Welcome to the UP Blog!
The UP Blog is meant to be a resource for insightful, indie content. You’ll see poetry, fiction, and nonfiction from our community. This space extends Unencumbered Press’s commitment to intelligent, innovative, and intuitive creative work.
We welcome contributions from writers and creators at any level who have something meaningful to share. Join the conversation and help us continue building a vibrant, supportive community.
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- Tyler Bieber
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- EVEN THEN, EVEN NOW
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Fall 2026 Updates from Unencumbered Press
"Solitude isn’t empty—it’s expansive." Read the fall updates from Unencumbered Press: events, audiobooks, chapbooks, tarot reviews, and behind‑the‑scenes work.
Waxing Crescent Moon in Scorpio / Three of Wands (love query)
Take a look at the Three of Wands during the waxing moon in Scorpio—featuring tarot imagery, lunar photography, and reflective poetry from Altered Tarot.
Out Now: “My April Poems by Hazel Hall” Compiled by Tyler Bieber
Discover the lyrical, attentive poetry of early‑20th‑century Portland poet Hazel Hall!
Introducing Ben Howard, the Voice Behind Against the Current
We’re thrilled to introduce Ben Howard, the narrator carrying Against the Current into the world!
Poetry Spotlight | “Heart” by BrainTurbulent6998
HEART — A Dickinson‑Inspired Poem of Hurt, Power, and Release
Poetry Spotlight | “Blaze” by BrainTurbulent6998
A desperate poem wrestling with hurt, longing, power, and the need to break free—inspired by Emily Dickenson.
The Altered Tarot Deck & Guidebook is Back
Restock alert! The Altered Tarot Deck & Guidebook is back. Order now on our site or Etsy.
“Poetry in Motion” by John Carenen
A sixth‑grader’s first real basketball game ends with an unforgettable mistake and a lifelong lesson in paying attention.
Poetry Spotlight | “You Wanna a Date?” by Derek Thiem
A late‑night encounter in Portland turns into a free‑form jazz solo about justice, longing, and the dates we’re all still waiting for.
Poetry Spotlight | “Magaju” By Eric Lawson
This week’s Poetry Spotlight features “Magaju” by Pushcart‑nominated author Eric Lawson. The last line punches. 🌍🌧️
August 1st | Meet Altered Tarot & Tyler Bieber at Battle Ground Pride
Showing Up Where It MattersTomorrow, August 1, Pride returns to the Battle Ground Event Center in Washington State, right in the heart of a community that hasn’t always made space […]
Full Moon in Aquarius/Transformative Energy/Queen of Cups
A full moon tarot reading featuring the Queen of Cups is paired with a poem about shedding old versions of the self and stepping into emotional clarity.
Creative Solidarity: Four Small Projects to Back on Kickstarter
Five days left for the Against the Current campaign! While you’re on Kickstarter, check out the four indie projects I’m shouting out. Supporting small creators is worth it.
crave/balsamic moon/moon in Gemini
A striking crescent moon photograph by k. hiatt paired with a tender poem by r. tanksley, #alteredtarot
Campaign Update + Upcoming Events with Tyler Bieber
The Against the Current audiobook campaign is nearing its base goal, and Tyler Bieber has new events on the horizon—including an LGBTQ‑RAN webinar and an appearance at Battle Ground Pride.…
Reflecting With The Chariot: 50% Funded in 24 Hours
Against the Current reached 50% funding in its first 24 hours, and we’re moving forward with The Chariot’s steady, intuitive energy.
We Just Went Live! Help us Reach $1,800 by 7/27
Unwilling to abandon either his faith or his integrity, Tom Oddo practiced compassionate leadership and embodied a love of learning. Support the audiobook launch today!
“Hard Softball” by John Carenen
A childhood softball showdown ends in an unforgettable triple play and explores the sting of near‑glory and the humor found in hindsight.
From College Presidents to a Mosaic of Father Tom Oddo
Follow Tyler Bieber's journey from writing about college presidents to uncovering the remarkable life and legacy of Father Tom Oddo in this reflective, very cool post.
Go Beyond the Archives with Tyler Bieber
Tyler Bieber goes beyond the archives to share Father Tom Oddo’s story, revealing insights that printed records alone can’t capture.
The Country We Promised to Be
"If this anniversary is to mean anything beyond fireworks and commemorative merchandise, it should prompt a different kind of reflection: not whether America has always been good, since it plainly…
Reflections at the End of June
Access is the thread running through so much of June. Pride Month is about access to dignity and representation. Audiobook Month is about access to stories. And today’s Supreme Court…
Help Convince Kickstarter We’re Cool
Follow our Kickstarter pre‑launch page to strengthen our case for a Projects We Love badge.
Tom Oddo’s Contemporaries: Catholic Clergy for Social Justice
Meet Tom Oddo’s contemporaries—Catholic priests and nuns who championed social justice, liberation theology, and LGBTQ rights.
Tom Oddo and the Origins of DignityUSA
Discover how DignityUSA began in a San Diego parish and grew into the oldest LGBTQ+ Catholic rights group in the U.S.
Defining the “New American Catholic”
Explore how Vatican II reshaped American Catholicism, inspired social justice movements, and shaped Father Tom Oddo’s identity as a New American Catholic.
50 Years Ago, Today | Gallery
Fifty years ago, Father Tom Oddo flew to San Diego to help lead one of the earliest LGBTQ+ Catholic workshops. These newly shared photos capture the warmth, courage, and community…
receive/waxing crescent moon in leo/ace of wands/take action
"[A] passionate, fast moving, highly creative spark."
Tom and Paul Go To NYC Pride, 1974 | Video Footage
1974 NYC Pride footage shows Tom Oddo and Paul Diederich marching with Dignity. A rare look at early LGBTQ+ Catholic activism and hidden history.
Turns Out It’s Audiobook Month
It turns out it’s Audiobook Month—something my inbox has been very eager to tell me. Luckily, the timing lines up with our first audiobook Kickstarter, launching July 5. A little…
release/waning moon in aquarius/detach from old habits and limiting perspectives
release ⛓️💥 waning moon in aquarius 🌖 detach from old habits and limiting perspectives ✨
Father Tom Oddo and Pride | Gallery
For Pride Month, Tyler Bieber spotlights how Father Tom Oddo championed LGBTQ+ dignity and justice throughout his ministry.
“Mailbox Boomers” by John Carenen
A summer-night tale of boyhood bravado and the ill‑fated cherry‑bomb experiment meant to impress a girl. The results were… explosive.
“Up in Smoke” by John Carenen
A wry, look at a father who hunted pheasants, smoked Marvels, and never quite understood his wisenheimer kid.
