James Morehead

A mesmerizing collection of eerie, image-rich poems that explore the fleeting nature of existence and friendship, inspired by the world of art and artists. The Plague Doctor combines poetry with mesmerizing ink drawings by Natalia Ardus, art by Mark Kulas and Tony Rubino, and photography by the author. Poet and musician Lisa Marie Simmons writes in her foreword to the collection, "I've read this collection three, four, then five times. In my office, in the tour van and the green room, after yoga, and once bundled up beneath an ancient olive tree. Despite those many deep dives, it never seems enough to complete this foreword. So I returned-six, seven, ten times. Each reading has me focusing on something new, and a year from now, I know more discoveries will be made as my perspective shifts with my own experiences. This is one of the many things I love about poetry and, in particular, Poet Laureate of Dublin, California, James Morehead's poetry.""With an ekphrastic eye for everything from street art to cherry blossom petals amassed on damp grass, James Morehead's poetry pulses with vibrant detail. Whether it's Jimmy Page strumming a mandolin or ruminations of a sourdough starter, Morehead's speaker is equally intent on listening. In his new collection, The Plague Doctor, this poet has created a vivid document that captures what it means to be perpetually inspired by the world in all its facets." - Tina Cane, Poet Laureate of Rhode Island and author of Body of Work and Year of the Murder Hornet"The literary community has been waiting for a collection like this, which moves beyond simple ekphrasis, creating poetry that illuminates art as well as the reader's understanding of what it means to be human." - Kristina Marie Darling, Editor-in-Chief, Tupelo Press & Tupelo Quarterly"The poems ricochet off the visual images in unexpected ways, so that this book - where word and image converge - reminds me of a pinball machine. As in that song by The Who, Morehead is our 'pinball wizard.' Whether writing free verse, haikus, or ballad-like rhymes, he 'sure plays a mean pinball.' Morehead creates his own boisterous 'cacophony of bells / that flash in reds, greens, and golds.'" - Donald Platt, author of Swansdown

What are you, and why do you look that way? James Morehead and his daughter Andrea Morehead, an Emmy-award winning television journalist and author, weave a phenomenal true story of courage, resiliency, and perseverance navigating through life with albinism. They cleverly use poetry to explain how and why James' exterior color is white although he's African-American. While this book is for children with amazing illustrations, this book is for all ages, and is a comprehensive story from childhood to adulthood about being an albino, and some of the hurtful experiences he endured growing up. With poignant and sometimes sad anecdotes of bullying, the Moreheads captivate the reader with bright illustrations to complement the narrative of building self-esteem, self-love and confidence. He credits his Christian faith with being able to rise above the ridicule and sometimes loneliness. Armed with great friends and family along the way, Morehead explains how he was able to find acceptance and success despite his outer shell. He reinforces to children that what really counts is one's character, and how God has created everyone with a unique purpose in life. They share the lesson that our unique differences and abilities are part of God's master plan to foster appreciation and acceptance of others. While he may be "The Brightest Star" among us, Morehead's inspirational story reminds everyone that they have a special purpose to use their life to positively impact the world, and it all begins with self-love. This is one of the few, if only, books that specifically discusses what it's like growing up as an albino and stands as a shining example of persevering, believing in yourself, and achieving your dreams against all odds. It's a wonderful tool for people of all ages to learn and understand albinism; have compassion and extend kindness to everyone; and recognize that our differences should be celebrated. If you're looking for a book to help children understand diversity and inclusion, this is it #Kindness #Value #WorthThe foreword is written by Marvin Jones III, one of the most recognized actors who has albinism. He's known for his amazing portrayal of the character Tobias Whale in The CW superhero series "Black Lightning," and as the voice of Tombstone in the superhero film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Award-winning ABC News Weekend Anchor Linsey Davis endorses the book with her afterword: "Part imagination with a dash of spirituality and a healthy serving of acceptance sprinkled with hope throughout. The Brightest Star has all the ideals of humanity baked right in. It is the recipe any parent would hope their child would follow as they learn about and embrace people who may not look like them. It is not only a reminder of God's grace and presence in our lives, but a testament to His ability to dream bigger dreams for us than we have for ourselves. It is a much-needed light to illuminate not just what it's like to grow up as an albino, but it is a love letter to us all about our value and beauty as God's magnificently made creations." The illustrator is Stephanie Hider from Oklahoma. She magnificently captures the heart and compassion of the story as her inaugural autobiography illustration project.

