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Be Your Own Hero
Can You Be follows a woman living a self-imposed, sheltered life who, after receiving a mysterious box, starts to open up and discover who she is and starts to heal from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like to write stories of self-development and self-discovery, focusing on the pivotal moments of a character’s life. This is what I did with Naina in Can You Be, and was the inspiration for this novel. Naina is about to turn thirty and receiving the box sets her on a path where she chooses to face herself, her fears and insecurities, and explore who she wants to be. Naina is an underdog and learns to become her own hero. I want to showcase that anyone can change their life and bring their dreams to reality. It can be as simple as making a choice, which Naina did. She chose to be different, heal, forgive, take a chance, and go on a life-changing trip. She learns and grows tremendously through the course of the book.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The best scene to capture the morals of the story is one towards the end where Naina and Holy Man are sitting on a towel at the beach on Sullivan’s Island. The location is special to Naina, and she regularly goes there when she needs solace, but she usually does it alone. This time, Holy Man joins her. She has already grown a great deal through the journey she’s been on but needs a final push, if you can call it that, to get out of her own way. The conversation she has with Holy Man helps her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I have already shared the theme of self-discovery and self-development, which are tied into the topic of exploring who we can be. There is the theme of “being” in discovering who Naina is as a person, but also not having the pressure to “do,” which comes up for her a lot, and rather to “be,” which she struggles with. Food and travel are featured in the book as an avenue to showcase diversity and multicultural elements. Naina is born in America but of Indian descent, Raiya is Indian, and there are other characters from other countries. Naina travels to Stockholm, the Baltics, and Helsinki, yet most of the book takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. I also explore spirituality in a grounded way through crystals, mindfulness and meditation, Angel Oak, and a mysterious Holy Man. All of them help Naina on her journey.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few projects I am working on. I have a daily reflections deck of cards that I am collaborating on with Jess Fowler, an artist based in Australia. It will be a deck of 77 cards that encourage daily self-reflection. I also am working on another poetry collection called “Journeys.” It’s a collection of books that explores journeys through various facets of life such as travel, health, relationships, love, faith, and so much more. The cards and the first book of poetry in the Journeys collection should be available in 2024. I am also working on my third novel, which is a story about a woman who leaves everything behind to become a tarot card reader. It follows her struggles and how she overcomes them to evolve into taking on her dream career. This should be available in 2025.
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Everything begins to change after the arrival of the box, and Naina is presented with a chance to change her life and explore compassion, forgiveness, and believing in herself. She struggles to understand the power of connections and the potential of expanding her horizons. Naina’s journey is mystical and, in portions, it takes her through Stockholm, Helsinki, and the Baltics. Will this quest lead her to discover who she can be?
Can You Be
Navigating the subtle threshold between solitude and self-imposed isolation, Can You Be by Sonee Singh explores the theme of self-reflection through the lens of a young woman’s life. The narrative delves into the starkness that can arise from an over-simplified existence, probing the depths of the void left by routine’s meager offerings. The protagonist, Naina, finds herself at a pivotal point when an enigmatic parcel triggers a cascade of incremental shifts, suggesting that embracing minor alterations can pave the way for monumental growth.
In this contemporary fiction piece, Singh crafts a tale that threads through the intricate tapestry of Naina’s reclusive existence, marred by childhood wounds, an emotionally distant caregiver, and the resulting social invisibility. Her retreat into the realms of fantasy is a poignant coping mechanism for her solitude. The arrival of a cryptic stone becomes the fulcrum upon which she begins to reassess her life. Naina’s physical and metaphorical odyssey unfolds at the intersection of the mystical and the tangible, leading her toward self-realization, healing, and a transformative personal evolution.
The prose is articulate and captivating, ideal for mature audiences who are drawn to narratives that unravel the complexities of a character’s history and aspirations. The novel touches on historical and socio-political topics as part of Naina’s exploration into who she is. These sections enhance her journey, tying it to the real world and giving readers an inclination for rich, contextual backdrops that touch upon broader societal themes; these forays add a layer of depth to the narrative.
Can You Be is crafted to inspire readers to venture beyond the confines of their comfort zones, reclaiming the reins of their destinies from the clutches of their past. This thought-provoking and accessible work poses a dual proposition: it is both a challenge and a solution, resonating with those who seek a narrative of authentic and relatable metamorphosis.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0CG8ZBFXH
The Soul-Seeker Collection
Embrace is the next book in your poetry collection and is based on the mantra of the eastern part of the world’s take on spirituality and exploring gratitude. Why was this an important collection to write?
Embrace is part of a three-book collection of poetry called the Soul-Seeker Collection. All three books showcased an evolution of my personal process of awakening. Book one, Embody, was about getting to know myself at a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Book two, Embrace, was about me accepting myself for who I am, understanding that the only permanence is change. Thus, Embrace is about cycles, ebbs and flows, and our evolving lives. Finally, Embolden, Book three in the collection, was about understanding that we’re connected to one another and to the universe. Poetry is a form of self-expression and self-discovery, and it was important for me to share this in hopes that others will experience a similar journey.
What was one of the hardest parts of Embrace for you to write?
