I've written much as a poet and independent journalist over the years. I've also worked as a copyeditor for various publications. But nothing beats the indescribable thrill of seeing my name on my first poetry book, "Sensual Sounds".
This labor of love began as a suggestion from friends. I had sold many poems in various forms, but everyone wanted to purchase them in book form. I was terrified. It was already nerve-wracking enough to write and perform poetry. But never being one to back off easily, I accepted this challenge. And "Sensual Sounds" represents plenty of them.
First was the physical writing of the manuscript. Up until last August, I didn't own a computer. I wrote out everything by hand before giving completed works to various typists. I was fortunate enough to find good ones over the years. Their advice, suggestions and labors kept me focused on my goal.
My investigative skills as a reporter came in handy. But all the research in the world didn't prepare me for things like a company which did nothing with the completed manuscript for over two years. Or a typist who had original poems and simply disappeared, leaving me without a completed manuscript. Thank God my pack-rat tendancies helped me piece together the book again. Still another went out of business shortly before I signed with them. At other times it seemed like I'd never get this done, but something inside kept me going after drying my tears yet again.
Everything finally came together within the last six months while working with my publicist/copyeditor, Amy Simmons. Now, "Sensual Sounds", published by IUniverse, is finally completed after nearly eight long years of waiting. I enjoy hearty chuckles when I click onto amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com to make sure I'm not dreaming.
Those who know me intimately sometimes call me impatient or stubborn. I found out both served me well during these trials. Thank God for giving me strength to fight for "Sensual Sounds".
