Back in November 2023, I was privileged to have been asked to participate in a spoken word event in WATERSTONES, Ayr, in celebration of St. Andrew’s Night, in celebrated company. Afterwards, and after similar events, I found myself being asked by audience members if my poetry was available to read in print. The answer was ‘ no’, for although I have had works published online and within anthologies, I did not have a collection of my work available. It was then that I resolved to rectify this.

And then, as it does, my personal life intervened, limiting my time for focusing on such a project. One year later and yet again, I decided to explore the idea.

Finally, the idea has become a reality. Having decided to self-publish, I began to explore how to go about it, and ultimately found excellent support and encouragement from Jeff Whittle at Ayr’s Minuteman Press, in Ayr. He gently guided this novice through the process, bringing my dream to life. Also instrumental in the accomplishment of the project, was the artistic expertise of my daughter, Lizzie who, despite experiencing the trials of new motherhood at the time, provided me with a perfect cover design.

To everyone who supported and encouraged me to do this, I express my deepest gratitude.