound, ensuring her legacy endures.
- Born: Mesilla, New Mexico
- Key Works: Burn Lake, Instant Winner, The Life, I’m Not Missing, The Poem Forest
- Awards: National Poetry Series Award (2009), Texas Poet Laureate (2019), Marlboro Poetry Prize
- Fun Fact: Hosts NPR’s This Is Just to Say, a podcast celebrating poetry
About Carrie Fountain
Ready to fall in love with Carrie Fountain’s lyrical world? Snag Burn Lake or I’m Not Missing and let her words sweep you away!