Awards

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“What one has written is not be be defended or valued, but abandoned”–William Stafford

By this, I think he meant that we shouldn’t judge our own work, but let it go out in the world. Others will judge it. If you think of it that way, it frees us, as writers, from nagging insecurities. There’s always someone who has one a prize for their work or gotten public recognition, and it’s easy to be envious. But if we just keep our sights on our own work, and trying to make it the best we can, we can gently return to ourselves.

I have a new book coming out soon, a collection of poetry called Touch My Head Softly from Finishing Line Press. It is about my experiences with my partner’s having Alzheimer’s. I try not to think about how other people will judge my very personal poems. I wanted to do it and now the poems are out in the world: abandoned.

Here is the link to my book at Finishing Line Press:

https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/touch-my-head-softly-by-eileen-kennedy/

Here is the link to my book on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3609820860https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/touch-my-head-softly-by-eileen-kennedy/

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Perspective and Art

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” ― Aldous Huxley

For the artist, the world is shaped by perspective.  It is that ability to view things from their own unique point of view, yet contextualize this point of view in factual reality. Can everything be defined in a limited world?  Can the artist place his/her/their work in the larger framework?

As a writer, I try to contextualize my work in the larger world, but it changes so rapidly.  I find I have just gotten my pen around one situation when another arises to contradict the first.

I have been doing phone banks these past few weeks to get out the vote for the presidential election.  I try to listen to other people’s perspectives when I speak with them because if there is no dialogue, there is no bridge to unification and understanding between people. If I can’t listen to someone, I can’t convince them of my point of view.  The country is so divided that I fear we will never come together again. There are so many signs in front of people’s homes, even in my own community, that advocate different philosophies.  How will we all find a common voice after the election?

The dream state is sometimes a source of inspiration for writers, but this is the opposite of reality. But writes thrive on illusion, on an alternate view of what is.

As we pass through daily living, we pass through many―colored lenses that paint our writing with its own view. Yet how do we bring our view back to the world view, so everyone can relate?

My book, Touch My Head Softly, was recommended by Brilliant Light Publishing.  It is my perspective on Alzheimer’s Disease.  Take a look:

https://www.brilliantlightpublishing.com/eileen-p-kennedy_poet_massachusetts

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I’m Delighted that Brilliant Light Publishing Recommended My New Book

I’m delighted that Brilliant Light Press has made me a Recommended Poet for my new book, Touch My Head Softly, from Finishing Line Press.

Take a look: https://www.brilliantlightpublishing.com/eileen-p-kennedy_poet_massachusetts

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Can a Book Make a Difference?

“Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does.” William James

Can a book make a difference?  We are told our actions make a difference, but can a book, with diminishing print sales, lack of readership, and confusion about meaning, make a difference. This topic has been on my mind ever since I decided to donate part of the proceeds of my book of poetry about my partner who died of Alzheimer’s to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

When I approached my publisher about it, she didn’t respond.  When I approached the Alzheimer’s Association, they had never heard of such a thing and thanked me for the donation. When I told my friends, they asked if I thought I would sell enough copies to even form a decent donation.  

So why do it?  Some five million people are living with Alzheimer’s, and the number is growing.  I never had it, but the disease killed my partner and wrecked my life ten years ago.  It’s strange to write, publish and then read about this experience.  I thought if I contributed something to the research, it might ameliorate this whole process.

I also found it hard to talk to people about the donation, because they may see it as some strange hero thing. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as self-serving as people may buy the book because part of the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, but as Adele, when she was asked if she was nervous hosting Saturday Night Live, recently said, “But if there was ever a time for any of us to jump head first into the deep end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it’s 2020 right?”

My book, Touch My Head Softly, has two weeks left in pre-sales, that time when my royalty and print run will be determined.  If you buy a copy, you will be getting a good collection of poetry and contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association:https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/touch-my-head-softly-by-eileen-kennedy/

My book is also on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3609820860

I’ll be continuing to post announcements on Tuesdays and blog on Thursdays.

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Amherst Books Reopens

There’s nothing like your local book store for a writer. Here you find worthy books, interesting readings and events, and a place to sell your books.

Amherst Books is located at 8 Main Street in Amherst, MA. New Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. You can order books online at books@amherstbooks.com) or by telephone (413-256-1547, 

They believe, and so do I, that books and bookstores are essential, especially in times of crisis. Support them or your local bookstore.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com
Is Less Better Than More?
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Is Less Better Than More?

We admire a blogger who is prolific and relevant, but sometimes we just want to communicate a small snippet of information on our blog. We want to create quality on our blogs as we write, but is it worth the time writing it that could go into a poem or a novel?

What about headlines or proper formatting?  It seems like a lot of trouble for just another blog.

And how many people are actually reading the blog to the end or just passing through to the next blog post?  And do we want all those people reading your blog, or do we want serious literary people following us?

I’m in the process of having a book published, and there is a lot of work surrounding the book. I also know that consistency is important in a blog, so I’m trying to blog once a week, on Thursdays, with announcements, as they arise, on Tuesdays.

I’m going to be featured reader for the Straw Dog Writers Guild on Tuesday, October 6 at 7 pm.

If you’d like to hear me read from my new book of  poetry,  Touch My Head Softly, about my ex who died of Alzheimer’s, send a request for a link to: wno@strawdogwritersguild.org.

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Virtual Reading Sponsored by the Quabbin Quills and the Athol Library Wednesday at 6 pm

On June 24, Quabbin Quills and the Athol Library will sponsor a virtual reading by Marie Eclair, Michael Young, Eileen P. Kennedy and Diana Norman.

https://www.facebook.com/events/811618845914455/

Tune in at 6 pm.

red framed eyeglasses on newspapers

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com