Z.M. Wise

Long version: Z.M. Wise is a proud Illinois native from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, poet, vocalist/lyricist/songwriter, essayist, occasional playwright, seldom screenwriter, editor and arts activist, writing since his first steps as a child. He was selected to be a performer in the Word Around Town Tour in 2013, a Houston citywide tour. He is co-owner and co-editor of Transcendent Zero Press, an independent publishing house for poetry that once produced an international quarterly journal known as Harbinger Asylum. The journal was nominated Best Poetry Journal in 2013 at the National Poetry Awards. He is the author of several full-length books and chapooks of poetry, as well as a play. In mid-2023, Wise collaborated with well-known musician A.J. Kaufmann to release Ch'ulel, a collaborative/split album where they both played instruments, sang, and composed lyrics. His upcoming release,  Lotus Mandala & The Basorexia Song, will be published by World Inkers Publishing Press. Other than the aforementioned books and album,  his poems, lyrics, short fiction, essays, and book reviews have been published in various journals, magazines, and anthologies. The motto that keeps him going: POETRY LIVES AND LONG LIVE THE ARTS! Wise will make sure to spread that message and the love of the arts, making sure it remains vibrant for the rest of his days and beyond. Besides poetry and other forms of writing, his other passions/interests include playing a few instruments, creative & professional voice acting, creating visual art, cooking/baking, fitness, and reading.