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Chapbook was a term I hadn’t seen before – and perhaps why Livermore author Patricia J. Boyle’s press release caught my eye as I was scanning through backlogged emails earlier this winter.
The format of her debut poetry showcase, “response”, Boyle explained that a chapbook is more like a small booklet on the range of 20 to 40 pages typically.
“They originated in Europe in the 16th century as small books sold by ‘chapmen’ and might include songs, poems, essays or short stories,” she told me Tuesday. “Contemporary chapbooks are commonly poetry collections, many times introducing an emerging poet. An established poet may also publish chapbooks, often on a particular theme.”
I know Boyle’s name well – and you might too – from her days as president of the Tri-Valley Writers and from penning press releases and articles about the Livermore-Amador Symphony. She also published the young adult fantasy novel “Traitor in the Realm” in 2021.
Although she dabbled in poetry, “response” is her first printed collection.
“The poems in ‘response’ illustrate my wonder and gratitude for the world,” said Boyle, a former research meteorologist and retired teacher.
“The inspiration,” she told me, “comes from my love of nature, curiosity about the world around me, and scientific training in observation. Some of the poems arose from memories of my time growing up in upstate New York, others from more recent experiences in California and other locations.”
“We’re surrounded by beauty and incredible natural phenomena, but it often escapes our notice,” Boyle added. “The book is a small retreat from the busyness of daily life, an invitation to observe our surroundings and ponder the meanings even small details may hold for us.”
The chapbook framework was ideal to introduce her poems to a larger audience.
“I often get ideas for poems at night. I’ll jot ideas or scraps of poems on my phone’s notes app when they occur to me,” Boyle said. “I may revise a poem 10 or 20 times or more before I’m satisfied with it. Some spring to life nearly fully formed, while others take a lot of effort before they express clearly what I want to say.”
Her “response” was released by Finishing Line Press on Sept. 19, available for purchase on the publisher’s website, online with Amazon and via select retailers like Towne Center Books.
In the press release, Livermore poet laureate Peggy Schimmelman lauded the chapbook as “a tapestry of nostalgic reflections, keen observations and delightful flashes of insight. Throughout, we are immersed in the poet’s profound wonder and appreciation for both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of our world and the creatures who inhabit it.”
“response” is far from the only Tri-Valley book profile on our radar.
I have a story coming soon about “On the Brink”, the follow-up nuclear forensics thriller by Pleasanton resident Sidney Niemeyer. He reached out to me after reading my feature on T.D. Severin’s debut thriller, “Deadly Vision”, in December.
San Ramon’s Gregory Le Sage released his second novel, “Cassandra Omen”, not long ago. Local historian and longtime public servant Beverly Lane recently celebrated the publication of her book, “Danville: Heart of the San Ramon Valley”.
I need to check in with Dublin’s Michelle Smith, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and lauded sportswriter, about her new biography on a legendary coach – “Life’s Work: How Tara VanDerveer and Stanford Women’s Basketball Changed the Sport”.
And I’m long overdue on touching base with Pleasanton’s Sean Kullman about the book he co-authored last year, “Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development”.
Surely these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to books by current or former Tri-Valley residents. If we’re missing one that caught your eye, please let me know.
Supporting writers is critical for the future within our present media landscape. The Tri-Valley Branch of the California Writers Club, which Boyle speaks so highly of, is trying to do its part this winter.
The organization is accepting submissions for its 15th annual High School Writing Contest, encouraging teens in ninth through 12th grades in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon or Danville to offer up their poems, short stories and nonfiction writings (essays, memoirs, etc.), with cash prizes available for top finishers in each category.
“Unlike many competitions, this local initiative offers a rare benefit: all valid entries will receive personal, constructive feedback from the panel of professional judges,” club officials said.
There is no cost to enter. Submissions are due by March 22. Learn more at trivalleywriters.org.
The club is also hosting its “Writing, Sharing and Networking” event on Feb. 21. “Bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun,” Tri-Valley Writers stated.
Until then (and after), keep writing and keep reading.
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the associate publisher and editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What a Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
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