This past few months I have been busy writing and putting together my new book Landscapes. It is a collection of poetry – 34 new poems written in the past two years and 7 favourite poems published in my previous book, Dreamer.
It is hard work to produce a book – and it is also very rewarding. While many steps along the path to publication come with some not-so-welcome opportunities to practice character-building skills such as patience, perseverance and diligence, there are also many occasions of experiencing gratitude. As I worked through the process, I was sometimes side-tracked by feelings of self-doubt and vulnerability about putting my words and thoughts out into the world. I had to remind myself of the pleasure I get when I read a poem that resonates with my soul… a poem that some other poet has decided to share with the world. I also remembered the many times that people have shared with me about how my poetry has affected them. So I am grateful to other people – for writing and sharing poetry and for being interested in mine.
It is exciting when a book is done. I am anticipating the pleasure of holding the book in my hands, leafing through the pages and experiencing that wondrous feeling of “Wow… I did this!” I will let you know when Landscapes is available and how to get it so that you, too, can hold it in your hands. 🙂