top of page
Kara E. Simmers

My First Published Essays

Updated: Aug 22, 2020

I became a published songwriter in 2015, but until this past June, I'd never had any of my prose writing published. Then, I was fortunate to have two of my personal essays accepted for publication in Centered: The magazine of personal stories. Even better, I was also offered the position of managing editor for the publication. I am honored to have my essays included in this magazine amongst the incredible work of so many talented writers.

Glacier in Taku River Tlingit First Nation Territory
Taku River Tlingit First Nation Territory, west of T’ooch’ Áayi (copyright 2018, Kara E. Simmers)

The Stories Behind the Essays

My first personal essay discussed the way I dealt with my chronic health issues while on an ATV tour last year through the Taku River Tlingit First Nation territory (in British Columbia, Canada). I felt that the best way to tell this true story was by describing myself as a steampunk vampire, which I am :-)


My second personal essay recounted my thoughts at a pivotal moment during my 2016 visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. The entire experience was intense and has had a lasting impact on me (as it should).


I started writing "The Unknown That Awaits" (the first essay) a year ago in July 2018, almost as soon as I returned from my trip. My instructor in my writing workshop (and founder of Centered magazine) encouraged me to share my experiences. I will always be grateful to her for this gentle and beautiful support. The piece went through many revisions, and I learned a lot about the devotion to the process of writing.


"Take the Photograph" poured out of me after I heard Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and Anne Frank's stepsister, speak at an October 2018 event in Connecticut shortly after the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.


I have a lot more to tell about writing both of these pieces. I promise to share more in future posts. Thanks for reading!


59 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page