New Book for Young Adults Helps 'Make Sense of Crazy Events and Circumstances'

WORCESTER, MA — He’s known to many as an actor and the creator of the one-man show called “Dirt,” but comedian/actor John Morello teamed up with another Worcester artist to showcase a different set of creative talents, and focus on subjects pulled from the depths of life that isn’t always so rosy.

Morello’s newest project, called Buckshot Words, is a book and show that features new poems, stories, and essays from his experiences with family addiction, bullying, depression, personal loss, fatherhood, and traveling the world listening to the stories of young people.

Coming from a vulnerable state, Morello said he created Buckshot Words as a way to personally make sense of “crazy events and circumstances.” He’s worked with young people for 13 years, and said seeing that many of those kids feel isolated during such a critical time in their lives, that it’s important make them not feel so alone, or “strange.”

“Like any other writer I had some stuff in my head and in my heart that I wanted to get out,” said Morello. “Obviously having an audience to receive and hopefully appreciate one’s work is essential, but I think the work itself, it’s nascent stages, the dream or the art has to come from a personal place that almost feels like this thing I’m creating must exist whether anyone ever sees it or not.”

Morello teamed up with graphic artist and illustrator Kira Beaudoin, who illustrated the book, as well as created all the design and layout. Along with the illustrations, she also created original paintings to accompany some of the stories and poems throughout.

“Lavishly illustrated in a style that conjures a dark take on Shel Silverstein,” Morello said he’s self publishing a book of poems and short stories that “touch on the topics of growing up, drug use, bullying, depression, race, and identity. It’s a really cool book with wondrous illustrations by artist Kira Beaudoin. As someone who works with kids, I want young people to read this book so I’m raising the money through Kickstarter to help cover the costs of getting the book out there.”

With a Kickstarter goal of $15,900, nearly $5,500 has been raised so far for the project. The money would cover printing, shipping and and layout costs. “The first printing will produce 2,000 books to be sold online, in book stores, and in schools directly to students and staff. Because we’re not beholden to any agent or publisher, we can price the books in such a way that allows all people to afford the book,” it says on the crowdsourcing page.

“This project is unique in that we’re not only offering copies of the book, t-shirts and art prints as perks but there’s also an opportunity for the two of us to deliver a performance at your school,” said Beaudoin. “While John reads selections from the book, Buckshot Words, I will be creating a painting live with him on stage. Since we will be doing something unscripted, we will have to play off of each other to create something unique and meaningful for each audience.”

Folks can buy the book only at Kickstarter until March 2. If Morello and Beaudoin do not meet their deadline and goal by March 2, the book will not be published. In order for the book to be available a few months from now online, amazon, iTunes, and in person after shows, the book must first be published and printed.

“We are covering the cost to do that by pre-selling the book,” said Morello. “We need your help. Someone who supports this gets a great book and helps support two Worcester artists.”

Photo submitted