Working On A Poetry Book.

This year has been a serious evolution as I challenged myself to write as much poetry as possible. Attached to that task was general studying of the craft, a ton of self-reflection & observing the world, and countless drafts that have turned into pieces that connect with a deeper part of me.

That doesn't mean they will all see the light of day. What it does mean though is that I feel confident enough to work some of them into a book to sit with and physically hold.

The poem selection process was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Currently I've selected the 50-ish I want to highlight and how I want to present them. Right now I'm going through the first round of edits (after they've already hit a few drafts individually on their journey to making the cut). Typically I'll write a first draft electronically in my phone but for the editing process I took some advice and have been writing them out on paper. It's really giving new perspective to the pieces, and even though they get edited again as I type them into my manuscript, the physical penmanship is invaluable.

All the while I'm still juggling time to remain creative with new pieces, submitting to publications, getting pieces ready to perform, and the minutiae of existing in 2022.

Just know, it's coming along.

I'm happy with how it's going. I'm happy that people are engaging and giving ideas. I'm happy to be at this point creatively. I'm happy I even have the ability to put words together like this.

There may be some areas in my life that aren't going as great as they possibly can be, but when I'm working on this part of it, "happy" is the right word.