OSCODA – Local author, artist and Oscoda Township Library Director Robin Savage will be holding her first book launch on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m., with a reading scheduled at 6:30 p.m. The book launch will take place in the banquet room at From Huron Out Pub located at 5661 F-41.
Savage independently published her book “Letters Unsent: A Memoir in Poetry” with the help of local author and publisher Vincent Moyet who founded VM Publications.
In her brutally honest and deeply personal debut poetry collection, Savage brings readers along on her journey from childhood, through puberty, depression and heartache to resilience. Each section of the book is punctuated with a letter from Savage to herself or those who had a major impact on her life.
In addition to writing the book, Savage also created the art pieces that mark each section of the book by becoming lighter and brighter.
Savage decided that she wanted to write a book at the age of 10. Almost 40 years later, when she decided she was ready and crossed paths with Moyet who had written and published a number of his own books.
Savage modeled her work after author and artist Sabrina Ward Harrison who published her journal entries and artwork together. Savage was introduced to Ward Harrison by fellow students while she was an undergraduate art student.
Savage described the process of writing the book as “grueling.” She spent the first two months pouring over the journals she has been keeping for as long as she can remember. Her journals included letters, poetry and prose. As she tore pages out of the journals, she wrote chapters one at a time and met with Moyet on a weekly basis to discuss edits.
Savage said it was “super scary” to show someone she didn’t know such personal aspects of her life which left her feeling vulnerable. She added that in the editing process she did leave out the most personal, visceral and raw material.
Before meeting Moyet, Savage had looked into self-publishing or publishing on Amazon, but found the process to be cost prohibitive. She described Moyet as gracious throughout the process.
The entire process of writing and publishing took nine months. Savage described the process as “an overwhelming task that almost seemed insurmountable.”
Savage said writing the book took a certain amount of bravery and she had to be at a point in her life where she could handle being so vulnerable.
“Having been in performing arts, nothing makes me nervous,” Savage said about the upcoming book launch. She did add that at a recent author meet and greet at the library she was surprised that she teared up during her reading.
The back section of the book provides the reader with several lined pages where they can write their own letter unsent.
Patrons who attend the book signing will receive one free adult beverage with every book sold. Books will be available for purchase for $15. Payments of cash, Venmo or Cash App will be accepted. Light appetizers will be provided at the event.
RSVPs for the event are required and need to be made prior to Oct. 31 by contacting Moyet via text at 989-884-9969 or email at [email protected].
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