Most of you who know me know that I've been threatening to publish a book of my poetry for the last decade or so. Well, the time has finally come to give it an honest try!

For more than twenty years, I have poured myself into poetry whenever I've had the chance. I've found that writing has not just been the most personal, authentic, and serious form of expression for me, it’s the work I am most proud of overall. After a lot of life getting in the way and shuffling my feet, I am finally taking the leap to share what I've got with the world, and make a serious attempt at publishing.

And when I say publish, I'm not talking about throwing money at a pay-to-print outfit at some vanity press so that I can get a thin little thing to thrust at friends and family, unasked for. I'm intending to really make a run at putting together a manuscript that could be read by ACTUAL people through a small press or indie publisher. To bring this collection to life, I'll need support to cover the many costs involved. Funds raised will go toward hiring professional editors, paying reading fees, collaborating with artists for book design, getting help with formatting for print, and a lot of other stuff I haven't even begun to consider. Every step- from preparing my manuscript for evaluation to seeing it in print- requires resources that I cannot get together alone.

If I am successful, this project will be the culmination of decades of dedication and passion. Those of you who know me know that I don't talk about ANYTHING this seriously. Corny though it is, I am reaching out for help because I trust my friends and family to help make this happen, and I believe in the power of poetry to connect and inspire.

My distant hope is that you will help me not only realize my greatest dream, but also maybe bring my words to readers who may find meaning and comfort in them, like my favorite poets have done for me. Thank you for considering being part of this journey.