While there is nothing like the feel of your freshly printed first book in your hands, the fourth one feels pretty good, too—especially when your books are only coming at the rate of one every six years. Combine the tactile sensation of “new book in hands” with “first official reading before a live audience” and you get a sort of double-high feeling of exhilaration. That’s how it felt for me at the private release of my new collection, Letters to Karen Carpenter and Other Poems, where I read for good friends in the home of good friends—people who have supported me and encouraged my literary work over many years.
In case you’re wondering, there were no butterflies in the stomach. I felt very comfortable with the audience, with good cause. Everyone was friendly and familiar. Our hosts, James and Anne Kaylor, provided a warm, inviting space, and everyone present checked one or more of the following boxes: Helped me revise poems. Gave me advice. Listened to my advice on their poems. Rejected my poems. Accepted my poems. Published my poems. Served as a mentor to me. Published my reviews. Reviewed or wrote a blurb for my books. Shared the stage with me. Bought my books. Sold me their books. Invited me to read at a poetry event. Introduced me to someone who helped me. Taught someone who taught me. Married, cooked for, or had intimate connections with one or more people who checked one or more of the above boxes.
I’m grateful to James and Anne for welcoming us into their home, to Scott Douglass and Irene Blair Honeycutt for taking photos throughout the event, and to all the folks who attended. I’m grateful to many others who couldn’t make it but continue to be stout friends and supporters. It’s an honor and a thrill to share these photos, so you can see for yourself what a wonderful time we had.
Many more readings are scheduled, and I’ll continue to add reading events to my “News and Events” page as opportunities arise. Thanks for visiting. I hope to see you again soon.
Richard paused to sign a book for long-time friend Irene Blair Honeycutt. Retired resident of Indian Trail, NC, Irene founded and, for many years, directed an annual literary festival at Central Piedmont Community College. (Photo by Scott)
A constellation of literary talent contained in one living room included poet and memoirist Justin Hunt of Charlotte, NC; Charlotte writer Maureen Ryan Griffin, and Charlotte Lit co-founders Paul Reali and Kathie Collins. (Photo by Irene)
Hosts James and Anne Kaylor, of Harrisburg, NC, applaud Richard’s reading. Anne, writer and editor, runs Moonshine Review Press and publishes the prose journal moonShine review and the poetry and art anthology Kakalak. James, a retired program manager, is now an editor alongside Anne. (Photo by Scott)
Retired from his printing career, Richard Griffin accompanied his wife Maureen Ryan Griffin, a multi-genre writer, professional editor, and workshop leader whom the other Richard [Taylor] regards as his “first real poetry teacher.” (Photo by Irene)
M. Scott Douglass, poet, editor, and proprietor of Main Street Rag Publishing Company, volunteered as photographer at Richard’s book launch party. (Photo by Irene)
Retired college professors and poets Joyce and Les Brown of Troutman, NC, and Rock Hill, SC, poet and artist Julie Ann Cook occupy the best seats in the house. (Photo by Scott)
From their vantage point, Leslie Rupracht—poet, editor, and host of the monthly Waterbean Poetry Night at the Mic in Huntersville, NC—and husband Will Weaver listen attentively to Richard’s reading. (Photo by Scott)
Richard Allen Taylor comments on one of his poems in Letters at his release party held October 22, 2023. (Photo by Scott)
Richard signs a bookfor fellow poet Lynn Stanton, of Forest City, NC. A long-time friend, Lynn makes a cameo appearance in Richard’s poem “Our Eating Disorders” as “my friend, a therapist.” (Photo by Scott)
Winning combinations most certainly include good friends and good food. David Radavich—poet and past president, North Carolina Poetry Society (left)—and his wife Anne Zahlan (far right) join John Amen—poet and Pedestal Magazine editor—and his wife Thia Powers. (Photo by Irene)
Richard Allen Taylor, Poet 