Blog Archives
Write for the Love of It
A Concerto for an Empty Frame is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that explores loss, grief, and survival through an intricately structured lyrical journey. Where did the idea for this collection come from?
Music has always been an integral part of my life and seems to touch every aspect. Most of my life has been spent performing and teaching in this medium, and so it seemed a natural transition to express parts of my life’s journey in a musical form. The more I explored the symphonic and concerto forms, the more the metaphor of the musical form seemed to fit my journey. The three movements of a concerto with their attendant stylistic and tempo constraints easily fit into the three aspects of loss, grief, and survival allowing me to finish with a glorious cadenza that expresses freedom and joy. Music and poetry seemed to fit together naturally in its form and content. It felt like fitting two languages together – translating emotion into music.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The more I explored the qualities of music, the more I saw similarities with poetics: dynamics, cadences, recurring motifs, tempi, mode, duet and ensemble, cadenza, and language.
What was the most challenging part of writing this collection of poetry and what was the most rewarding?
I was challenged first by translating what I knew about music (form, music analysis, musical terms, etc.) into what I knew about poetry (metaphor, assonance, stanza, line break, etc.). When the pieces began to fall into place, I was exhilarated by the freedom I was able to attain in the form and content of my writing.
What advice do you have for aspiring poets?
Decide what you want to do and do it with passion. Without passion, you have no fire. Like a musician, practice, practice, practice, and write for the love of it.
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Grief is a Teacher
On the Ever-Lovely Morrow is an introspective poetry collection that explores themes of love, freedom, self-discovery, and personal transformation through honest reflections on life’s challenges and societal norms. Why was this an important book for you to publish?
I felt like I had more that I needed to say, and I needed to share it in a sense and a space that was new. On the Ever-Lovely Morrow is actually the companion to its predecessor At the Beginning of Yesterday, which was published under a different name, that being Tiffiny Rose Allen.
Sometimes, you take a look at your life and see how much you’ve changed, and in the process, you realize how much you need to reinvent yourself, how much you have reinvented yourself, and what image you want to share with the world. I believe as humans we are ever-evolving, and it’s important to show that change is just a staple of life and an important one at that.
In several poems, grief seems to act as a catalyst for transformation. How do you view the relationship between loss and personal growth in your writing?
My relationship with grief has been something that has at times felt like a constant, but I have always found ways to transmute it and make it into something beautiful. Grief is, in and of itself, a beautiful thing, which demands we look at ourselves and our lives and the parts that we are playing in it. Grief is a teacher. I try my best to translate that into my work when I write.
Your reflections on societal norms and expectations are powerful. What inspired you to address these topics so openly in your poetry?
I felt the need to express these topics because they were things that had affected me personally, things that had made an impact on how I held myself, how I viewed myself, and how people viewed me and treated me. I don’t think anyone is limited to being just one thing, and it was important to me to show how multifaceted I am as a person, and hopefully in sharing that, someone could see themselves within those views as well.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I currently have an anthology in the works, it being Volume II of the Dreams In Hiding anthology. The title is After Words We Go From Here and it is centered on After pieces and prose. For those unfamiliar, After pieces are pieces of writing that are inspired by other forms of art or artists. This should be published in the late fall or early winter of 2024.
Apart from that, I have a few different projects that are in the very early stages of development, and we’ll see how they progress, but I am very very excited to share them one day.
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What comes after Yesterday? There is the present, then tomorrow, what happens on the Ever-Lovely Morrow?
In this companion to the poetry collection At The Beginning Of Yesterday, the ship of the author’s emotions will navigate you through reinvention, resurfacing, and feeling out the waves of healing.
Everything, in some form or another, comes in waves. This is a collection that celebrates being a writer, acknowledges the non-linearity of emotions, and dives into the themes of what it means to step into one’s own definition of living.
