The Story Behind The Evolution of My Smile

Jul 27
4 min read

The Evolution of My Smile

My son said those words to me during a conversation we were having about creativity. He's a filmmaker and screenwriter, so we often have deep conversations about what's going on in the world or ideas that simmer in our minds. The second that phrase slipped out, he said, "That’s a good book title for you."

I smiled because I had the exact same thought. Not just any book—a poetry book!

My son and I a few years ago on one of our talks and walks...

After having my chapbook, Pieces of Me, published two years earlier, I had finally built up the courage to attempt a full-length collection. And now, with a title like that, I had to compile the manuscript. Because that wasn't just a phrase—it was what I'd been living and writing for decades.

This collection didn't come easily. The Evolution of My Smile is a record of the ups, downs, and quiet spaces of human existence. It documents the hard work, the missteps, and the relentless path toward self-discovery. It took moving past my hardships and sadness, and building a life grounded in authentic joy... forgiving and accepting the hardest person to love... myself.

A smile isn't always something you're born with; sometimes, it's something you have to earn back. A remembrance resurfacing of how things ought to be.

Breathing through each moment of this new chapter, I'm trying to take in the overwhelming love and support from those who have been cheering me on. Having early readers sit with these words has been profoundly moving. (A little truth: it was terrifying to hand over these pages to people with such talent, wisdom, and skill! I was so afraid it wouldn't resonate or be their cup of tea. It turned out to be a big lesson in trust. A reminder to just put yourself out there, because you might be pleasantly surprised.)

Below are a few glimpses of what these authors and poets I deeply respect ... voices I learn from daily and am so honored to share space with had to say about the manuscript:

What Early Readers Are Saying

"For anyone in need of healing—and truly, aren’t we all—this book is a gift. Monique’s words open the heart and stir the soul, reminding us of our shared humanity, our connection to one another, and the dualities that shape the human experience. In one poem, she writes, 'words are magic,' and throughout this collection, her words feel nothing short of magical."

— Sheila Patel, MD, Integrative Family Physician; Chief Medical Officer, The Gaja Collective; Ayurvedic Educator and Author

"From heartbreak to acceptance, Monique Richardson traces the quiet arc of a life reclaimed. These poems breathe in the space between holding on and letting go — raw, precise, and lit from within. The Evolution of My Smile is for anyone who has ever had to discover themselves twice."

— Alicia M. Rodriguez, award-winning author of The Shaman’s Wife: A Mystical Journey of Surrender and Self-Discovery and poet, Between Root and Sky.

"How does one trace the evolution of a smile? Through a blown kiss never let go of? Through a heart given to a lone wolf? A history confused with love? Monique Rardin Richardson’s confessions of the heart lead the reader to one’s own labyrinth of memories in lucid poems that speak to our humanity."

— Rafael Jesús González, 1st Poet Laureate Emeritus, Berkeley, California.

A Preview From the Collection

To give you a taste of what’s inside...

Pre-Order Details & Special Packages

The long-awaited release is coming in two weeks! In the meantime, pre-orders are officially open with a special package to choose from.

Until recently, I never truly understood why pre-orders are so important for an independent author. Pre-ordering does so much more than just reserve your copy—it signals to publishers and booksellers that these stories matter and helps give the book a fighting chance out in the world.

If you've ever had to fight your way back to your own joy, or if you're currently in the middle of working through the hard parts of your own story, I wrote this collection for you. ❤️ I've been there, I'll be there again, and I'm right here with you.

Special Pre-Order Bonuses:

Standard Pre-Order: Everyone who pre-orders a standard copy before August 10th will receive a custom pre-order bonus bookmark.
Limited Signed Edition ($20.00): Secure one of just 25 hand-signed, personalized copies shipped directly from my personal collection! You can order yours right now through the Monique Rardin Richardson Shop while supplies last.
Special Collection Package ($30.00): I've also created a beautiful bundle for just $10 more that includes a signed book, bookmark, postcard, and an original floral photograph in either a 4 x 4 or 4 x 6 size.
You can also choose this premium package on my Shop Page as well.

PRE-ORDER NOW

Thank you so much for being part of this evolution with me.

I always love getting acquainted with new books and music, so I've added a couple of links below (just click the images!) for you to check out. If there's something you're currently reading or listening to that has you excited, please share it in the comments!

Bonus Romance Book Giveaway Blast!

And last but not least! Do you like romance books?

If so, today only, there is a ROMANCE BOOK BLAST featuring hundreds of free books—including my latest Second Chance Romance novel, Our Last Hello! Be sure to grab your copy and fill up your e-readers with these wonderful stories today!