THE BIRTH OF A POET
Expanding Life and Language

Dessa Reed discovered the art of poetry in 1997 during months of recovery from a near-fatal auto accident. She began writing down some of her deepest insights and found a creative voice that quickly turned into poetry. To improve her writing skills and learn the poetic craft of communication, Dessa has attended critique groups, workshops, and writing seminars ~ such as the Maui Writer's Conference and Indiana University Summer Program.

In 2000, her book THE BUTTERFLY TOUCH / Recovery Through Poetry was published telling of her remarkable healing and how learning to turn her feelings into poetry and creative prose was a life changing experience. It encourages others to find inspiration and confidence in their own self-expression. The book includes 61 of Dessa's early poems of love, humor, and insight. Her second book, SEVEN BRIDGES / Turning Adversity Into Victory was released in 2003. Its expanded focus on personal growth includes essays, narrative, and some of her later poems.

Dessa Reed devotes much of her time speaking at events sharing her encouraging story while providing helpful hints on how to find and record our inner voice. She feels that the appreciation and creativity of poetry improves our observation of the world around us as well as giving a proficiency in language and all communication skills. She has been featured poet at a number of poetry readings. Dessa has conducted regular writing workshops and for five years she was Poetry Editor and columnist for The Desert Woman magazine published monthly in Palm Springs, California. She has sponsored many poetry contests at local high schools to help young people learn how the art form of poetry can benefit their lives. One of the highlights of her new career was to visit China as a delegate for United Poets Laureate International in November, 2005. While there, Dessa lectured at a foreign language university in Beijing and to two high schools in Shanghai. She was impressed with Chinese student's eagerness to learn, love of poetry, and their respect for Americans. Dessa Reed has a lighthearted approach to her topics and shares helpful information in an entertaining presentation. She is available for one hour talks or two hour workshops. To find out Dessa's availability and fee schedule, contact her at Dessa@DessaReed.net