*The rapidly expanding appreciation of a poetry collection by Patricia A. Saunders (www.patriciaasaunders.com), has women standing up and cheering the Connecticut-born, San Francisco-based dynamic author and public speaker. Her books chronicle her journey from grief, loss, to laughter.
Poetry Collection
Fresh off the heels of the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, Saunders is preparing for the Miami Book Fair International on November 18- 20, 2016 where her latest book This Too Shall Pass will be displayed.
Afterwards, she returns to California for press tours, taking off again this spring for more events. Books are available at www.patriciaasaunders.com/buy-
Patricia A. Saunders woke up from the nightmare of personal trauma to live her dream; she talks about the journey here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=
For interviews with the author, please confirm with Sandra Varner, 510-910-5652, [email protected].
Q&A With the Author:
What was most important to you when you decided to become an author?
It was important that my words touch someone; that anyone reading my work would be able to relate to a memory.
What audience are you speaking to through your poetry collection?
My audience is the woman who has loved and felt that she had to choose between love and letting go. I speak to the person who has lost it all and knows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
When you talk about your books — and share reflections of your past–some parts are very painful and personal. How challenging was it to reveal the inner aspects of your life?
It was challenging because I talk about being almost homeless, raped, molested, and some baggage that my family didn’t want me to share.
I prayed that my pain would be a testament to someone that I am still standing after going through it all. I took my family’s feelings into consideration and chose not to do some pieces in public settings rather allow readers to read it themselves.
Your mother’s illness, Alzheimer’s disease gave birth to your writing; were she alive today, what do you think she’d say about your poetry?
My Mother and I had a very close relationship. Prior to her illness, we spoke, daily and discussed everything. She used to write all of her sermons in notebooks and I write everything in my journal; she would be proud. She would be able to read the feedback from the readers who laughed, cried and praised alongside me throughout my journey. Also, she would probably say, “Baby keep some things to yourself.”
What does poetry fulfill in your life?
Since childhood, I have been writing as a way to express myself. Back then, I hid poetry from my family and only shared it with select teachers for school newspapers, yearbooks and friends. My mother’s passing was heartbreaking and I had to have an outlet.
I had to let the words out. It helped me through some dark times. When I decided to commit to it and see writing as my mission, I let go and it just flowed. In the back of my mind I sometimes wonder if I have the same gene as my mother and ask, “Will I start forgetting my words?” My poetry is my mark that I was here!
When did you learn to laugh again?
Following the release of my first book, Through the Fire, I have written four books of poetry with the latest being This Too Shall Pass. I had been at my lowest point after the passing of my mother. I wanted to give up on life itself and I received three note cards all with the inscription “This Too Shall Pass”.
I was tested through each storm but those words were a testament that it wouldn’t last. It was my second chance at life and I have learned how to love and laugh again.
source:
Sandra Varner
[email protected]
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