This original book collects poems and stories about being a poet, stories we rarely tell each other. These stories express the life of a poem from initial experience to artistic conception to finally, a "home"-printed in a literary journal or a book, illuminated on a web page, presented in an art exhibit, or residing in a reader's heart. Through her often wry and always captivating narrations, Patricia Williams guides readers through a tour of each poem's publication history. I would recommend this book to any person, young or old, who wishes to be a published poet but needs a model and the courage to persist. -Angela Williamson Emmert, MFA, Adjunct Faculty, University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley

In this collection of poems and mini-essays, Patricia Williams documents her journey from finished piece to rejection and finally acceptance. What I find most interesting are her reflections on this voyage, her thoughts and revelations that come as a result. The book is eminently readable. I sat down to read it and couldn't put it down. There is a lot to learn about persistence and the notion that there may be a home for your poem even if many doors to publication seem to be closed. Three things to remember after reading this book: every editor has his or her own taste, every editor is human, and Poet, don't ever give up!

-Karla Huston, Wisconsin Poet Laureate emerita, author of Ripple, Scar, and Story

This book is a must-have motivator for any poet who's ever received a rejection letter. Pat's submission experiences are written testimony that persistence is not an afterthought. It is an essential part of the process for every poet who expects to be successfully published. Take it from an experienced professional-this works.

-Joe Jones, publisher emeritus, JP Media, LLC