A Concerto for an Empty Frame
Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Vrenios’ A Concerto for an Empty Frame is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that explores loss, grief, and survival through an intricately structured lyrical journey. The haunting title alone beckons readers into a world where language and emotion intertwine, offering both aesthetic pleasure and deep introspection. Comprising 34 poems, the collection is artfully organized in the form of a concerto, divided into three movements and a cadenza. The first movement begins with the blooming of love and the tentative steps of a new relationship. It delicately portrays the adjustments and joys of coming together, only to shift dramatically into the dissonance of loss, most notably with the strikingly evocative ‘Out of Tune,’ where a “field laid bare to scavenging crows” paints a vivid image of grief and devastation. This tragic arc escalates with the heart-wrenching loss of a beloved life in a sudden, tragic accident.
Kirkpatrick-Vrenios deftly manipulates language, structure, and form, creating a symphony of words that both captivates and resonates long after reading. Poems such as ‘Yesterday’s Sand’ and ‘The Rag Lady Casts a Spell (Cadenza)’ stand out for their inventive forms, each one crafted with care to engage both the visual and auditory senses. The inclusion of Italian musical notations throughout the collection enhances its auditory richness, as if the poems themselves were notes on a score, meant to be heard as well as read. One of the most striking elements is the way silence and absence are rendered palpable through subtle details, such as the grey font in pieces like ‘Unbuttoned Blues,’ ‘I Moved Out,’ and ‘Blue Tarp.’ These unspoken moments deepen the emotional impact, allowing the unsaid to linger in the mind. Moreover, the use of dictionary definitions for musical terms like concerto and recapitulation lends a delicate, intellectual layer to the collection, intertwining poetic musings with technical precision. The title itself, A Concerto for an Empty Frame, alongside its subtitle Music for Survival, encapsulates the dual themes of loss and the possibility of renewal. The “empty frame” suggests both a life shattered by tragedy and a space waiting to be filled once more, while the music serves as a vehicle for endurance, echoing the human capacity to heal and continue.
This is a collection to be savored. Its emotional depth and linguistic craftsmanship invite readers to immerse themselves fully in a single sitting, then return to explore its nuanced layers of meaning and form. A Concerto for an Empty Frame is a moving and skillfully composed work that will linger in both the heart and mind.
Pages: 90 | ISBN : 1639804315
Fragments of a Random Mind: A Poetry Collection
In Fragments of a Random Mind, Hermione Lee offers readers a collection of poetry that is both engaging and reflective. Lee draws inspiration from Brian Bilston, which is evident in the intriguing spatial play in her writer’s note, setting a promising tone for the anthology. This debut collection is divided into five sections and encompasses 62 poems. Lee navigates various themes, such as love, life, the natural world, personal reflections, and motivation.
Each section delves into a specific aspect: the first explores life and love through the lenses of friendship, nostalgia, and relationships, while the second focuses on nature, offering observational insights on dawn, birds, flowers, and lakes. The third part contemplates the art of writing, addressing common challenges such as procrastination and other reflective thoughts. The fourth part includes observational and reflective poems on people, urban life, and the surrounding environment. The collection concludes with motivational pieces aimed at uplifting the reader.
Lee’s approach to organizing the anthology into distinct sections provides a clear thematic structure. This method allows for a focused exploration of each theme, contributing to a unique reading experience. The poems themselves exhibit commendable creativity, with notable phrases like “umbrellas bloom” and skillful alliterations in “I see people hurting people.” The collection presents an array of themes, leaving room for the reader to forge their own emotional connections with the poems. The inclusion of experimental pieces such as “Utopia,” “Modern Poetry,” and “Impossible” showcases Lee’s versatility, employing a prose-like style that is both refreshing and enjoyable. The descriptive nature of the poems, capturing emotions, scenes, and impressions, is a key characteristic of Lee’s writing. The collection showcases a range of narratives and ideas, offering glimpses of engaging storytelling and thought-provoking concepts. Lee’s use of poetry taps into its ability to evoke emotion and curiosity, suggesting exciting possibilities for more narrative or thematic depth in subsequent projects.
