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 30^th 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.

 

Two Poets will Read at Coffee with the Poets

Coffee with the Poets will have two Netwest featured readers this month, June 13, 10:30 a.m. Mary Ricketson is also on the program Wednesday with Maren Mitchell.

Mary Ricketson’s poetry has been published in her chapbook, I Hear the River Call My Name, Lights in the Mountains, Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, Freeing Jonah IV, Freeing Johah V, and Wild Goose Poetry Review, Future Cycle Press, Your Daily Poem, various magazines and blogs, and in Disorgananza, a private collection distributed among family and friends. She won the gold medal for poetry in the 2011 Cherokee County Senior Games/Silver Arts and silver medal for 2012. She won first place in the 2011 Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest national poetry contest.

Mary writes a monthly column, Woman to Woman, for The Cherokee Scout. She is a long time member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network. Mary says she writes to satisfy a hunger, to taste life all the way down to the last drop. She gains perspective from family and friends, her Appalachian home, and her life’s work as a counselor. Writing poetry places her in kinship with her own life.

Mary Ricketson is a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Murphy, North Carolina. She brings more than thirty years experience to her work, with twenty-five years in private practice. She is a founding board member of REACH. She has a special interest in women’s issues, victims of abuse, and family and couple relationships. She offers innovative ways to effect change in difficult life patterns, including Journey to Intuition and Neurofeedback. She is listed in Who’s Who in America.

Wednesday, June 13, will be a day of good poetry, for sure, with Mary Ricketson and Maren Mitchell at Coffee with the Poets, at Cafe Touche, 82 Main St. in Hayesville, NC.  

Contact Glenda Beall, nightwriter0302@yahoo.com for information.

Saturday at Curiosity Shop Books

Many thanks to Linda Ray and staff at Curiosity Shop Books

46 Valley RIver Ave, Murphy, NC 28906, for hosting my book signing on Saturday, November 28. I was quickly convinced that Shoppes of Murphy is THE place to be in Murphy on Saturday mornings.

A number of friends dropped by including Mary Ricketson, author of The River Knows My Name, and her artist husband, Bill Killian. Vicki, a student from my Tri-County Community College classes, brought me a poinsettia to grace my table. Two more kind and supportive people in my life helped to make my day. I enjoyed chatting with Dr. Ellen, my diabetes educator and dear friend, and Karen H. the massage therapist with magic hands and a nurturing spirit.

In the photo you see Jon Beall, our nephew,  and his delightful son. They came up for the weekend and helped me with some chores. I was happy to have them drive me to the book signing and take this picture with me.

My table was positioned near the front door, and I was amazed at the number of people coming in and out for the two hours I was there. Some headed to the Daily Grind and Wine which serves all kinds of fine coffee and tea as well as wraps and salads and more.

With all the  folks buying gifts from the book store, I'm even more convinced that paper, bound books are here to stay.( That is not to say I'd not like to have a Kindle.)

Curiosity Books is a fine example of the independent book stores in western North Carolina. I hope all of my readers shop the independent book stores in their town anytime they need gifts. 

Linda has a few of my poetry books in the shop, and she also carries books by other local authors.  Curiosity Books sold a large number of the Netwest anthology, Lights in the Mountains. Now Linda looks forward to the release of Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, after the first of the year.