Atena’s First Solo Collection

This has been a good year for Atena the Writer.

Last winter, I made a commitment to myself that I would start publishing my poetry, and dove deep into writing routines, finding my writing community, getting into workshops and being a more rigorous reader and writer. Since I made the decision to publish, I have gotten published in a zine, a blog and 2 printed anthologies, and have been invited to read poetry at some events. Super pleased with all of that!

I am especially pleased to announce that I was invited in August to sign a contract for my first solo book, set to be released in 2022! This is a big deal for me as a writer, as a parent reclaiming my creative life, as an artist whose bill-paying work is different than my creative work (and honestly… as a gifted program escapee who is still unloading the weight of so many unmet expectations…) - this feels good. And it feels good that the book isn’t the source of the goodness - it’s icing. What I’m loving is creating on my own terms, and developing my craft, and learning about what I do and do not want to focus on as an artist. I’m stunningly fortunate, and equally grateful.

So, more on that as details emerge… When there’s a title and a release date and a cover pic to share, I promise you’ll see them here. Until then…

In hope and solidarity,

Atena