Words from a Reader

The “Writing Life Stories” e-mails I receive are such treasures. As soon as I see there is one in my inbox, I read it immediately. I look forward to them and never know how they will touch me. They can be interesting, informative, humorous, and/or touching.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Mary Ricketson publishes "Stutters - A Book of Hope"


Redhawk Publications Unveils Mary Ricketson's Collection,

"Stutters - A Book of Hope"

 

Hickory, NC - Redhawk Publications announces the release of Mary Ricketson's ninth poetry book, "Stutters - A Book of Hope." This collection marks Ricketson's third collaboration with Redhawk Publications, offering readers a revealing glimpse into her personal journey.

Mary Ricketson, a seasoned writer and poet, shares her early struggles with stuttering, baring her soul and presenting herself as a vulnerable yet resilient woman. She invites readers into her world, illuminating the empowering nature of her experiences.

Reflecting on her lifelong passion for writing, Ricketson remarks, "All my life, I've expressed myself through fragments of words and snippets of stories. I remember winning a plane ticket and luggage through an essay contest during my high school years. Although I did not stand out as a writer in college, I have dedicated the past three decades to writing seriously. Writing has been my refuge since childhood, a way to navigate my severe stutter. In my early 40s, I realized that writing was an essential part of my being."

"Stutters - A Book of Hope" represents a departure from Ricketson's previous works, delving deep into her personal history. Initially hesitant to explore her stuttering journey through poetry, she found herself drawn to the subject, even when she sought to avoid it. Through her evocative verses, Ricketson captures the struggle, the darkness, and ultimately, the joy that emerges from embracing one's unique experiences. Each poem serves as a testament to her spirit and resilience.

Acquisitions Editor Patty Thompson, speaking about the decision to publish Ricketson's manuscript, expressed her admiration, saying, "When I heard Mary read a few of her poems at an open mic event, I was captivated. The raw emotion in her words left an impression on me. It was clear that we needed to share her collection with the world. We eagerly awaited the arrival of her completed manuscript, and we are thrilled to present this book to our readers. It is one of the more poignant and vulnerable poetry collections we have published to date."

"Stutters - A Book of Hope" will resonate with poetry enthusiasts and creative writing aficionados alike. However, its appeal extends beyond those boundaries. This collection speaks to the universal experience of feeling different and uniquely challenged. Whether one has faced the sting of being an outsider or has endured the pain of bullying, Ricketson's words offer solace and a sense of belonging. Each page radiates with a sense of hope, gently reminding readers that it exists even in the darkest of moments.

Mary Ricketson will be one of the featured authors at Redhawk Publication’s Book Fair on September 30th at the Catawba County Library in Newton, NC from 10am – 2pm as part of the Catawba Valley Festival of the Arts.

Copies of “Stutters – A Book of Hope” are available for purchase on Redhawk Publications' website at https://tinyurl.com/StuttersABookOfHope

Redhawk Publications is an artistic initiative of the Catawba Valley Community College, publishing written works of interest for the local community, North Carolina, and the entire United States. Established in 2017, Redhawk Publications offers over 130 titles to date and is one of only three community colleges nationwide with a publishing press. For additional information on Redhawk Publications, visit their website at https://redhawkpublications.com, or contact Patty Thompson at pthompson994@cvcc.edu.

 

2 comments:

  1. Glenda, thank you for your comment on my blog. I hope you are feeling better soon!

    I hope Mary has lots of positive response to her book.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Marie. I am much better now.

    ReplyDelete

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