Art by Lila Louise Kahn
About Continuum
At Continuum, I invite you into a community for writers, readers, and artists. I'm Michael Battisto, a poet, essayist, and instructor, and this is where I explore the craft of writing and literature while sharing strategies for learning and writing about the world.
The name "Continuum" speaks to an ongoing journey—the continuous unfolding of poetic thought, the endless process of learning, and the sustained conversation around language and its power. Here, I delve into the interplay of art, culture, and personal experience, exploring how literature shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. My influences span across the vast history of English-language literature and global traditions, allowing me to examine works from every era. This means looking closely at how poetics functions—how words build meaning, how poems hold their power, and the nuanced ways we can deepen our reading and writing practice. I explore how writers of the past accomplished what they did and how we, in the present, can learn from them.
The Continuum newsletter appears bi-weekly, alternating between a public essay accessible to all and an in-depth, exclusive essay for paid subscribers. These posts offer my essays and craft explorations, and soon, they'll feature quarterly conversations with other poets about their work and creative journeys. In addition, all subscribers will receive a curated poem in their inbox every Friday—a consistent moment for reflection and inspiration.
Think of Continuum as an ongoing, thoughtful conversation, a dedicated space for shared discovery and growth in the literary arts.
My Process
These newsletters are entirely the product of my independent thought, research, and writing. While all ideas and essay outlines were developed solely through my own intellectual process, I occasionally utilize AI tools to assist in resource discovery by suggesting relevant scholarly articles or critical sources. I view this specific, limited application of AI as an ethical means to enhance efficiency in traditional research methods. All analyses, interpretations, and written content are wholly my own.
Who is Michael?
Michael Battisto is an Oakland-based poet, essayist, and instructor. Before dedicating himself fully to writing and teaching, he worked for many years as a cook and chef in kitchens throughout the country.
Having written thousands of poems since he was a boy but showing them to no one, he began submitting his work in 2020. Since then, he has had over one hundred and fifty poems accepted in journals such as Rattle, Poet Lore, The Normal School, HAD, Flypaper Lit, Anti-Heroin Chic, Pithead Chapel, and others.
Why subscribe?
You'll find Continuum offers valuable insights and community for anyone passionate about poetry, literature, art, and music. Here's what you can expect from each tier:
Free Subscribers:
Weekly Curated Poem: A hand-picked poem delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Monthly Public Post: Access to one insightful post per month (and free previews of longer analyses, reflections, or prompts).
Community Access: The ability to comment on public posts and contribute to our growing literary discussion.
Paid Subscribers: Dive Deeper into Craft & Community
As a paid subscriber, you'll receive everything in the Free tier, plus:
All Posts & Archives: Full access to all our high-quality content, including paid-only newsletters, in-depth essays, and exclusive poet interviews, along with our complete archive.
Monthly Poetry Prompt: A unique prompt to spark your own writing.
Newsletter Recommendations: Curated suggestions for other excellent literary newsletters.
What I'm Reading, Learning, and Listening to: Occasional notes and reviews on the books, music, and art I'm currently exploring.
This tier is just $7/month or $75/year. As a friend and subscriber once told me, it’s like buying me a coffee once a month—a small investment for enriched literary discovery and connection.
Founder Tier: Personalized Support & Collaboration ($140/year)
The Founder Tier is for those who want to invest more deeply in their craft and receive direct, personalized support from me. You'll get everything in the Paid Tier, plus:
10 Pages of Line-Edited Poetry or Prose: Submit your work for one round of detailed line edits (up to 10 pages) per year of your Founder subscription.
Personalized Reading Recommendations: Based on your writing and interests, I'll recommend books and poets tailored just for you.
Stay Connected
Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.
