ExcitING NEWS and UPCOMING EVENTS

Happy Summer Solstice! A lot has happened since I published my book. Not only have I been sharing my memoir but also living through difficult times. More material for poetry. LOL! Last Father's Day, I fell out of my wheelchair and dislocated my right shoulder. I ended up with a paralyzed delta nerve, torn rotator cuff, chipped humerus, and unable to move my right arm.  Unable to be independent, I had an aide for 24/7 for about six months, needed to use a Hoyer lift for transfers, and couldn't drive my van. Fortunately, a year later, I'm almost 100 percent better. The human body is amazing. Thank you to all who helped me through such a difficult time and supported me in getting to the events listed below. 

PAST EVENTS
I had a wonderful book launch at MoCA of Westport last September. Family, friends, classmates, and colleagues came! Some people I hadn't seen in thirty years. My sisters provided delicious food, music, and homegrown flowers. If you'd like to hear my talk, click here: Mary Keating Book Launch Party

Barrett Bookstore, the oldest independent bookstore in CT, hosted "In Conversation with Mary Keating and Dr. Karen Shields," where we discussed the healing power of poetry. Thank you to everyone at this wonderful store, especially Craig Kennedy! We had a great turnout. I not only sold books, but greeting cards I made using my book's illustrations. Who knew. You can check excerpts of the talk on my YouTube channel: Mary Keating - YouTube

Jed Dougherty interviewed me on the Connecticut Book Festival Podcast. What an engaging person he is! You can find my interview as well as those of other local authors at this channel: 
Recalibrating Gravity, The Inspiring Story of Mary Keating-Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast

Last month I was delighted to be a guest at the Yale Club in NYC for their Tea & Talk. Bestselling author, Lauren Willig interviewed me. She's not only a Yale graduate but has her JD from Harvard. She kept me on my toes so to speak and started a lively conversation with an intimate group of participants. Check out her historical fiction books.

The lovely librarian, Cynde Lahey, at the Norwalk Library invited me to be the featured author at one of their Author Speaks. I was surprised to find my GP of thirty years ago was there, along with one of my Yale Law classmates, and a new author friend from CT Book Festivals. It was the first time I had an hour and a half to speak, followed by a Q & A.  It was a great opportunity to share my life without feeling rushed.  Thank you Cynde! 

UPCOMING EVENTS
I'll be at Westbrook Outlets along with 49 other authors at Connecticut Book Festivals Summer event on July 5 between 11-4. Not only will you be able to meet local authors and support them, but there will be music, food trucks, art, and shopping. Hope to see you there. (5) Connecticut Book Festivals is at the Westbrook Outlets Summer Food, Art, and Music Festivsl | Facebook

I'm thrilled that I am one of three poets chosen for RJ Julia Bookseller's Local Author Poetry Event at their Wesleyan store on July 9th at 5PM.  Poets Sandra Yannone ("The Glass Studio") and Nancy Gerber ("Language Like Water") will share their poetry along with me. Sign up now for some great poetry at a wonderful bookstore that supports local authors and diversity. This event is especially meaningful to me because it will be during Disability Pride Month. Local Author Series: Poetry | RJ Julia Booksellers

Finally, Norwalk Public Library is hosting a Hot Summer Fun series. I'll be sharing my book on July 18 at noon along with other local authors. A light lunch will be served. Sign up for this event and for the others in the series.  Calendar • Hot, Fun Summer in Norwalk AuthorSpeak Bonanza Se

BOOK REVIEWS
I'm happy to report that "Recalibrating Gravity" is getting good reviews. It even caught the notice of a newspaper in Malaysia. Check some of them out here: 
Book Trib: Disability Memoir Explores Life, Love and Human Experience Through Poetry | BookTrib.
Reader Views: “Recalibrating Gravity” by Mary Keating - Reader Views Book Reviews
The Star: US wheelchair user shares her journey through poetry | The Star

If you enjoyed my book, please give it five stars on Amazon or Goodreads. I hope to use the proceeds to help make the world more accessible for wheelchair users. 
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Let me know what you've been up to and please share the upcoming events with your contacts. Poetry is needed now more than ever. 

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