Good lord this pandemic stuff is depressing, isn't it?
Luckily in my corner of the world, there has been plenty to keep me busy. I've published a book! Isn't it exciting? "Grow" is a (very) short collection of poems I wrote when I was in my teens and early twenties. It delves into experiences like living alone, dating, and finding (and losing) kindred spirits all while living with the highs and lows of depression. If you're looking for something to keep you entertained during your self-isolation, consider buying it. Your support is appreciated and goes straight back to my next year's tuition so you get some poems and the satisfaction of being a good global citizen. Go you! There's a link at the top of the page but also helpfully provided at the bottom of this update.
Publishing a book has been a dream of mine ever since I finished writing my first novella at the age of twelve. You'll be relieved to know that that particular trainwreck never made it to print. But it's been nearly a decade since then and I'd like to believe I've improved somewhat. My school year came to a fairly abrupt end when universities shut down due to the threat of Covid-19 and being stuck at home for the last month in self-isolation provided the opportunity for me to be proactive. Well, okay, for three weeks I sat around watching the Great British Bakeoff and then somewhere around day twenty-three I was so bored that I started reading through and editing my entire backlog of poems. There are a lot of them, I've been writing poetry the way some people keep a diary for the last four years. Lots of them don't make sense but a few of them still made me feel the same way I felt when I wrote them; angry, sad, pissed off, and happy too at times. There was enough there for a book and I was hungry for a project.
I put my little book into the world with no expectations, but the process of creating got me excited to write again. It's something I've neglected quite a bit in the pursuit of making films (more on that another time) but I'm definitely eager to put more of my energy into poetry and prose hence why you're here listening to me chatter in this internet vacuum. I promise I'll free you soon, I just wanted to provide some insight into what my next steps will be and what's in it for you if you stick around for a little bit
First and most obviously, I'm reviving my blog! If you take a look at the top of the page, you'll see a big orange "Subscribe" button. Clicking it will prompt you to enter your email address. I can already see that you want to beat a hasty retreat, but not to worry! The only things you'll ever receive from me are my monthly updates and the occasional free poem or short story - and who doesn't want a free poem or short story? Likely some of my filmmaking adventures will bleed into this space too so there will be plenty of creative things going on for you to enjoy. If you can't afford to buy my book right now, this is the next best way to support me and my work. Word of mouth is the best way for an independently published author to generate interest so I do hope you'll consider it.
Secondly, I've begun the writing process for a new book project. For the first time in a few years, I am actively writing! I have no idea what will become of it so I won't say too much more except that you may see some excerpts of it on this site. Just another reason you should consider following by email.
I'll leave it at that. I want to assure you during this painful time of self-isolation that you are not alone and above all else, this is a space for us to reach out and connect with each other.
Kbye.
xxKathleen
Buy Grow on Amazon
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