Threads of Verse: Kristan Taylor’s Journey from Linguistics to Poetry Game Creation
Journey into the poetic world of Kristan Taylor (MA ESL 2000), where her life story is woven intricately with the threads of linguistic exploration and creative passion. From her days as a student in the MA program, a path unfurled before her that led to unforeseen heights, culminating in the birth of a captivating endeavor – the poetry game known as Stanzaz.
As she reflects upon her remarkable journey, Kristan acknowledges that every experience, from her earliest days in the MA program to the recent preorder sales of Stanzaz, has shaped her in profound ways. The seeds of her poetic inclination were sown early on, germinating into a full-fledged love for poetry as she immersed herself in the realm of linguistics. It was under the guidance of luminaries like Professor Haj Ross that her passion for poetry took root, intertwining with her studies in syntax (phrase structure rules) and generative grammar. These academic pursuits laid the foundation for what was to come.
Kristan's journey was not confined to the classroom; it stretched across borders and cultures. From her practicum studies in Morocco, her teaching endeavors in Albania, to her dual graduate degree program directorship in Mexico, the tapestry of her experiences grew richer and more vibrant. Along the way, she discovered a burning desire to empower students to express themselves through poetry. This spark ignited the birth of Stanzaz, a testament to her commitment to fostering creativity and linguistic precision.
Collaboration became the heartbeat of Kristan's creative journey. Enlisting the partnership of co-developers Katie Crowder and Pamela Batson, a shared vision began to take shape. Countless hours of brainstorming and writing led to a treasure trove of poetic lines that would eventually blossom into the Stanzaz game. Their collective efforts yielded a unique poetry game experience that transcends age, allowing players to collaboratively craft poems that dance between the realms of absurdity, emotion, and humor.
Stanzaz is characterized not only by its creativity but also by its linguistic structure. The game's rules were meticulously designed to preserve the structure of language while granting players the freedom to create. The collaborators stood as sentinels, ensuring that no errant phrase could disrupt the syntactic harmony of the verses.
Yet, what truly set Stanzaz apart is its embrace of gender neutrality. In a world often constrained by labels and pronouns, Kristan's game provides a haven of expression where these boundaries dissolve. Lines flow without constraints, enabling players to craft their verses without being confined by gendered language. The impact is far-reaching, extending even to Kristan's own mother, who, inspired by the game, found herself discovering a hidden talent for poetry at the age of 80.
Looking back, Kristan's story serves as a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and the unwavering pursuit of passion. From the halls of academia to the realm of poetry games, her journey is a reminder that the tapestry of our lives is woven from threads of experience, guided by the hands of those who inspire us along the way.
Learn more about Stanzaz and preorder the game at https://bit.ly/Stanzaz.
