1) Can you tell us a little about your book?
It’s my journey put out in words in hopes of finding a home in someone’s heart so that they may be able to relate to it and make it their own.
2) Is there a specific event that inspired this story, or was this an out-of-the-blue idea?
Not a specific idea. I think this one day I was just like, let’s write a book, just put everything out for the world to see, and here I am. It makes one feel vulnerable to be so honest and raw, but at the same time, it feels amazing knowing how many people out there are just like you.
3) What got you writing in the first place?
I really just needed a source to express my emotions, which is probably why most people write poetry, I guess. Writing helps me feel like I’m in control of my thoughts and calms me down.
4) What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
I definitely didn’t like my first draft. I made many edits, removed some pieces that I felt like I couldn’t relate to anymore, added some new ones—all in all, lots of changes to the first draft to get it to where it is now.
5) Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
Every part of the book connects to me since it’s my life put out into words. From being in negative space to coming to love me, it’s been quite a journey.
6) What makes your book the one to read?
I feel like there’s something in it for everyone. Even though it talks about my personal experience and how I got through different phases of life, I think it is the same for many people. If not everything, I think you would find yourself relating to a few pieces.
7) What was the best advice you got while writing?
Don’t give up. You can have breaks, you can have days where you’re all out of ideas to write about, but just don’t give up. Keep going, and the process will be worth it.
8) Who’s your all-time favorite author? Which book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
Favorite author in terms of poetry books would be Wilder Poetry. The first poetry book that I ever read was Nocturnal by Wilder Poetry, and it continues to be at the top of my favorites list.
9) What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
Don’t compare your work to someone else’s. You’re putting out your story. Own it.
10) What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
Don’t compare your work to someone else’s. You’re putting out your story. Own it.
11) Do you have another plot brewing?
I think, as the last poem in the book suggests, there’s always more to write about. There are always more stories to be told as one goes through more and more experiences, both good and bad. So to answer that, there’s more to come.