What are you, and why do you look that way? James Morehead and his daughter Andrea Morehead, an Emmy-award winning television journalist and author, weave a phenomenal true story of courage, resiliency, and perseverance navigating through life with albinism. They cleverly use poetry to explain how and why James' exterior color is white although he's African-American. While this book is for children with amazing illustrations, this book is for all ages, and is a comprehensive story from childhood to adulthood about being an albino, and some of the hurtful experiences he endured growing up. With poignant and sometimes sad anecdotes of bullying, the Moreheads captivate the reader with bright illustrations to complement the narrative of building self-esteem, self-love and confidence. He credits his Christian faith with being able to rise above the ridicule and sometimes loneliness. Armed with great friends and family along the way, Morehead explains how he was able to find acceptance and success despite his outer shell. He reinforces to children that what really counts is one's character, and how God has created everyone with a unique purpose in life. They share the lesson that our unique differences and abilities are part of God's master plan to foster appreciation and acceptance of others. While he may be "The Brightest Star" among us, Morehead's inspirational story reminds everyone that they have a special purpose to use their life to positively impact the world, and it all begins with self-love. This is one of the few, if only, books that specifically discusses what it's like growing up as an albino and stands as a shining example of persevering, believing in yourself, and achieving your dreams against all odds. It's a wonderful tool for people of all ages to learn and understand albinism; have compassion and extend kindness to everyone; and recognize that our differences should be celebrated. If you're looking for a book to help children understand diversity and inclusion, this is it #Kindness #Value #WorthThe foreword is written by Marvin Jones III, one of the most recognized actors who has albinism. He's known for his amazing portrayal of the character Tobias Whale in The CW superhero series "Black Lightning," and as the voice of Tombstone in the superhero film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Award-winning ABC News Weekend Anchor Linsey Davis endorses the book with her afterword: "Part imagination with a dash of spirituality and a healthy serving of acceptance sprinkled with hope throughout. The Brightest Star has all the ideals of humanity baked right in. It is the recipe any parent would hope their child would follow as they learn about and embrace people who may not look like them. It is not only a reminder of God's grace and presence in our lives, but a testament to His ability to dream bigger dreams for us than we have for ourselves. It is a much-needed light to illuminate not just what it's like to grow up as an albino, but it is a love letter to us all about our value and beauty as God's magnificently made creations." The illustrator is Stephanie Hider from Oklahoma. She magnificently captures the heart and compassion of the story as her inaugural autobiography illustration project.

In his debut collection, James Morehead paints powerful images of life, love, and loss through the thoughtful selection and careful placement of words. "canvas" features the extraordinary art of Kari Byron and Alla Tsank. The year 2020 and its pandemic-induced solitude inspired the poems that lead this collection. Most are autobiographical, in particular the title poem "canvas," and collectively form a fragmented memoir of memories and melancholy. Some are fanciful, like "tethered," inspired by a fleeting image seen while hiking the Pacific coastline. All strive to paint images in the reader's mind through the power of poetry.

In his debut collection, James Morehead paints powerful images of life, love, and loss through the thoughtful selection and careful placement of words. "canvas" features the extraordinary art of Kari Byron and Alla Tsank. The year 2020 and its pandemic-induced solitude inspired the poems that lead this collection. Most are autobiographical, in particular the title poem "canvas," and collectively form a fragmented memoir of memories and melancholy. Some are fanciful, like "tethered," inspired by a fleeting image seen while hiking the Pacific coastline. All strive to paint images in the reader's mind through the power of poetry.