Newton Writer Publishes Second Book Benefitting Asian Women

NEWTON, MA — Newton resident Ingrid Chiemi Schroffner has published a new book that will benefit Asian Women for Health, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Asian women and their loved ones access culturally appropriate resources to address important health issues.

The publication, titled Odd Simple Beauty, is comprised of COVID-19 pandemic-inspired song lyrics from Schroffner’s five recent collections with artwork from various local artists, including Kira Seamon. The e-book was released on Aug. 24 and the print version will be available on Oct. 14.

“These songs are written in certain time frames as we continue to navigate this pandemic,” Schroffner said. “I've continued to write songs and post them and continued to have art shared by friends. We inspire each other.”

"I hope people check it out,” she continued. "Different things resonate with different people, but I hope people are inspired and have hope from looking at these lyrics and this artwork. It’s real, all of it is real."

Odd Simple Beauty follows the publication of Schroffner’s first book, Karma Bank to Following By Listening, which was published in February. That book benefitted the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC), an organization that has created and preserved over 300 affordable homes in Chinatown and the Greater Boston area.

“This is a continuation of that book, but has more light in it because we’ve had glimpses of light,” Schroffner said.

To listen to Schroffner’s songs, click here. Odd Simple Beauty and Karma Bank to Following By Listening can be ordered here.