Our first 2026 release, ‘Genomes and Lies’ by Heather Kays, will be available January 27th! Featuring white text on black pages, front cover designed by Beau Watkins, and blurbs on back by Michael Duckwall, Kevin Ridgeway, and Vaughn Ross.
Heather Kays’ heart is on display in ‘Genomes and Lies.’ In this collection, she explores the dark, personal slices of life that shape us human beings, things that some of us would lock away and choose not speak of. Heather conveys her truth bravely with unabashed honesty in an attempt to heal and break the chains of deep trauma and family struggles. Be prepared to shed a few tears as you walk with her through the process of healing and forgiveness.
—JDCIV, Cajun Mutt Press
“These black pages shine a light onto dark topics, most people shy away from, with its white words. As the poet shares her life’s journey which is a painfully beautiful progression from anguish to self healing, then finally release.”
—Michael E. Duckwall, author of ‘The Ramblings of a Recovering Poet’ & ‘7.2 SkullQuake’
“Heather Kays writes with pinpoint clarity on themes of generational trauma, and the powerful decision to break the cycle of abuse. The poems in this collection are beautifully spare, heartbreaking, and ultimately life affirming. Healing doesn’t end here, but it builds a nice, big fire with a chosen family around it, bringing out light in through the dark cracks of human experience.”
—Kevin Ridgeway, author of Death of the Coppertone Girl (Luchador Press)
“Genomes and Lies is about inheritance you never asked for. First-born duty. Family silence. Grief passed down like law. Love becomes obligation. Loyalty becomes a leash. Heather Kays writes in unmistakable realism. Bloodlines that bruise, loss that refuses to leave the room and the hard choices of what not to carry forward. This collection is truly for anyone who’s been holding someone else’s grief inside themselves and is finally ready to put it down.”
—Vaughn Ross, Crying Heart Press
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