A Found Poet
It’s been quite a while since my last post back in August.
But i’m back, coming off of a major accomplishment this week.
I wrote a chapter in the best selling book, “Authentic: Courageous Humans Who Changed Their Lives By Rewriting Their Stories”. The book is a collection of 21 writers from around the world brought together by my friend, Tina Welsome. I wasn’t expecting the level of reaction that it has received since it launched yesterday. But now we’ve become best sellers in the US, UK, Canada & Australia. With all the proceeds going to the nonprofit organization, ElimuGirls run by my friend and fellow co-author, Cindy Rodriguez.
But we have to go back to June 25th.
I was on vacation when just after 11am, Tina messaged me with the news of her getting her publishing certification and the idea for the book. I was ecstatic for her opening her own publishing house and this multi-author book being proposed. I couldn't’t say yes fast enough as I was looking for a new challenge. Another way to tell my story.
One day late in the summer, a package arrived. And in it was a red folder with the welcome packet, a journal and a multicolored pen. At the very least, seeing the packet took the edge off the fact that I broke my headphones earlier in the day.
I had a major challenge in front of me. I’ve never taken on something of this magnitude.
What would I write about being courageous and still reach 2,500-3,000 words. I’ve only told my story in bits and pieces, but never in a complete narrative.
I started to go back through my life and all the moments in it. And the common themes that came up were the resiliency needed to survive my childhood being born with cerebral palsy and the creativity that was discovered while making the transition into adulthood. And all the while, I began to cultivate a life that had a full time job, travel and live music in it.
All of this led to the moment of awakening in 2020, as Made To Do This became A Poetic Journey through my Instagram feed, numerous poetic collaborations and my first book.
I was nervous to turn in my draft.
Out of fear that what was written wouldn’t be enough to satisfy the word count. It was well received, I just needed to work on the ending of the chapter. With next year’s trip to Italy and the hope of the follow up to A Poetic Journey added in, my chapter was completed.
I needed a name for the chapter, other than “My Story So Far” for the finishing touch. When I got the corrected draft back, the chapter was reborn.
I was now, “A Found Poet”!
Summer turned to fall, leading to a procession of Zoom calls and Slack chats. Getting to know the group that would form this book. As the release date for the book drew closer, I felt all the doubts come up. What was I getting myself into?
The sense of accomplishment took over as the launch began. To see the reactions to all the likes, shares and comments. And i’m not this hyped up over the work put out under my own name. Yet here I was, the kid opening his presents on Christmas morning.
It’s slowly sinking in, the magnitude of what’s been done. In due time, I will need to think about what comes next.
A few thank you's:
To everyone for all the likes, comments, shares and purchases. All of it will do a world of good.
To Colleen, as she brought our stories to the finish line.
To Kristina Brummer, her stewardship led to this book's creation as The Boss.
To Cindy Rodriguez and all that she does on behalf of ElimuGirls.
And to Tina. I can't thank you enough for the invite to be part of Authentic. Your guidance and reassurance helped me become "A Found Poet".
And to all of my fellow authors, we've come together as a group of courageous humans. Our stories are out in the world.
It’s been a wonderful experience, a moment to be Authentic!
Paperback copies of the book will go on sale November 26th.
The links to purchase the e-book and to get to know all of the authors in the book is below:
https://thekeytowellness.kartra.com/page/AUTHENTIC_AUTHORS
