I’ve had some amazing book launches in the course of my nineteen books. I read at all of them without any reservations, as I was confident in the work, had some friends to read with, and the turnout was great. All-in-all, very humbling. There were many highlights, which I remember fondly.
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| 2014 Lasagna Launch for Bill Sloan---(Hi, mom and dad) |
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| The Thursday Lunches of Bill Sloan |
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| Elephants anyone? |
Every Day There is Something About Elephants had a great launch, but in a way, sad now as The New England Mobile Bookstore closed during Covid. That was such an interesting place, and still is missed. On that day, the CEO for my publisher, Big Table Publishing, Robin Stratton brought food and elephant cutouts. After that launch I was texted pictures of elephant related anything and everything.
Speaking
of Covid, the book 2020 Poems, was launched on Zoom in January 2021. It was ten
months into the pandemic, when people never left the house. I was grateful for the
large support I received on camera that day.
* Which
brings me to this Saturday, and the launch for my new book of poetry, Almost
Bluing for X-tra Whiteness. I have some reservations because it will be difficult
to read some of the poems, originally written 2022. A lot when down in 2022,
and things got dark by the end of that year. Many of these poems reflect that.
Those who knew me then know exactly what I’m talking about, and those I trust,
have heard if from me. If this is new information…well, you and I really must
work on our relationship.
I’m a proponent of in
writing, that you must go there, to the difficult places, whether in memoir, fiction,
non-fiction or memoir, because that’s what makes it real, and in my case, I just
wouldn’t write. It’s obvious in my writing when I’ve made a decision to hold
back. What I will say about those past struggles is the support which I
received from many people during that time. I will never forget those friends
who were and are still a part of my journey. I can say with complete honesty that
now life is amazing, and everything going on today is full of hope, love, and
gratitude.
Hope to see you all Saturday.
I’m so happy to bring out the new book, and I hope someone asks me about the
title. Best of all, I’m extremely excited
to present the other poets, supporting this reading, whom I find spectacular,
Melissa Cundieff, Krysten Hill, and Chad Parenteau. I’m grateful for accepting
my invitation to celebrate with me. Also, the Remnant Satellite Brewery in
Cambridge is the sponsor of this event, because they wanted to support the arts
in the area. They certainly stepped up to the plate.
2:30 Doors Open
3:00 the Readings
4:00 Reception, Cash Bar, Cash Food
