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Sharing Good Things
Sow Seeds of Wisdom is a poetry and prose collection that serves as a call to action for readers, urging them to share their innate knowledge for the collective growth of society. What inspired this collection of poems and writings?
When I started writing my second book, Scatter Seeds of Kindness, I didn’t have a name for the book but as I was reading through the poems, I started to notice the theme of kindness emerging, so that book named itself. The same thing happened with my third book, Gather Seeds of Hope when I noticed the theme of hope that kept appearing in many of the poems. So when I started to write this book, Sow Seeds of Wisdom, I wanted to keep with the theme of sharing good things in life, like kindness and hope. So I asked myself what other good things could be shared, and I thought about knowledge and wisdom. What better gift is there than to be able to share your life experiences and what you have learned, which could possibly help someone out in a similar situation, or just give someone some hope and inspiration? Not every poem or prose has to do with finding wisdom in every situation, but many do. I think there is a lesson to be learned or shared in most of the writings in this book. Even the fun “The Morning After” has a lesson of drinking too much the night before. So the theme of this book was more intentional and deliberate than the last two in the same series.
What was one of the hardest parts of this collection for you to write?
Just finding the wisdom, or the lesson, in each poem. Sometimes it was obvious and other times I had to look a bit deeper within myself or into the world around me to find the lesson or the wisdom. Other times I drew on my own past experiences, so some got a bit personal which is a little outside my comfort zone. The other challenging part was just putting out a book about spreading wisdom when I can sometimes be a bit of a silly person. I was not sure friends and family who know me best would take me seriously. I can be self-deprecating sometimes. I am clumsy (I trip over my own two feet), or I open my mouth and something really silly comes out. But every now and then I have some wisdom to impart, and I hope that shines through in this book.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Sow Seeds of Wisdom?
That everyone, no matter how young or old, has something to share in the way of knowledge. Sometimes the older people brush aside the younger generation because they think they are flighty and unfocused, but now that I am diving into more technology via YouTube and social media, I rely on their vast knowledge and how they can figure stuff out so quickly. And the younger generation sometimes views the older folks as stuck in their ways and rigid, but there is so much that generation can teach; history, money tips, working on older cars, etc. I wrote about this in the last poem in the book, Wisdom…Pass It On, about how we can all learn from each other if we would put our preconceived notions or limiting beliefs aside.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am taking a little break this summer after putting out four books in four years. But I just recently started working on some new stuff so hopefully within a year or so. I am really just taking my time to see what evolves and what theme the next book will bring forth.
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Told in her usual lighthearted, slightly self-deprecating manner, the author shares wisdom through both prose and poetry on such topics as common sense, betrayal, things we keep hidden—or choose not to reveal, things we hold onto long after we should have let them go, and spirituality, among many other topics. Sometimes deep and profound; sometimes lighthearted and humorous; the poems in Sow Seeds of Wisdom always provide fresh insights for the reader to learn from and ponder.
Sow Seeds of Wisdom: A Collection of Poems and Prose…With a Little Wisdom Sown In
K.A. Bloch’s Sow Seeds of Wisdom transcends the typical poetry and prose collection. It serves as a compelling call to action, urging readers to cultivate and harness their innate knowledge for collective growth. From the opening poem, Bloch encourages us to tap into our inherent wisdom to better society. “Things I’ve Learned Along the Way,” a reflective piece on her personal journey, emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire positive choices, thereby shaping our life’s trajectory.
Bloch’s poetry delves into the universal human experience—daily struggles, emotional landscapes, our actions, and cherished aspirations. Her innovative blend of prose and poetry tackles themes such as common sense, betrayal, the power of letting go, and the quest for meaning. Each piece is enriched by a compelling backstory, offering a glimpse into the inspiration behind the creation. These personal anecdotes breathe life into the words, providing a relatable and insightful guide for young minds navigating life’s complexities. Bloch’s storytelling prowess is evident throughout. She masterfully uses narratives to forge a deeper connection with readers, fostering understanding and empathy. As you read, you may find, as I did, surprising commonalities with the author. Her sharp observational skills and love for psychological thrillers, for example, struck a chord with me. The book’s central theme, “Pass On Our Wisdom,” resonates deeply. By sharing our knowledge, we pave the way for future generations. Bloch has certainly contributed to this mission through her remarkable collection. By reading, recommending, and discussing this work, we each become agents of disseminating these invaluable lessons.
