WELCOME BACK TO THIS BLOG! A YEAR'S HIATUS IS ENDED

Happenings Since 2013

As many bloggers know, keeping up with a blog is oftentimes a challenge. Trying to keep up with two blogs is even harder...as I've experienced. My other blog, American Latino/a Writers Today, has also been in a "hiatus" (on a leave of absence, so to speak) this past year. But 2014 is a year of catch-up for my readers and me. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RETURNING TO VISIT. If this is your first visit to either of my blogs, THANK YOU, and I hope you'll become a follower.

MY BRAND-NEW POETRY COLLECTION JUST ISSUED

In June, my fourth book, a full-length collection of poetry was issued by Golden Foothills Press. I had the great fortune of doing the "debut [first] reading" of this book in the gorgeous resort town of Como, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como in June this year. This was my first book reading ever in Europe. 

For a description of how this event happened, and why it was so special to me, please read my articles about Lake Como in the wonderful, famous literary blog, La Bloga. As some folks know, Lake Como is the resort hometown of superstar, George Clooney. Sadly, we never ran across him! But we did see his beautiful villa on the lakeshore.

POETRY CHAPBOOK PUBLISHED IN 2013: HEARTS IN COMMON

Finishing Line Press, the publisher of my first chapbook (see below), published my second one, Hearts in Common, in Summer. This book, my third overall, is extra-special in my heart because of its cover: That's my daughter, Professor Christine Reyna, with her daughter, my little angel, Cassandra, who was 7 years old at the time. Christine has impressed the importance of literacy on both of her children since their toddler days. As the cover photo shows, reading to our children is vital! 

This book depicts people from all walks of life, all colors, rich and poor. It tries to show my deep belief that people have hearts in common with one another if we only bother to be open-minded and accepting toward others. The book can be ordered through Finishing Line Press or Amazon.com.  Thank you for your supportiveness.

OTHER STORIES AND POEMS PUBLISHED IN 2013-NOW

• Several poems in San Gabriel Valley Poets Quarterly; the Journal of Modern Poetry; and  If & When Literary Journal.
• Stories in If & When Literary Journal.
• A story in Acentos Literary Review.
• Other authors' book reviews.

Looking Ahead in 2014

• Promotion of my new book, Rising, Falling, All of Us, will take up most of my year, including readings, participation in literary events, and classroom visitations. 
• My work as a new Poet Laureate in California will also keep me busy, with promoting of regional poets in different literary events I'll design, coordinate, and host. I'm especially excited about meeting new poets and working with them and will be happily collaborating with different poets I know in accomplishing these goals.
• In my work as an editor and writing consultant with my business, The Writing Pros, I'll be working with different authors in publishing their books. This is also an exciting venture for me, as my greatest joy in my company is helping others accomplish their dreams.

UNTIL NEXT TIME...KEEP WRITING AND STAY IN THE COMMUNICATION LOOP WITH AUTHORS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. BEST WISHES TO YOU!

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