As of midnight, Eating the Heart First is one year old. What a year this has been. So many new, thrilling experiences and great and grand life changes. I have met many new friends at readings and events, and have deepened existing friendships with those around me who have celebrated this achievement I dreamed of for years, perhaps since childhood, of being the author of a book. I worked hard for this and the reward has been the pleasure of knowing that my words affect people, that I have moved people with this demanding and mysterious craft of poetry. I have many people to thank for the love and support shown to me, so many that I cannot list them all without running off of the computer screen. I am saying your names out loud as I type and each name has a piece of my heart.

Love, Clare