Meet HER: Kristie Williams

Her meet Kristie L. Williams

PUBLISHES HER FIRST POETRY COLLECTION

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO

Kristie L. Williams’ forthcoming poetry chapbook, “Finding Her,” will be published through Finishing Line Press in August.

Williams started her writing journey to impress boys and found her true voice as a poet during her time at Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, where she earned an undergraduate degree in English and creative writing. It was in that space and time that the seeds for this collection were planted.

Williams went on to East Carolina University and received a master’s degree in adult education. She continued to share her love of words while teaching in the North Carolina Community College System.

After 12 years of teaching, she began using her own story of quadriplegia and cerebral palsy to advocate for herself and others with disabilities. She describes her work as disability adjacent because, although it shapes the context of her work, cerebral palsy does not overshadow the arc of her story.

It is in this new year that Williams believes she has unlocked the secret to her success as a woman. In the writing, editing, and soul sifting that birthed “Finding Her,” she discovered herself anew.

Williams credits three mentors and friends for their support in enabling her to curate this collection of poems. Poet Marty Silverthorne, a friend and mentor for 20 years before his death in 2019, encouraged new poems at every turn, even if they happened in the middle of a conversation. He will be honored on the collection’s dedication page.

Ronald H. Bayes, a professor at Saint Andrews Presbyterian College for more than 40 years before his death in December 2021, was the first to tell Kristie that that he saw a book in her future. Finally, Williams’ father, John, was her loudest cheerleader. Before he died in November 2021, he had previewed the entire chapbook.

Williams has been previously published by Main Street Rag, Dan River Review, Cairn, Maximum Tilt Solstice Anthology, Madness Muse Press, Hermit Feathers Review Heron Clan 8, and Nostos: Journal of Poetry, Fiction, and Art.

When she’s not playing with words, she is participating in adaptive recreation, creating mixed media art, reading and going to rock concerts. She will begin taking pre-sale orders the week of April 19.

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Her - Magazine March 2022