“ Dig It” contains contributions from forty two of the fifty two Beat Poets Laureate that exist in the world today as of the beginning of the year 2023. The Beat Poet Laureate title is significant, as it acknowledges those gifted word artists that do not come from mainstream groups. They are unique or “Beat”. The meaning of the word Beat has evolved to now mean that individuals can express themselves freely and write about subjects that are meaningful to them as individuals without being judged or hindered. Each Beat laureate shows a different style of writing as a way of communicating with other people and giving them their opinion on certain ideas, topics, or items, often hidden or frowned upon.
Debbie Tosun Kilday is a next generation Beat Poet, award winning published author, writer, nature photographer, illustrator, artist, expert high-roller slot player, and cancer survivor.
Debbie is the owner/CEO of the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. (NBPF) (2016-Present), and its festivals: National Beat Poetry Festival, International Beat Poetry Festival, Kerouac Cafe, Goddess Festival.
Debbie is Special Events Director of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association, (CAPA), and organizes and acts as manager of the CAPA Bookstore at the Big E in the Connecticut Building for the last 15 years. She is the Past President of The Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association, (CAPA) (2014-2016). She is a member of The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society. Debbie is a Connecticut native and resident.
She is a past member of Free Poets Collective, University of Connecticut's (OLLI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's 'Hydropolis' Poetry Workshop Group.
Debbie is the author of several books, has had her short stories and poetry published in magazines and several anthology books. She has also appeared on television and radio.
Author of, "No Limits: How I Beat The Slots", details her first five-years as a VIP high-roller slot player at casinos in Connecticut and Las Vegas, winning millions while playing slot machines.
Author of "Farmington River Reflections: My Photographic Journey & Meditations" is a compilation of landscape photography of the scenic Farmington River interspersed with poems that express her thoughts and feelings in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Author of "Tantric Love Suicide, A Poetry Collection" is a series of poems to express her feelings about life, love, and loss. Each poem is accompanied by her photographs to intensify and enhance the feelings of the reader.
Author of "Wooden Branches: Leaf Tree Friends" is a collection of photographs of trees in different seasons.
Debbie has been a freelance nature photographer for 52+ years and through her extensive knowledge of the arts, founded "Kilday Krafts" 39+ years ago. She uses her photography skills to help bring awareness to preserving natural landscapes.