Linden Ponds Resident Produces Self-Published Poetry Book

Hingham, MA --  Renee Summers has done many things in her life.  She was a legal secretary, an author's assistant, she earned an associate's degree in gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, and then at age 58, she got a degree in business management from Leslie College. 

But she found her true passion, poetry writing, in the 1980's. 

"I started doing writing poetry to try something new," said Summers who lives at Linden Ponds retirement community.  "I would write about personal experiences or someone would suggest an idea, I always have something to write about."

Summers joined local poetry groups to share her work and hear feedback and soon after, some of her work was published in various newspapers and newsletters.  Then in 2006 her first self-published book was put together; If the Potters' Hands Shake.

"It took 12 years to happen but it was something I really wanted to do for my children and my grandchildren," said Summers.  "I worked with a publishing company out of Scituate and the poetry book can be found at local bookstores, online and poetry readings."

Three years ago, Summers moved to Linden Ponds with her husband from Scituate and began writing more poetry.  She has since put together another self-published book bring sold now in the Linden Ponds store, Memoir: The Sum of the Parts.

"This latest book took about three years to put together, said Summers.  "A friend I met here at Linden Ponds was a huge help in making this happen, I call her my book producer!   When we decided to have a poetry reading from my book here at Linden Ponds, 120 people showed up.  I was honored and touched by the support of my friends here at Linden Ponds."

When Summers isn't writing, she is involved in many activities at Linden Ponds including a Poetry Workshop class where she is the co-facilitator. 

"For an hour and ½  we meet twice a month to write poetry together," said Summers.  "Our club's saying is "come and listen if you like and join if you write!"  I am involved in a number of groups here at Linden Ponds allowing me collect wonderful ideas for new poems every day."

About Linden Ponds:

Linden Ponds is a vibrant continuing care retirement community managed by Erickson Living. The 108-acre campus in Hingham, Mass., is home to more than 1,200, who are enjoying life to the fullest.