Welcome to a new item on the Write Out Loud home page that is aimed at celebrating regular users of this site who have made it into print.  It reflects the fact that we can’t undertake to review the work of every Write Out Loud poet – but we’re very happy to help spread the word about publications as and when they come out. Here’s news of one such publication by Keith Jeffries, from fellow Write Out Loud regular Jon Darby:

“I was so excited to receive my copy of Solitary Reflections in the post just last week. It looks and feels like a premium title that would sit comfortably in any bookshop. Keith Jeffries, the author, is a prolific poet on Write Out Loud which is where I first discovered his work, his friendship and his invaluable comments on my own and others’ poetry.

Keith’s writing echoes his fascinating worldwide travels and a career that has seen him serve in both the armed forces and as an ordained priest in the Anglican church. This book covers big life themes such as war (the stunning ‘Shot’ on page 41 is a standout for me), Religion/faith (page 62’s wonderful ‘C of E’ which is thoughtful, humorous and irreverent) and Sexuality (‘Faces in Shadows’, page 167, a fascinating account of a time before legislation, when gay life had to be lived secretly.)

Many other topics are covered, too many to mention individually, but Solitary Reflections is essentially a blunt, humorous, thoughtful and intelligent collection of fine poetry. There are six short stories to finish off, my favourite being the beautifully conveyed Dancing Classes.

Treat yourself, a loved one or a friend to a copy. I already have. The book is available from Feedaread.com at £9.99 plus p&p.”

VETERAN Write Out Loud contributor Ken Eaton-Dykes reminds us that his 2016 publication, Now I Know Where I’m @, is still available. He says: “I’ve been a contributor to WOL for some years now, and in November 2016 I published a quite lengthy, eclectic mix of my work comprised of 70 or so unenigmatic pieces, all with a varying degree of profundity. What I would describe as “Naïve  Folk”, scattered with the odd expletive (In context of course) and obviously not open to interpretation other than the obvious.” You can get hold of Ken’s book here

If you’re a regular Write Out Loud user and have published a book that you think deserves a mention, do get in touch via news@writeoutloud.net