Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

New poem book honors Challenger 7

Every year on the anniversary of the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, Raleigh's Alice Osborn takes a few moments to think about the seven astronauts who lost their lives.

To help others remember the tragedy, she is launching her second book of poetry, "Unfinished Projects," on Friday - the 25th anniversary of the accident - and has dedicated the opening poem, "Challenger 7", to the astronauts.

"It has been a long time since the Challenger explosion and a lot has happened," Osborn said. "I want people to not forget the astronauts because that would be even a worse tragedy."

"Unfinished Projects" is a collection of poetry that revolves around the interior or exterior of a home. Osborn said she chose houses and home improvement projects as a theme because so much of our identity is wrapped up in the place where we grew up.

When she was growing up, she was very interested in houses and often thinks about the two houses she grew up in.

"So much of our triumphs and tragedy take place in our house," Osborn said.

She chose the title for the book because life is an unfinished project because everyone gets the chance to improve ourselves.

Along with pursing her own writing, Osborn's passion is helping other writers. In addition to writing poetry and doing corporate writing, Osborn teaches memoir writing, poetry and blogging classes to both beginning and experienced writers and offers paid mentoring to writers who want to get published. She volunteers as the regional representative for the N.C. Writers Network and works to bring writers and readers together by hosting a book club for writers and a monthly open mic night.

Patti M. Zordich, a licensed psychologist in the Triangle, has used Osborn's mentoring and editing services over the past year and said the feedback and encouragement from Osborn has been invaluable during the writing process. Osborn also is helping Zordich during the publishing and network phases of her book.

"Since I had never written a book before, I didn't see myself as an author, but Alice helped me see myself as a real writer," Zordich said.

One of Osborn's favorite projects is working with fourth-graders as part of the United Arts of Wake County Writers in the Schools program.

"I love helping young people learn to write and encouraging them that every voice matters," Osborn said.

Osborn, who has two children, left her retail career eight years ago and began pursuing a career as a writer. She encourages others who want to make a living by writing to reach out of their comfort zone, take classes and look for opportunities in the community. Osborn said the advice she has received from her mentors, Sally Buckner and Sally Claytor, has been invaluable and recommends that all writers have a mentor.

"If you want to be a writer, stop saying you want to be a writer and do something about it," Osborn said. "You can make a living using your creativity and your words."

The "Unfinished Projects" book launch will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Storytellers Bookstore in Wake Forest. Osborn will read her work at the event and has invited other local authors to read as well. After the readings, the public is invited to participate in an open mic night and can sign up to read at the event.