A handwritten letter on lined paper with black ink, containing text about personal feelings and reflections.

A typewritten message on paper that says, 'in this moment, we are infinite.'

2023 Donna Lynne Quille Award Winner

inkwells.

she was not birthed; she was forged. she climbed the tower of her shattered remnants and piece by piece, she reinvented. society taught her to think in black and white; the universe taught her to dream in color. she doesn't need air; she needs to want to breathe. and this is her placing her soul in your hands. this is her realizing she may be a single tree in this world of wilderness, but she is mighty green indeed.

this is inkwells.

wipe your feet off at the door.

chapter one starts here

The Collection

A handwritten page of notes or a letter with some words crossed out and scribbled over. The date 6/8/20 is visible in the top right corner.

A black and white photograph of a back cover from a book showing a poem and an abstract black and white photograph at the top.

Handwritten notes on a spiral-bound notebook page, with visible lines and punched holes along the right side, containing personal reflections and emotional expressions.

Handwritten note on lined paper, with some ink smudges and a few crossed-out words.

A collection of several white booklets with the title 'inkwells.' and the author 'margaret beaver' printed in black. Some booklets are partially covered, and one of the booklets shows a black and white photograph of plants or branches on the cover.

Close-up of a printed poem titled 'fishbowl' on a white sheet of paper.

“This collection seeks to bring understanding and knowledge to a society that struggles to comprehend mental illness by highlighting my personal journey through depression, anxiety, and other mental ailments. Through poignant verse, I hope to open the minds of others, helping them to view mental illness not as a stigma but as something that can and should be understood and even embraced. With this collection, I believe we can build a more knowledgeable and compassionate society.”

Kind Words from Kind People

Charlotte Glass, author of the "Allison Cassidy" Romance Series

"Magnificent, disturbing, and eloquent. . . inkwells. becomes not just a journey through mental anguish, but a rediscovery of the value of words to explain ourselves to ourselves, to give language to a state of being that is not translatable for all of us. . . She is talking to us through images made of words, materializing on the page as a separate but related link to her thoughts, to either the power or disempowerment of her language. . . It was a labor, a deliberate and slow translation of the heart and soul to the page."
Monika Singla, Goodreads

"After having bad mental health for the past one year, I know how dark dark times could be. But luckily I survived that time just the way Margaret had. One could survive their dark time. Just stick to seeing yourself healed. . . . In this book, the author has used blunt language and raw emotions. This book would take readers on a rollercoaster ride of a mental health journey. The readers would get a sneak peak into the mind of someone who had a bad mental health and is recovered now. I admire the author for sharing her journey with us. This book is a guiding light that gives a valuable message to the readers that 'we will overcome.'"
Sassy Reviews, Goodreads

"The author's words are raw and she has written poems describing her feelings and dark times. At the same time, the author is telling readers not to give up in their dark times as the path is full of light ahead. . . . I want to recommend this book to avid poetry readers so they could connect to the author's words well. Since, in this book, the author has poured her thoughts the way we dip our ink in the pot, I appreciate the author's choice of title. Poetry readers could read this book in two sittings. Add it to your TBR now."
Celia C., Reedsy

"This collection of poems is extremely touching—because of the themes it explores, of course, but also thanks to the poet's skillful writing. Margaret Beaver describes sorrow with preciseness, and the metaphors, particularly, are top-notch. The use of strong imagery and solid comparisons are what make the text so poignant. . . . Margaret Beaver's poetry can also sound effortless while being extremely ingenious, and some lines are truly breathtaking."

A Little Extra Info

inkwells. is 190 pages.
inkwells. contains themes and depictions of abuse, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and suicidal thoughts. Please proceed with caution.
inkwells. has the following dimensions: 6.14 x 0.52 x 9.21 inches
inkwells. was published by Pegasus Publishers on June 30, 2022.