K.A. Bloch is a phenomenal storyteller, effortlessly engaging her audience. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and gained much from her journey and life experiences. I highly recommend adding Sow Seeds of Wisdom to your reading list.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D5JS5F3Y
We Are Going Through So Much
“Gather Seeds of Hope” is an anthology that immerses readers in a journey of self-empowerment and kindness, guiding them through life’s unpredictable cycles and affirming they are never alone. What personal experiences or philosophies inspired the themes in your work?
I think sometimes when the world feels so dismal and we are going through so much as a society, people can start to feel like they are all alone, and they find themselves in a bit of a bubble of self containment. The pandemic and shut downs definitely did not help to calm these feelings of isolation. I try to get the message through that we are all going through similar life experiences so people fell less alone in how they are feeling. The poem Have You Ever…definitely speaks to different life experiences that I have had, and the final two verses hit on this message that we are basically all in the same boat with going through similar things. That being said, not every poem is pulled from my own life experiences. The poem Gone definitely was, as it was intended to be about the night my father passed away suddenly in his sleep. But as I was writing it, it started to take on the direction of anyone passing away suddenly, not just based on my own father’s passing. I hope that anyone who has lost someone in this way can relate to the words of looking around and seeing all these person’s things, but they are not there, and how do you cope with this feeling of loss? So that definitely drew on my own personal experiences, as did The Scent of You, which was a supernatural experience I had regarding my Mom and the perfume she wore, and how I could smell it on occasion after she passed. But as far as other poems, honestly some of them are based in fiction, or characters that I made up in the poem. Regret is very much based on four fictional characters who tell the story of their own regretful experiences. The Dinner Party is another one where the narrator of the poem is trying to host a large dinner party and has to deal with all of the dietary requests, which gets overwhelming, so he or she moves onto the seating chart and gets into seating people by various political and religious beliefs, and so on. I have not dealt with that personally as I have never hosted a big dinner or event, but I know people who have, so I drew on that experience of witnessing them go through it and the stress of it all. In either case, whether it is my own personal experience or inspired by a fictional character or made-up experience, I try (hope!) to write it in a way where the reader finds him or herself shaking their head in agreement because they know exactly what I am trying to convey, and they have either witnessed it or experienced it in their own lives.
The book balances gentle tones with impactful messages and real-life examples; can you elaborate on how you strike this balance in your writing process?
Thank you for noticing that! I try to use real-life examples whenever I can because I think people can relate to it more if the author has experienced it, and I feel like experiencing something myself allows me to write about it more authentically. I use gentle tones because I think you can get your message across more powerfully if its relatable. A message doesn’t have to hit someone over the head for them to understand it. I use the term “kind reminder” a lot. I haven’t experienced everything personally, so sometimes I have to dig deep and put myself into a situation to imagine how it would feel or how the character in the poem would react or respond. The impactful messages usually come as a way to wrap it all up or allow the reader to take something from the poem or the prose with them. The poem Darkness was very much inspired by a friend’s suicide, but the reader was left with the message (kind reminder) about checking on friends and loved ones frequently to make sure they are okay.
Your use of metaphorical language, particularly in relation to Mother Nature, adds depth to your work. How do you view the relationship between nature and human emotion?
I believe nature and human emotion are like two sides of the same coin. I think nature, and in particular the weather and seasons can greatly impact our moods. Sometimes it seems as if the weather and our moods are in perfect sync. I wrote a little bit about that in the intro to the poem Lost and Found, about how I sometimes wake up in a crabby mood so I am happy to look out the window and see that Mother Nature feels the same way and has painted the sky a gloomy gray. But then if the weather changes, as it does in this poem, and the sun comes out, I feel slightly betrayed by nature, like I now need to change my mood to one that is more upbeat to match the now sunny day. Mother Nature has been a character in my Seasons series of poems, which have been featured in all of my books so far. In this book we have the poem Its Summertime Once Again, and Mother Nature is found sipping lemonade and fanning herself from the summer heat. I enjoy making Mother Nature an actual character in these poems because I think she mimics how so many of us feel during the different seasons. We always find her doing something that most of us do during the different seasons we experience. I think that nature has a great impact on our moods and our emotions and can definitely impact our day.
