Prince Albert author Lynda Monahan is releasing a new poetry collection that merges her personal and professional experiences. Her book, The Door at the End of Everything, was crafted during her tenure as the writer-in-residence at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, where she worked with both adult and youth mental health patients.
Monahan’s role at the hospital and her involvement with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Write for Life Group significantly influenced her writing. She aimed to give a voice to marginalized individuals who often lack the opportunity to share their stories.
“The experiences have driven me to write from a place of participation rather than mere observation,” Monahan explained. “Many poems reflect my own experiences, inspired by those I’ve met through my work.”
Monahan noted that people with mental health issues, much like the homeless, frequently face neglect and are often unheard. She believes that awareness of mental health has increased recently but remains crucial.
Through her long-standing role with the Write for Life group, Monahan has built strong connections with participants and deeply cares about their well-being. The group meets twice a month, focusing on writing as a means of expression and connection.
In September, Monahan’s Write for Life group will launch its third collection, My Heart is a Fancy Place. The group’s efforts include public readings and anthology publications, providing participants with valuable opportunities to share their work.
Monahan’s poems, though sometimes dark, aim to convey hope and courage. She draws inspiration from the resilience and humor she has observed in mental health settings.
The book The Door at the End of Everything will be launched across Saskatchewan in September, with events scheduled in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Additional events are planned for smaller communities.
The book, published by Shadowpaw Press, will also feature poems previously published in literary journals and anthologies. A series of online readings, supported by a Canada Council grant, are available on YouTube.
“This fall will be incredibly busy, but I’m excited to see this book come to life,” Monahan said.