Well, it is a strange feeling writing this. I am going to be the author later this year! Like most of what’s happened to me career-wise this year, one thing has led to another. These things have all been positive (eventually, at least). Doing my best to embrace the good and bad, and learning to let go, or change direction when things just aren’t working. One such occasion was, I seem to remember, waking up sometime early April feeling deflated at the realisation that I had several WIPs (Work In Progress) on the go. Whilst I usually thrive being able to jump between writing projects (part of being a copywriter, you see), it felt to me like I wasn’t making progress with personal projects. So I made a plan. I literally sat up and thought “what’s been done, and what is next?”
Turns out I had already written some poems that would fit in an anthology exploring the themes of mental health and recovery. Admittedly, these poems all needed updating and tweaking – but that’s the beauty of story everything we write: it’s always there for us to use when we need it most. The rest of the poems were written in recent months. It’s interesting to see how your thought patterns and perspectives change over the years. I set myself a date to be published by – the 12th of October – as a comprehendable goal. And I got to work. At the time of writing, there are still edits to be made and loose ends to tie, but progress is being made. I didn’t consciously intend to write an anthology on the theme of mental health at the time, it just fell into place. And by doing so, it fits into all aspects of my work very nicely. As well as aligning with my purpose of support through personal experience. I do love it when a good plan (or lack thereof) comes together! Anyway, here’s the beauty itself:
My front cover, designed by yours truly!
I like to think that, whether you usually read poetry or not, at least one of the poems will resonate with you in some way. After all, we all have mental health. You’ll find that, on the face of it, this anthology is not a happy one – but then who’s truly happy 100% of the time? Having said that though, you’ll find the poetry does get more positive and hopeful as you read through.
So keep those eyes peeled for updates – in which I’ll be telling you how and when you can preorder Prevailed Hope! – D
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