Happy MAY !

Dear Diana,

"Love may be the matter that keeps the stars in the firmament. It may be. Love allows you to be tough and tender."

~Maya Angelou

There are three things that come to mind when I think of the month of May. First, it's my birthday month and since I was born on Mother's Day, I cannot help but also think of that holiday. I also think of cherry blossom season. We had a beautiful cherry blossom tree on our front lawn when I was growing up. I have such fond memories of sitting amongst the soft pink carpet made by its beautiful petals. I invite you to click on the link below to read my poem below, "Pink Blanket," in which I share those wonderful memories. I also often reminisce about my trip to Japan. We returned home just before the recent pandemic. We were blessed to have visited during cherry blossom season. What a feast for the eyes! The trees were blossoming everywhere.

It's been a busy few months for me, personally and professionally and I'm happy to announce my latest creative endeavor, Women in a Golden State, an anthology of poems and short prose by California women writers over 60. It was a labor of love with my friend and colleague, Chryss Yost. I hope you will buy a copy for yourself and also one for someone you love. The details are below.

https://www.dianaraab.com

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!!

My new book, a collaboration with my co-editor, Chryss Yost, will be released before Mother's Day and would make a great gift.

It's called: Women in a Golden State: California Poets at 60 and Beyond (Gunpowder Press, May 2025)

The volume captures the diverse voices and experiences of women from across the state, highlighting the rich and varied lives and perspectives of older writers, proving that age is no barrier to achievement, creativity, or relevance. The collection examines the mythology and reality of being a woman of a certain age (especially in youth-obsessed California), inviting its readers to reconsider aging not as an end, but as an ongoing journey filled with beauty, strength, and boundless possibilities.

About the Editors

Diana Raab, PhD., is an award-winning author of 14 books, and her articles and poems have been published and anthologized worldwide. She’s the editor of two previous anthologies, Writers on the Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency, and Writers and Their Notebooks.

Chryss Yost, PhD., is the co-editor of Gunpowder Press, which publishes the Shoreline Voices series of which this release is a part. She has co-edited many anthologies, including California Poetry: From the Gold Rush to the Present and Poetry Daily: A Year of Poems for the World’s Most Popular Poetry Website.

To order click here NOW to receive in time for Mother's Day!

MAY Writing Prompts

Write about your relationship with your mother
Write about a special grandmother.
Write about your favorite book written by a woman.
Write about why you're grateful for the women in your life.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED WORKS

“The Lost Art of Writing Letters.” (essay) Thorn & Bloom. March 2025.

“I Want to Write a Poem to Celebrate,” “Kindred Spirits,” “Message to My Body,” and “Saturned.” (poems) All the Women Came and Sang: Anthology. March 2025.

"3 Haikus." Feed the Holy. (poems). April 2, 2025.

"The Art of Spring Writing." (article) The Good Men Project. April 3, 2025.

"Yes, You Can Write Poetry." (article) Sixty and Me. April 6, 2025.

"Celebrating National Poetry Month." (article) Medium. April 7, 2025.

“Ant March.” (poem) Penstricken. April 17, 2025.

“Pink Blanket.” (poem) Remington Review. Spring 2025.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

June 19-22, 2025

Santa Barbara Writers Fest

"The Memoir Writing Journey"

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Private residence in Santa Barbara, CA

******

June 22, 2025

6:30 p.m.

Chaucer's Books

Santa Barbara, California

Women in a Golden State

Book reading with 6-10 poets

Check here for details

RECOMMENDED BOOK

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad (nonfiction)

For a number of months now, I kept noticing Jaouad’s name coming across my desk or I’d read about her in an article or email. Part of the reason was that her husband, Jon Baptiste, performed in my hometown not too long ago. I took all these times Jaouad’s name had been mentioned to me as a message to read her latest book which was released on April 22nd. Despite the difference in our ages, the subjects of our writing frequently overlap. Like me, she's not only been a lifelong journal keeper, but she's also survived cancer three times which is astonishing for someone who is exactly half my age.

She is certainly a survivor and an inspiration to all of us. Like me, journaling has been her guiding light and lifeline, and she generously shares her passion with the reader. Her introduction to journaling in the first part of the book will resonate with all those who think beginning a journal writing practice may be beneficial for them, and it will also help those who need inspiration to continue journaling.

The rest of the book is a collection of essays by about 100 writers, artists, and thinkers on how to lead an inspired life. This book is a helpful companion and support system for those of us enduring challenging times. Also, it’s a wonderful Mother's Day gift.