Lee’s debut poetry collection, Fragments of a Random Mind, presents a promising start to her poetry career. The collection showcases her potential in the realm of poetry as she explores themes of love, loss, identity, and belonging. Her use of vivid imagery and emotive language captivates the reader’s attention and brings her poems to life. Fragments of a Random Mind is a noteworthy addition to the world of contemporary poetry and a testament to Lee’s talent as a poet.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0CW1LX5X9
Choose To Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos
Choose to Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos, the inaugural poetry anthology by Elizabeth Knightly, is an exquisite exploration of love, desire, and self-evolution. Knightly eloquently describes it as a dynamic and cyclical journey of mutual selection rather than a linear narrative with a predetermined conclusion. With a bold refusal to conform to the male gaze, she masterfully deconstructs the female experience, asserting autonomy over her story.
The collection is an intimate voyage through the author’s inner landscape, with each poem offering a fragment of her essence. Readers are invited to engage deeply, perhaps recognizing echoes of their own lives within her verse. One of Knightly’s primary aims is to resonate with and validate the experiences of women who see themselves reflected in her words. The latter part of the anthology bravely addresses serious issues such as body dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders, self-worth, and addiction, offering solidarity and understanding to those grappling with similar challenges.
Structured around four muses and five chapters, the book encompasses 45 poems that narrate a saga of affection, heartache, complexity, and a tenacious hope. As an ardent Taylor Swift fan, I found the collection uniquely resonant. Each poem is paired with a meticulously chosen song, enhancing the reader’s immersion and emotional connection. This musical element paints a vivid portrait of each muse and amplifies the emotional depth of Knightly’s words.
I recommend this compelling collection to all, particularly to young women seeking validation and understanding. It offers an insightful glimpse into the female psyche for others, fostering a deeper comprehension of diverse experiences. The infusion of contemporary pop culture references throughout the poems lends a relatable and modern touch, inviting readers to step into Knightly’s world. Choose to Choose Me is not merely a book but a resonant journey, a heartfelt invitation to empathy, understanding, and self-discovery.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0CJR74XNV
Sharing Myself Through Poetry
In The Willow Weepings, you explore a vast array of human emotions and connections to the natural world through your poetry. Why was it important for you to share this collection with readers?
It was important for me to share this collection of poetry with my readers because of the vast importance of the connection of humans. I wanted to share my love and thoughts with others about how I not only see but feel the world. Nature and emotion are found in everything to me and I love sharing myself and ideas with individuals. I hope to spark new thoughts in their daily lives and how beautifully complex, yet simple moments of life can be.
Are there certain selections in The Willow Weepings that resonate especially deeply with you?
The entirety of The Willow Weepings resonates deeply with me. However, the second half of the book (The Weepings) resonates with one of the most heartbreaking eras of my life. Everything in the state of heartbreak and deep emotion was either new or so deep-rooted in me that in the reflection of it, I have learned so much. I love to share the range of emotions I can go through because it is only natural and all feelings are of importance and inevitable.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
Some of my inspirations as a writer were the earth around me, my friends, the idea of love, and my physical vs mental being. Those inspirations highly influence my daily life and my art. I find myself always looking to grow and I feel those things support that idea in my life greatly.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I will be working on will be a third collection of poetry, as well as a children’s poetry book. The third collection will be available sometime in 2024 and the children’s poetry book will most likely not be too far behind. I am very excited to be sharing more of myself through my poetry in what I know, as well as new territory!
Author Links: Instagram
The Willow Weepings
The Willow Weepings, by Kendall Hope, takes readers on an evocative journey through the landscape of human emotion, skillfully blending the art of narrative and lyrical expression. This collection serves as a conduit for reflection, heartache, healing, and the blossoming of the self.
