Local Author Warms Hearts and Mics For Many

By Patricia Hartman,

EIC of Midnight Garden Publishing,

CEO/ Founder of Silver Lining Lotus Editorial

(Dr. Gulley read from her vast collection of poetry. Her stylizings discussed, community, hope, love, encouragement, and cats.)

At the second of a promising series, Cass Country Public Library hosted a poetry reading in Belton, Mo on February 12th. The lovely Kansas local, Dr. Gulley spoke whimsically about her life experiences, her travels, and feelings of what it means to be home. Seated next to her were both her sons and her mother, all of whom share her love of the written word, and communicated their shared talents later that evening in the open mic that followed the beautiful readings of Dr. Gulley. Along with being a mother and an author, she is also a world traveler, an English professor at the Johnson County Community college, and gives back to the local community with her many talents. This night was a truly inspiring evening. A big thank you to Dr. Gulley and the Cass County Northern Research Center Library for a wonderful evening.We're already looking forward to the next event at the Library and are genuinely grateful for the time the staff took for their local artists.

(Dr. Gulley's sons read from a shared collection of poems they wrote for their mother for her birthday)

But the night was hardly over after Dr. Gulley read, there was much more to come. Writers in Residence were grateful for a temporary home that evening, and excitedly shared the fruits of their labor. Local writer, Jeff Knoblauch, read from his novel Atlantis: Leaving Home. This is just the first in a series of his, the third of which is slated to be released later this year by Midnight Garden Publishing House. The thrill of his perfect blend of true science knowledge and fictional fun were enjoyed by all! Along with him, local published author, Nikola DeLanie read some of her newest poetry that embraces gardening and food preservation as a vehicle to discuss growing your community alongside your garden. Her message, although clear, still showcased her writing style’s classic beauty and boldness. Her most recent work “I Am the Bean” was published alongside Dr. Gulley’s poem “Tea Party“ in this year’s edition of Bards Against Hunger 2025 Ms. DeLanie has two poetry collections slated to be released by Midnight Garden Publishing House in 2026. While not all of the writers chose to perform, the residence was filled with an audience from the group

(Dr. Gulley's Mother, a poet herself, read a poem from

one of her grandsons regarding Ai and technology.)

This was just one of the many local events to come, as our sponsors continue to lovingly invite us to take up temporary homes in their residence and celebrate the art of writing we all love so much. Be sure and check out our upcoming events and join us in the fun and festive adventures yet to come.