Film & Kay

Writing a book is a beautiful process. As for writing itself, I’ve filled notebooks up since I was 7. Although I have taken breaks from it, I found that writing is like a muscle – when you’re consistent, it flows with power.

I still remember when I memorized my first poem,“All Things Bright and Beautiful” from a collection of poems my grandma gifted me. Back then, I loved creating miniature books filled with stories and adventures. As I grew older, these creative endeavors faded, but I continued to write in a practical sense through journaling, documenting my life in a private form.

During my college years, I dabbled in poetry, but the pain of a breakup led to another hiatus.

Fast forward to 2018. I was curious about the high desert and decided to take a seasonal job in Western Colorado. I spent every day working outside, and it was here where the land ignited something within. Slowly but surely, pen found paper as I wrote my first poem in years. And in 2019, another one followed suit.

We all know what happened in 2020. With lots of downtime, I decided to journey through time and write about my thoughts and experiences of Colorado. Day after day, words flowed effortlessly, culminating in a towering stack of verses. Writing became second nature.

By August of 2021, I moved back to Colorado. As my pile of poems grew, I realized I was amassing enough material to birth a book. In 2022, I printed each poem out, laid them out on the floor, and was inspired to group them by season. Another story emerged – the cyclic nature of love. I meticulously arranged the pieces to tell a personal and vulnerable story.

I wrote when I was inspired, made edits when it felt right, and took pauses when I felt blocked. I didn’t force anything in this process. Even now, I am gently tending to this garden.

As I near the end of editing, designing the cover, building a website, and the nitty-gritty of getting the book into people’s hands, I am awed by the power of poetry. While some relationships and events feel unrequited, this book gave me the gift of completion. It reflected my voice back to me as I moved through the delicate terrain of love, loss, and the lonesome beauty of the West.

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that creativity is not bound by time or circumstance. It patiently awaits our return. Writing a book may have its challenges, but the rewards and catharsis are priceless.

Watch this space for updates on the release date of my book, “West Water.”