Other Writing
“Shinrin Yoku”
Walloon Writers Review published my poem, Shinrin Yoku, in their 9th Edition, 2025.
“Microcosm of Marriage”
Thanks to Unbroken Literary Journal for publishing my prose poem, Microcosm of Marriage, in their Fall 2024 issue.
My short story, Spontaneous Combustion, was published in Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, and Fiction for Grades 7-12. This is an open access collection for teens and includes a teacher guide through Oklahoma State University.
Free digital access:
https://open.library.okstate.edu/justya/, or print copies available for purchase at book stores.
“Spontaneous Combustion”
“Soccer Rules”
My poem, Soccer Rules, was published in this anthology for teens: Rhyme & Rhythm: Poems for Student Athletes, edited by Sarah J. Donovan.
“Flirting with Danger”
Thanks to Lunch Ticket for publishing my YA short story, Flirting with Danger. "Lenz's sympathetic portrayal of young people is an engaging and conversational story about assumptions, rumors, and truth.”
“Flying”
Thanks to the New York Times for publishing my poem, Flying, online and in their Sunday paper!
“Sweet Romance and a Ticking-Clock Plot: Two Novels for Exploring Identity and Intersectionality”
The Michigan Reading Journal published my article, Sweet Romance and a Ticking-Clock Plot: Two Novels for Exploring Identity and Intersectionality.
“Spontaneous Combustion”
Women on Writing published my 2nd place Flash Fiction contest winner, Photosynthesis. My YA story, Spontaneous Combustion, was a runner-up in another Flash Fiction contest.
“Daughter (Dis)connected”
Literary Mama published my poem, Daughter (Dis)connected.
“The Mitten”
I co-founded and managed the Mitten, the official blog for the Michigan Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for seven years. Here are some of my SCBWI-MI blog posts:
Book Awards from the Mitten State
The Grown-Up Version of What I Did This Summer, or How I Rediscovered My Writing Mojo
“A Slice of Detroit Pie”
A Slice of Detroit Pie, an essay about working as a social worker in Detroit, was published by Great Lakes Review.
“The Power of Butterflies”
The Power of Butterflies, was a finalist for the 2011 Hunger Mountain Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing.
Freelance Writing
I've also written for Detroit area nonprofits, including the Skillman Foundation, Neighborhood Services Organization, Making Spirits Bright, and the Harvest Magazine published by Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.