Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Love Poems for Cannibals” is my first volume of poetry. I am also the author of a drama, “The Private and Public Life of King Able,” which will be published later in 2013. My poetry has been published in 23 literary journals.
I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. I was educated at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Oklahoma. I spent three years as a Navy clinical psychologist with a year in Vietnam (July 1967 – July 1968). Since that time I have worked as a school psychologist and licensed mental health counselor in the USA and overseas, until my retirement in 2006. I am a credentialed school psychologist in the states of California and Washington, and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. I live with my wife Kemme in Sahuarita, AZ. We have two grown children, Anne-Elise and Michael.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest and only published book is “Love Poems for Cannibals.”
The comedy, tragedy, absurdity and beauty of life inspired me to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My poetry evolved from notebooks kept on daily observations, and a collection of sentences that struck me with their beauty and surprise.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The tragedies of William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett have been most influential.
What are you working on now?
Publishing my play, “The Private and Public Life of King Able,” and writing a novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: http://raymondkeen.com/
and the LinkedIn website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rayboykeendapoet
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself, and write. Critique of your writing comes later — after you have freely set down what is on your mind and in your heart.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Think before you speak, and then be as calmly honest as possible.
What are you reading now?
“REMF Diary” by David A. Willson
“Waking Up Naked: A Memoir” by Grant Handgis
“Truce” by Saïdeh Pakravan
“The Poetry of Robert Frost” edited by Edward Connery Lathem
“The Kooks, the Nuts, & the Crazy: A Collection of Short Stories” by Steven Hough
“Around the Sun Without a Sail – Poems” by Richard Fenwick
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish my play, “The Private and Public Life of King Able.” Then, hopefully, begin and complete a novel.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
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