When I published my first book, The Liminal Space, I went to two bookstores nearby and I had radio and newspaper interviews. However, for this book, The End of the Beginning, I’ve been trying to share and connect with as many different people as I can. I realize how important it is to share my work in person when possible. My publicist Margaret has been busy helping me spread my wings! Last night, I went to a book club in Milwaukee at Vintage Bar hosted by Jacob and Ian at Helium Books. Their company delivers the library to your front door! I took my friend Tracy’s mom Kathy along and she was such a great sport. Kathy won the trivia contest and a wonderful prize! She loves books and it was such a warm and welcoming group. I handed out bookmarks (a poet’s business card) with information about me and my book and had the chance to talk with a few of the folks there. I read a poem from my book about love.
I'm excited to start my book tour this year - at various locations - libraries, book clubs, bookstores, coffee shops, theaters and open mic nights. Have I been to an open mic night? Once - a few years ago in Fort Atkinson, WI at a Lorine Niedecker Poetry Festival. It seems like a lifetime ago! I’m nervous, but I’m also excited because I’m on my path. At times, I need to remind myself of this because it’s soul work and I’m truly putting my heart out there for all to see so that they may be connected and feel seen, heard, and healed, even in the smallest way.
I encourage you to check out Lorine’s poetry. She’s a Wisconsin poet and when I discovered her, it was a breakthrough to finding my voice. I submitted poetry that appeared in the Solitary Plover that really helped boost my confidence as a poet. Lorine’s well-crafted poems are so inspiring to me. See below for a couple of her poems that make me think and smile.
I hope to see you soon!
My Friend Tree
My friend tree
I sawed you down
but I must attend
an older friend
the sun
[You are my friend]
You are my friend –
you bring me peaches
and the high bush cranberry
you carry
my fish-pole
you water my worms
you patch my boot
with your mending kit
nothing in it
but my hand
Links to businesses mentioned:
Margaret H. Geiger at Twelve31 Media www.twelve31-media.com
Helium Books www.heliumbooks.com
Vintage Bar www.vintagemilwaukee.com
Lorine Niedecker lorineniedecker.org
Solitary Plover Archives - Summer 2013, Winter 2014 and Summer 2014 lorineniedecker.org/solitary-plover-archive
Let’s talk soon.
With affection,
Carrie VS
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