When Miranda Gray, two-year Memphis resident, took a trip toSeattle to read her poetry, she had no idea she would becomeinvolved with "The Survivor Project: Poems and Stories from FemaleAbuse Survivors."
Gray went to Seattle to read as a featured poet, when editorTammy Kaiser liked her work and asked her to contribute to theproject.
According to Gray, Kaiser felt that her poems would fit nicelyinto the theme of overcoming.
"I was just in the right place at the right time," Graysaid.
According to Gray, she sent in her work, but had no idea theSurvivor Project would be a nationally released book.
"When she first started talking about it, I thought it would bethis little local thing," Gray said.
Most of the authors are from Seattle.
"I sent some stuff in and didn't hear from her for a year," Graysaid. "Of course, I didn't realize it was an actual book. It's whatevery poet dreams of."
Gray contributed five poems: "Bees," "Revolution Poem," Why IWrite," "Breaking the Silence" and "Bamboo Poem."
Gray works at St. Jude Children's Hospital, but said she was soencouraged by being published in the book that she is writingmore.
"I was so proud to be part of this book and to able to helppeople through my work," she said.
Proceeds from the non-profit book go to support victims of abuseand violence.
