Eric Lawson Shares His Poetic Journey in North Augusta

News Summary

North Augusta welcomes local author Eric Lawson as he unveils his latest poetry collection, ‘Leaving Long Beach’. The 60-page book provides a raw depiction of Lawson’s personal experiences with homelessness, showcasing the struggles and recovery he faced. Published by Edgar and Lenore’s Publishing House, the book has garnered community attention and contributes to Family Promise, aiding homeless families in the area. Lawson’s engagement at local events further emphasizes his commitment to the arts and community support.

North Augusta Welcomes Eric Lawson’s Poetic Journey

North Augusta is buzzing with excitement as local author Eric Lawson unveils his latest creation, a captivating poetry collection titled Leaving Long Beach. This collection serves as a window into Lawson’s personal experiences with homelessness, offering a raw and heartfelt look at the struggles and recovery he faced during his time in Southern California.

A Bittersweet Survival Guide

Clocking in at an engaging 60 pages, Leaving Long Beach is more than just a book of poems; it’s described as a bittersweet survival guide. Lawson’s journey began in 2002 when he moved from his hometown of Kent, Ohio, to the sunny shores of California, driven by his passion for creative writing and acting. His narrative is not just artistic; it’s filled with authentic emotion and life lessons, reflecting the tough realities of homelessness in the Los Angeles area.

Publishing Process and Support

Published by Edgar and Lenore’s Publishing House, the book features the editing expertise of Apryl Skies and eye-catching cover art by Billy Burgos. A thought-provoking foreword penned by Amelie Frank sets the stage for what readers can expect. The book officially became available on September 24, 2024, and is already garnering attention from the community.

The journey to bring this collection to life wasn’t a walk in the park. The promotional efforts faced a significant hurdle with the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc across the Aiken-Augusta area. This setback could have dampened spirits, but the community’s resilience shone through.

Community Presence and Support for the Cause

To showcase his work, Lawson took part in an open-mic session aptly named Art of Words, hosted at the Aiken County Public Library. Here, he shared selected poems from his collection, striking a chord with attendees. Lawson’s engagement with the library doesn’t stop there; he has been actively involved in monthly performances, cultivating a sense of community around the arts.

For those interested in embarking on their own poetic journey alongside Lawson, Leaving Long Beach is available at the Aiken County Public Library and also on Amazon. Each copy sold is not just a step into the world of poetry; it also supports a noble cause. Lawson has pledged that for every book sold, $1 will be donated to Family Promise, an organization dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness in the Aiken area.

Life Beyond Poetry

Vocationally, Lawson balances his time between various roles, including screenwriting, administrative work, and temporary jobs. In addition, he has a creative side that shines through his YouTube videos, under the theme Make Your Own Fun, encouraging viewers to embrace creativity in life.

With Leaving Long Beach, Eric Lawson has provided readers with a deeper understanding of homelessness while sharing a piece of his heart on the page. His belief that this collection is his most serious work to date is evident as he weaves together the threads of his experiences, aspirations, and artistic expression.

As North Augusta continues to support its local talents, Lawson’s journey serves as a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from life’s struggles and the importance of community in healing and growth. So, why not grab a copy of Leaving Long Beach and join Lawson in this profound exploration of life through poetry?

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Eric Lawson’s Poetic Journey
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• Gainesville: Florida Medical Center Expansion
• Google Search: Poetry Community
• Augusta Chronicle: Law Enforcement Tool
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Poetry
• Post and Courier: Jessica Lawson Scholarship
• Google News: Community Events