Stu Butcher
Tribune Editor
When Dwain Heilig published his first book of poetry, he titled it “uniVERSE.”
“It covers a broad spectrum of things,” said the Chanute resident who moved here fulltime in 1999. “It’s universal stuff, not one topic — there are a lot of different topics. I’m hoping there’s a little something for everybody.”
Heilig called his book of 50 poems “a slim volume of poetry.”
He had previously had a couple of pieces published and in September met up with Publish America on the Internet.
The company accepted his manuscript and sent him a small advance.
The book was completed in January and was put on sale this month. It can be purchased by going to
www.publishamerica.net/product89223.html
The website describes the book as “a poetic journey into the mind of a modern poet. ... Explore visions and dreams of splendor and despair. Travel the twisted roads of poetic emotion. ... Enjoy your visit to the bizarre and enlightening world of uniVERSE: A Collection of Poetry.”
The author won’t know from the publisher how many copies have been sold until August.
“I know I’ve sold one, the library bought a copy,” Heilig said with a laugh.
Some characterize his work as dark poetry, but he doesn’t agree.
“I simply write my feelings and emotions,” Heilig said. “Some of my work is inspired by my own life. My dream is that people will read my work and be inspired and spiritually uplifted.”
He said his favorite authors are Stan Rice and
Sylvia Plath.
“There is a lot of dark, mature, not happy poetry, ” Heilig said of his writings, “but people read my work and enjoy it. I’ve had a lot of positive responses.”
He noted his poems of about 20 lines do not have to rhyme.
“There’s a certain flow, a certain feeling. There’s been a few accidental rhymes.”
Heilig, who is currently laid off from Hi-Lo Industries, has two more books done and is working on a fourth.
“I want to see how this one does with this publisher,” he said.
Meanwhile, he tries to write one or two poems a day.
“Poetry seems to work for me,” Heilig said.