Your first book, “Scatter Seeds of Kindness,” introduced themes that are further developed in “Gather Seeds of Hope.” How did your vision for these themes evolve between the two books?
That kind of happened by accident. When I was writing “Scatter Seeds of Kindness”, I didn’t have a title for it until half way through the book when I noticed the emerging theme of kindness coming through in many of the poems. I did not expect a follow up to that book, but when I started writing “Gather Seeds of Hope” I noticed again a theme emerging but this time it was about hope with some kindness added in. They really do go together. It is hard to be hopeful if you are not a kind person, and vice versa (in my opinion) So quite accidentally, it ended up being a nice follow up and I do feel that the two pair nicely together.
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In Scatter Seeds of Kindness, the reader was encouraged to be kind to others and themselves. Gather Seeds of Hope continues that message but also encourages the reader to hold onto hope whenever they can and share it with others in need.
Balancing deep topics such as regret and death alongside lighthearted subjects, this collection is thought-provoking, empathetic, deeply personal, and told in a very relatable manner. You will laugh, smile, gasp in surprise, or perhaps shed a tear as you experience a range of emotions with the goal of always finding hope in every situation. Whether you are a poetry lover or new to the genre, something in this book will touch your soul and bring forth light into an often dark and challenging world.
Gather Seeds of Hope: Poems, Prose, and Stories…With a Little Hope Sprinkled In
Gather Seeds of Hope: Poems, Prose, and Stories…with a Little Hope Sprinkled In stands as a remarkable collection of poems and stories by the talented author K.A. Bloch. This captivating work builds upon the themes of self-empowerment and nurturing internal kindness introduced in her first book, Scatter Seeds of Kindness. In the face of gloomy times and the unpredictable cycles of life, this installment carries a resounding message: you are never alone.
The book is divided into two main parts, and K.A. Bloch sets the tone brilliantly with an opening poem that encapsulates the essence of hope. Delving into the realm of Mother Nature, the author employs metaphorical language to guide the reader towards a meditative state, encouraging a deep focus on the mind, body, soul, and emotions. Through this approach, the reader is grounded, finding solace and tranquility, allowing them to fully embrace the profound teachings and messages conveyed in K.A. Bloch’s exquisite work. The first chapter culminates with a Japanese proverb that resonates powerfully: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” This targeted introduction is executed with impeccable finesse.
Each chapter begins with evocative, lengthy poems, serving as an initial invitation to the reader. However, it is the subsequent explanatory paragraphs that truly shine, infusing the narrative with a potent influence. Whether delving into discussions on Maslow’s theory of motivation, the complexities of money, political science, emotional reactivity, or the significance of social connections, K.A. Bloch masterfully weaves these diverse topics into her work, creating a rich and multifaceted tapestry of wisdom. The seamless incorporation of such breadth and depth is a testament to the author’s remarkable skill.
The book’s tone is gentle yet impactful, supplemented by real-life examples and a touch of witty humor. Such a writing style ensures a wide range of readers, from teenagers to individuals in the twilight of their lives, will find immense pleasure in its pages. From the hopeful opening lines to the poignant concluding piece, ‘The Little Bud,’ readers are reminded that with unwavering determination, trusting one’s instincts, and harnessing self-reliance, the power to shape one’s life, persona, career, or any endeavor lies within reach. This resounding message underscores the author’s remarkable ability to inspire and motivate readers to wholeheartedly pursue their dreams.
In Gather Seeds of Hope, K.A. Bloch has masterfully crafted a collection that combines beauty, introspection, and enlightenment. It is a testament to her literary prowess and a testament to the profound impact that her words can have on those who immerse themselves in her work.
