Murray, Ky.–Charley Allen-Dunn, director of web management and digital marketing for Murray State and an alum of the Department of English and Philosophy, celebrated the publication of her debut poetry collection, “The Scar It Leaves,” with a reading and book signing on Feb. 2 at the Murray Art Guild.
Allen-Dunn’s 15-piece poetry collection was published on Jan. 12.
Allen-Dunn attended Murray State from 1999 to 2003 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. Her passion for writing began early in life, leading her to pursue her major and goal of being a writer. As a student worker, Allen-Dunn worked on websites and took an interest in web management. Though her main career path changed, she continued to write poems periodically as a way to manage thoughts and emotions.
Allen-Dunn’s poetry often has a narrative structure, capturing small but memorable moments. She said many poems in “The Scar It Leaves” are connections between childhood memories and current events in her life. Sometimes, past journal entries will influence her works. The poems share real and imagined situations through a relatable lens, exploring themes of grief, generational trauma, addiction, relationships and love. She uses her writing as an avenue to explore how those themes set a path for people in their adult lives.
To learn more about “The Scar It Leaves” or purchase a copy of the book, visit finishinglinepress.com/
**