Within its pages, several pieces resonated deeply with me. “The Melted House” is succinct yet brimming with a spectrum of sentiments that evoke a sense of humility and wonder. In contrast, “Dung Beetle” employs a modest creature to delve into life’s complexities, demonstrating the compelling use of metaphor in crafting engaging poetry. “Today, I Am Happy” sparkles with its celebration of life’s simple pleasures, capturing the essence of joy in the mundane.
The centerpiece of the collection is “Soulmate Collector,” a unique and captivating exploration of loss that showcases Kendall Hope’s narrative skill. This piece engages readers with such emotional intensity that it may leave one pausing to reflect on the experience.
In The Willow Weepings, Kendall Hope shines as a distinguished poet, her words painting vivid images that stir the soul. Readers are invited to embark on a poignant voyage through her poetic landscape, a transformative experience that leaves a lasting impression. This book comes with a high recommendation; Kendall’s expressive power creates a noteworthy addition to contemporary poetry collections.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0C95J8Y4B
Joy, Inspiration, and Connection
Poetry for Pups is a collection of poetry centered around the bond between humans and their loving canine companions. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
First of all, I adore my dog, Koa (and Mariah, my first pup whom I had the absolute joy of being her human for 14 years), and have always been charmed and fascinated by their antics, unique personalities, and expressions of love and loyalty. They bring me so much joy, just by being who are they in their own way. Koa, for example, is the boss of our household – she has me well-trained to her whims, and I fully admit that I am a sucker for all her demands when she looks at me with her big brown hound eyes that melt any resolve I may have to resist her demands. Mariah, on the other hand, was the sweetest dog I have ever met – she instinctively knew when I needed comfort and extra love, and she would always make sure I was okay, almost like she was mothering me. My dogs are certainly the inspiration for this collection of poetry.
I love the illustrations in your book; they capture the personality of dogs dramatically well. What was the collaborative process like with Morgan to put together the poetry and illustrations into this beautiful collection?
Morgan is my husband who shares the joys and experiences of being a dog parent to both Mariah and Koa, so he deeply appreciates and understands the poems I wrote about our two pups. He has always been so talented with the visual arts, and I knew he would be the one who could produce the most meaningful and charming illustrations for the book. We had a lot of laughs over this project – a truly fun endeavor as a family, with our pups as our muse.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
In the reviews I’ve gotten so far on this book, the readers have mentioned that reading the poetry made them immediately hug their dogs and tell their dogs how much they love and appreciate them, or if their dogs weren’t around, made them long to be with their dogs. That is one of the major goals I had in writing this book. I wanted the readers to remember the joy of having their four-legged friends and to appreciate how lucky they are to have those pups in their lives. Another goal in writing this book is to provide a resource for people to build a deeper bond with their pups. We encourage people to read Poetry for Pups to their dogs, a shared activity that can enhance the emotional connection between people and their pups. Other benefits of reading to their dogs are giving a sense of comfort for the pups as part of their routine with their owners and even helping to calm anxious or stressed dogs by listening to a soothing voice, ultimately contributing to their pups’ overall well-being. Another goal is to entertain the readers with the funny and heartwarming stories conveyed through poetry, and to portray a sense of innocence, loyalty, and simplicity transporting readers to moments in their lives that are just shared between them and their canine companions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Poetry for Pups?
The one thing I hope readers gain from reading Poetry for Pups is a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary and profound bond between humans and their beloved dogs. I hope my readers can find joy, inspiration, and connection in the shared emotions and experiences conveyed within the poetry.
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In one poem titled “35”, Susan grapples with the heartbreaking reality of the lifespan of dogs and shares her hope for her pup to live to a ripe old age of 35. In another poem titled “I Wish You Could Talk”, Susan depicts the longing many dog owners hold to build a deeper connection with their pups through playful conversations. At the heart of her poems lies the intertwining experiences, unbreakable bond, and the mutual love shared between people and their canine companions.
Poetry for Pups is a must-read for all dog lovers and certainly for all dogs with the help of their humans.