Pages: 190 | ASIN: B0C2WJMPK3
The Journey That This Poem Took
Scatter Seeds of Kindness is more than just poetry, it is your personal thoughts and experiences that went into the writing of each poem. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I didn’t start out with the goal of writing a book about kindness. I wanted to get my poems out into the world and started to include my thoughts, inspiration, or motivation behind each poem in the form of prose included either before or after the poem. As I wrote either the poem or the prose, I started to notice a recurring theme of kindness throughout the book. It almost became a thread that held the book together. As I started to notice this theme, I realized how important it is in this day and age. So many people are struggling with some kind of pain, either mental or physical. Also we are hit with so much negativity and stress throughout the day and with everything going on in the world, so now more than ever I feel it is important to pull out that kindness when we can. Giving each other some leeway and practicing patience can go a long way in making these stressful times a little easier to manage.
My favorite poem in the collection is ‘Life Lessons outside the Classroom.’ Do you have a favorite from this collection, if so why?
I am glad you liked that poem. My favorite is probably the first poem in the book (after the title poem) called The Weight of Memories. This poem was a challenge for me. The opening verse talks about a box of old memories that sits up on a shelf. I wrote the first two verses and then did not know where I wanted this poem to go, so I literally put the verses on a shelf and let my thoughts marinate for awhile. When I finally came back to the poem, the words started flowing about how our memories are fluid and can change over time, and how memories shape us and build on each other as we go through life, ultimately helping to form our character. The poem also mentions how memories are heavy and can weigh us down. In the final verses, the person in the poem realizes that they can open that box of memories because they are strong enough to handle anything, and they can even find the strength to let go of some of those things that were weighing them down. So I was happy with the journey that this poem took after getting off to a slow start.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope people remember, as I touched on earlier, that everyone is struggling with something. Sometimes it is a physical pain and you can see the pain all over their face. But other times it is a burden that they may be carrying, or the weight of their memories as I just discussed above. They may be dealing with an illness; their own or a loved one’s illness but they could have a big smile on their face even though they are suffering on the inside. That being said, as humans we also tend to be very hard on ourselves, so throughout the book are reminders to also be kind to ourselves and not beat ourselves up so much as we are just trying to do the best that we can. So I hope people can take away these reminders to not only be patient and kind to each other, but also to themselves.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a book in a similar fashion to this book, with the poem and the included prose which is my motivation or back story behind each poem. I am taking my time a little more with this book, but I am hoping to have it out by the end of 2022
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This poetry collection presents personal life experiences and thoughts set in verses and provides the inspiration or motivation behind each poem.
Scatter seeds of kindness
Wherever you may go.
Reach deep inside your heart
And scatter them to and fro.
Scatter seeds of kindness
And bring a few to share.
You never know when you’ll find the chance
To show someone you care.
Scatter Seeds of Kindness
Author K.A Bloch’s Scatter Seeds of Kindness is a book full of heartwarming and inspiring poems. The author covers various topics, including family, friendship, love, loss, societal expectations, and even bullying. Ultimately, her poems make you reflect on what’s truly important in life and how to ensure you never lose sight of it. They also help you empathize with others while still taking care of yourself.
Apart from poems, this book also contains prose explaining the stories and inspiration behind the poems. While some are rooted in the author’s personal experiences, some seem to have just come to her.
Whichever poem or story you read through, there’s clearly some intimacy there. You can see how they can apply to your own life or that of a loved one. Even when the author talks about challenging subject matter such as death and loss, you are not overwhelmed by despair. Instead, you can feel her peace and gratitude for her time with those she loved.
I really connected to one poem ‘Life Lessons outside the Classroom.’ This poem resonates with how I look back on life now. I went to college, but the things I have learned just living far outway anything I could have learned from a classroom. Especially things like dealing with other people and learning how to be a good friend and partner.
In many ways, the author reminds us to be kind to others and ourselves, even in the face of our own darkness. Her writing is light and beautiful, showing some acceptance of the passing of time and the tragedies that come with it. Ultimately, this book is charming, well-written, and extremely easy to read.
Scatter Seeds of Kindness is a beautifully written collection of poetry. Readers looking for an uplifting collection of poetry that encourages kindness to others and oneself will find this book to be a healing oasis amidst the struggles of daily life.
Pages: 83 | ASIN : B09JCJJT4G
LITERARY TITAN 