Your anthology of poetry takes readers on a journey through your emotional growth. What was the initial idea behind this collection of poetry, and how did that transform as you were writing The Realms of My Soul III?

Throughout my young adult life, I have grappled with neurodivergent issues. From my perspective, mental health struggles represent the true epidemic that plagues our society and youth today. I have dedicated myself to raising awareness in this area and to being an advocate through my writing.

When I published my debut novel, “Heart of a Warrior Angel,” in 2019, I made a conscious effort to imbue the characters with relatable challenges. This theme of triumphing over adversity, trauma, and depression is interwoven throughout “The De-Coding of Jo ” series, a dark science fiction portal fantasy for young adults aged 14 and above.

I have received numerous messages from readers who have resonated with my storytelling and found solace in the diverse characters. During my book tours over the past few years, I had the privilege of connecting with my readers, who suggested that I share my own introspective journey of healing and self-development.

As a result, in the autumn of 2022, I embarked on a journey through the “Realms of My Soul” and penned a poetry series consisting of three books. The first two volumes, “A Forgotten Dream” and “A Liberating Path,” delve into the first four decades of my life. I reflect upon the wounds of my childhood and the ways in which the desire to please others affected my development. Through this collection of poetry, I weave together my personal experiences of mental health transformation with detailed imagery, using it as a metaphor for the universal human condition.

The third book in the series, “A Golden Gift,” aims to inspire readers to embrace their inner potential and mastery. Through my own metamorphosis, I have come to illustrate the power of vulnerability and self-discovery. This poetry series serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to overcome adversity and find their true purpose in life. As a creative writer, I see my art as an alchemical process. When I connect with my inner wisdom, I can tap into my essence and share it with others. Words have the power to emit energetic frequencies, serving humanity as I align with the gnosis and wisdom within me.

Through my experiences, I offer relatable lessons for those navigating today’s chaotic world. By sharing my poetry, I aim to activate my readers by transforming their journeys and finding harmony, grace, and joy. Embedded within the tapestry of my expressions are codes that can uplift those who resonate with my wavelength, offering a fresh perspective on their struggles. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire and empower others to live their highest potential and thrive.

One thing that readers will find is you use a variety of styles of poetry to express yourself. Is there one style that you are particularly drawn to?

I published my first poetry collaboration, The Joy of I. T., in the fall of 2020, and realized how much I love the rhythmic cadence of writing verses. When I released Organic eMotions: Poetry for hUmaNITY in 2022, I introduced fourteen-line sonnets with a consistent rhyming pattern as well as Haikus, a three-line poem where the first and third lines contain five syllables and the second line contains seven syllables.

For the Realms of My Soul series, I wanted to challenge myself further and included Haiku poetry to introduce each poem in every chapter. I then attempted to also include Odes, Ballads, and Petrarchan sonnets that consist of an octave followed by a sestet. The octave uses the first eight lines to describe my experience, develop a situation, or evoke a mood. The sestet is used to reflect on the experience, develop the theme further, or use different perspectives to answer questions posed in the octave.

The biggest challenge for me was writing Villanelles, a contemporary lyrical poem that consists of nineteen to twenty-six lines and two rhymes per line. But they are definitely my favorite poetry style.

What was one of the hardest parts in this collection for you to write?

Poetry holds an incredible power to establish a profound connection with audiences, particularly when exploring sensitive subjects that evoke intense emotions. It possesses a unique language that blossoms into metaphors, allowing us to transcend the boundaries of space and time. Poetry is the guardian of dreams, fearlessly venturing into the realms of the unknown.

Personally, the most challenging aspect of crafting this poetry series was delving into those past childhood memories. Through this raw and vulnerable process, I confronted core wounds, trauma, pain, shame, and the stigma surrounding depression and mental health. Poetry, in my view, provides profound insights into the human psyche and behavior, offering a space where the imagination can roam freely.

For me, writing poetry is not solely a creative art form; it is a calling, a purpose. Through my poems, I strive to assist my readers in navigating their own unresolved pain, igniting the spark of healing. I believe that my words echo the voice of my soul, acting as a guide for others on their personal journeys of self-discovery and growth.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I recently released a delightful book titled “Portals of Magic: Poetry and Activity Book for Kids 6-10.” Inside, you’ll find a charming unicorn story presented through limerick verses, as well as 40 coloring and activity pages filled with affirmations that empower young minds and little stars.

Currently, I’m working on the fourth installment of my poetry series, “Realms of My Soul.” This book will explore my unique perspectives on the crucial relationships in life. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness about the stages of menopause by sharing my personal experiences in navigating hormonal changes. Moreover, it will delve into esoteric viewpoints on self-actualization and living life through the heart’s embrace.

In addition to this project, I’m also excited to announce another captivating endeavor. I am currently outlining a thrilling dark romance/mystery that blends the suspenseful elements of “A Girl on a Train” with the intriguing allure of ancient Egypt. Set in the present day, “The Art of Rose” follows the journey of a talented artist and mystic who becomes entangled in a web of past lives and forbidden secrets. This enthralling story has the potential to become a saga, so brace yourself for its epic release in 2024!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | TikTok | Website