Interview With Author Natasha Gruss
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is actually Natasha McKinley, but I published my poetry book, “Un-Clenched Emotion” in 2016 before I got married in 2020. In 2016 my name was Natasha Gruss, so that’s the name I’m published under. In person I go by Tasha and sometimes Tash. I love poetry, I have been writing it since I was a child. I’ve done readings too, I love being in the spotlight. I am an avid reader. Of course I read other poetry but I am also a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction. I also love the Pacific Northwest, my family, nature, and my cat. I like dogs, but I am a total cat person.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Un-Clenched Emotion”. Most of the poems are inspired by nature and emotions, of course. I was inspired to write my own book after other poets had gifted me their books. This is after I met them in person, in poetry groups. I also ran my own poetry group and the people there encouraged me to write a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to write all my poetry in pencil. Recently, I started writing it on the computer. It is easier to simply type the poem in and edit it right there rather then writing in pencil, then typing, and then editing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many other Indie authors have influenced me, there are too many to name. I think I was influenced by Walt Whitman, Woodrow Wilson, and Robert Frost for the most part. Of course I love Shakespeare, but my poems aren’t quite so lofty. I really like Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allen Poe but my poems aren’t so dark…yet. Recently I have read Misha Collins poetry book and that really inspired me! I’ve got some poems that are unpublished which have been inspired by the ezine “Abyss and Apex”.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a poetry collection inspired by the calendar year. I am breaking it up by the Seasons. So far it’s much longer then “Un-Clenched Emotion”, but not as large as I want it to be. It will probably be a long time, (years,) to completion. I also have an idea for a speculative poetry collection. That’s poems with a science fiction or fantasy theme. I am thinking of making a book of my Urban Fantasy short stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Unfortunately, I am not great at promoting my book. I think belonging to the Goodreads Author program has helped so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write down your thoughts, all of them. Don’t be afraid of them and don’t censor yourself. Sure, it might be rambling, but you can probably get a good start on your new writing project doing this. When trying to promote yourself, do not be humble.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to use your thoughts, whatever they are. Do not be afraid to write anything even if it’s been written before. You can put your own spin on things after. (I am not promoting plagiarism).
What are you reading now?
A poetry collection by an Indie Author, a science fiction series, and “Don Quixote”.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep working on my projects, to continue to promote my work.
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?
I would bring “The Hobbit”, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” and “The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe.” Yes, I am being sneaky with the last one, having many poems and stories in one book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Natasha Gruss’s Social Media Links