Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 26 years old and happily married with one cat. I am a survivor of abuse and depression and I write as a form of therapy for myself as well as to bring awareness to the emotions and situations I’ve been through in hopes that someone will read my poetry and see themselves on the pages. I have written two books so far, Fragile Blooms and Rebuilt from the Ashes.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fragile Blooms is my latest book. It is inspired by my current view on life as well as the tail end of my deep depression. I tried to focus on more positive outlooks and words of comfort rather than the darker and more raw poetry I wrote for Rebuilt from the Ashes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write out 100 poems and then I rewrite or get rid of about three-fourths of them. My writing takes me a long time and I am very picky about how everything sounds. Often my husband has to stop me and tell me to just leave everything as it is and take a break.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve found inspiration in Beau Taplin, R.H. Sin, my grandmother, and even Roald Dahl at an early age. I’ve always loved reading and writing but never felt like I was good enough to pursue it.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on another book with the focus of letting the words flow and seeing what happens. There are no ideas set in stone as of yet so I’m very early in the process.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I struggle with this. At first I was too afraid to really promote my books so I did nothing beyond a casual Facebook post for friends and family. I am currently working on using Instagram and some additional marketing resources to try and bring some attention to Fragile Blooms and see how that goes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. It is so frightening and overwhelming to think of people you know reading your intimate work. Or even strangers judging you based on the words you put down. But it is so worth it to feel accomplished and working towards your dreams. I have no doubt that anything I write now, I will be unhappy with later. But that is growth and shows progress. Don’t be afraid of the process and just make it happen.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Time passes with or without you. Take your chances and make your moves so you can look back and thank yourself instead of looking back and regretting what could have been.
What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading various poetry books as well as revisiting the Harry Potter series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Really working on my craft. I am an amateur at best and I am aware there are flaws and issues that being self published bring. I don’t have a fancy editor or agent, just myself and my husband. I want to really work on improving and perhaps move into a longer and more fleshed out book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Ishmael, Whiskey Words & a Shovel, and Bloom.