Traveling the River Turns Six Months Old

On May 2nd, Traveling the River Poems written by Hope Whitby and published by Life in 10 Minutes Press came to be. Valley Haggard and Elizabeth Ferris threw a beautiful launch party at Studio Two Three located in Scott’s Addition. It couldn’t have been any more perfect than it was, except my shoes, my shoes were ill-fitting, but otherwise, it was perfect. When I stood up to read that evening, I looked out and saw friends, family, co-workers, and lovers of poetry. For a moment, I was speechless. Here, I stood, a writer who once stopped believing in her writing and doubted her abilities, to a published writer who was reading poems about the places and people that molded her. I can’t thank Valley and Elizabeth enough for trusting me to author their first traditionally published book. The poems grew forth from Life in 10 Minutes writing sessions, from journals new and old, and forgotten but found scribbled upon scraps of paper and the back of few envelopes kept in storage boxes.

Since that night, I have had readings at a few public libraries, an independent bookstore, and to be a guest at the very book club I founded four years ago for local writers. It has been a wonderful journey so far, with many more stops scheduled along the way.

There are many, many people to thank. I’m afraid if I try to list them all I will leave someone out, but here are a few that I want to thank again: Valley Haggard, Elizabeth Ferris, Llewelyn Hensley, Claire Lewis, Rebecca Lovelace, Nadia Bukach, Tim McCready, Jewel Gregory, Lisa Mistry, Ashley Hawkins, Ron Smith, Patty Smith, Joanna Lee, Wendy DeGroat, Kristina Hamlett, Julie Turner, Bill Lohmann, and Bob Brown. That is the shortlist. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a student of some wonderful writing teachers at the Visual Arts Center, at Life in 10 Minutes, and the University of Richmond. A big thank you to my friends and family who’ve supported my writing journey and another big thank you to everyone who purchased my book. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Whew! I finally made my first journal post for this website. My plans are to post weekly. A fun fact about me: I name my earrings. Earrings are my favorite pieces of jewlery. I own one of a kind pieces, vintage pieces, and works of art given by friends.

Today’s earrings: Traveling the River - a gift from of a co-worker - vintage Japanese