Orphic Wonder is a collection of poetry that explores themes of femininity, self-discovery, faith, trauma, and the bittersweet weight of memory. What inspired this collection of poems?

Orphic Wonder was shaped by deeply personal experiences, especially after undergoing a craniotomy for an aneurysm in 2012 and later facing the reality of another inoperable aneurysm. Moments like these force a complete shift in perspective, prompting reflection on identity, change, disability, and the process of adapting to a new way of living. Many of my poems tap into this raw vulnerability, while others take on a more whimsical tone—like the one about the day it rained frogs, inspired by an actual natural event. Not every piece in this collection is autobiographical, but all are rooted in the emotional truths that shape us. Sometimes, writing is about stepping into another person’s reality and allowing empathy to take the lead.

Over time, I’ve realized that poetry has a way of finding its audience. Social media has been a powerful tool in gauging emotional responses, and one of the strongest connections I’ve seen is to the poems centered on tne feminine. Themes of womanhood have always been relevant, but right now, they feel more urgent than ever. The Postman is a Stranger and Keep Your Hands to Yourself resonated deeply with women because they reflect lived realities—experiences that are often dismissed, downplayed, or misunderstood. The feminine form is strong, yet so often in life, it is overshadowed, silenced, or forced to navigate archaic ideals and outdated notions. While I write poetry for myself, my audience plays a role in shaping what I share. The response to these poems reinforced how vital it is to have these conversations in literature and art.

How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?

Writing about personal and emotional topics means embracing vulnerability without hesitation. It’s like songwriting—when the emotion is real, it resonates. There’s an instinct to protect yourself when writing about difficult moments, but I try to let the words come honestly, without overthinking. Even when a poem isn’t drawn directly from my own life, I want it to create an emotional response, to challenge perceptions, or to offer a moment of recognition for the reader. That’s always my goal—connection and authenticity.

How do you know when a poem is truly finished?

A poem is finished when it feels like it can stand on its own. It’s intuitive—you just know. If I have any doubt, I leave it for a few weeks and come back with fresh eyes. Sometimes, time reveals what’s missing or what needs to be stripped away. Other times, I realize it was complete all along.

How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?

To my delight, this is my second published book of poems and the second to become a bestseller. It has also captured some awards, which was a bit of a shock! But at the end of the day, what fuels me to write is when readers reach out and tell me how a poem or the book impacted them.

Orphic Wonder confirmed for me that vulnerability is not a weakness—it’s a source of power. I’ve learned that poetry can be both deeply personal and universal at the same time. The most rewarding moments are when readers reach out to say that a poem spoke to them in a way they weren’t expecting. When someone shares my book with a loved one, it reminds me that writing has a ripple effect—one thought, one line, one emotion passed from person to person. That’s what keeps me writing.

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