When I was writing the poems for Embrace, I still hadn’t accepted that I was a poet. I hadn’t endeavored to write poetry, always considering myself a novelist. Poetry came to me, all of a sudden, in the midst of the recent lockdowns. The hardest part for me, ironically, was embracing that I was a poet and thus allowing the free flow of creativity to take shape while writing Embrace.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My health. I feel that our bodies speak to us, and they have a deeper message of healing, if we are willing to listen. Yes, we suffer through ailments and illnesses, but these are usually tied to our spiritual and emotional selves, and thus, when we go through something physical, there is an emotional and spiritual experience. I have written about my healing journey in a lot of my poetry.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The third and final book in the Soul-Seeker Collection, Embolden, was published in May, 2022. It was about our connection with all that is around us. I am working on another poetry series called “Journeys.” The first book should be published later this year. This series will be about how we evolve through different aspects of our lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Embrace
Embrace is the second book in Sonee Singh’s poetry collection. It is based largely on the mantra of the eastern part of the world’s take on spirituality – exploring the values of gratitude throughout its entirety, urging the reader to stop, reflect and embrace all that is around them. Singh has divided the book into 12 sections. It has been done so intentionally, for she believes it to be Twelve, a master number that deals with self-expression, representing cycles of life. It coincides with the opening poem ‘Cycles,’ a reflective interpretation of the role of the celestial forces and how they manifest on earth.
The illustrations are woven throughout, adding to the quality of the author’s writing. This is done by creating a medium of inspiration through splashes of watercolor and delicate line drawings – a backdrop of vividness adding to the flavor of Singh’s influential words, whether about exploring self-identity, transformation, or connectivity with the six senses. A particular focus on the decision to use certain colors for specific sections should not be overlooked; it is a strategic and well-executed play on the reader’s mind that associates color psychology with the messages delicately seeded throughout Singh’s work.
Embrace by Sonee Singh is an outstandingly powerful piece of writing. From its inception, a narrative is generated, oozing a unique sense of inclusivity that there is little-to-no chance of anyone picking up this book and not being able to relate it to their own life. The concluding poem ‘All There Is’ will leave you inspired and feeling like you are in control of your own life. Be kind to yourself and trust that the path you are on is exactly where you are meant to be. I Highly recommend this book to readers needing a gentle reminder to embrace their authentic selves and love themselves.
Pages: 236 | ASIN : B09WCZ73TT
The Soul Seeker Collection
Embolden is a collection of poetry written to help readers understand how the universe communicates with us. Why was this an important collection for you to write?
Embolden is the last book in the Soul-Seeker Collection, which followed my journey of self-discovery. Book 1 was Embody, and it was about connecting within. Book 2 was Embrace, and it was about connecting with the cycles of life. Book 3 is Embolden, and it is about my connection to everything that is and with the universe. It was important for me to write Embolden because I wanted to showcase that we are all connected, that nothing occurs at random, and that we’re all in this game of life together. The more we see that we’re part of something bigger, the less alone we feel. It helps us see that there is a purpose for us.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I divided the book into five sections. The number five is all about change and transformation, and because this was the culmination of my own personal journey of transformation, it was important for me to use that as a theme. The five sections are 1) objects and places, 2) nature, 3) numbers, 4) practices and beliefs, and 5) symbols. These are all themes that I relate to and where I find signs and significance, feeling as if the universe is communicating with me. I hope that through my poems, others will find the same.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When I write poetry I follow my inspiration. I normally write poems only when I feel called to do so, and it was important for me to transmit some of this through my poetry. I didn’t see the themes until I had completed the collection and this is a way to honor that I was in flow when writing this collection. It really came from my soul, and it makes sense since the universe speaks to us in many ways, but the most important is through our soul.
Will there be a fourth book in the Soul Seeker Collection? If so, can you share what ideas it will cover and when it will be available?
There are only three books in the Soul Seeker Collection, and Embolden was the last one. I am working on a new collection of poems that will be called Journeys. It is about my experiences, perspectives, and lessons as I have traveled, healed, searched for a home, gone through change and transformation, endeavored to find self-love, and so much more. The first book in the collection should, hopefully, be released in 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Book 3 of the hit Sonee Singh Soul Seeker collection.
Embolden
Embolden is a collection of poems by Sonee Singh organized according to specific themes. The first theme of objects and places includes knowledge, lore, magic, and mythology. The objects include concepts (poems such as ‘Energy’) and range from tangible to transient (‘Bubble’ and ‘Egypt’). The second theme of nature revolves around flora, fauna, and the weather (poems: ‘Solstice,’ ‘Seasons,’ ‘Noseeums’). The third theme of numbers highlights the significance of numbers in the poet’s personal life and their significance in numerology and cultures (poems: ‘Eight,’ ‘Twelve,’ ‘108’). The fourth and fifth themes are practices and beliefs, and symbols, respectively: rituals, mythical and spiritual (poems: ‘Mantra’ and ‘Cure’); emblems, signs, and ancient wisdom (poems: ‘Dot,’ ‘Sacred Geometry,’ ‘The Fates’).
Singh weaves little realizations into all of her poems—not grandiose profound ones but small everyday recognitions of a life being lived that instill an awareness of the world around her. The concept of energy in spaces, of how to balance and purify them, is seen in poems such as ‘Agni,’ ‘Smoke,’ and ‘Energy.’ Mindfulness evoked by music is seen in ‘Strings’ (‘less to prove and less to pursue’) and in ‘Dualities’ (‘it’s hard to keep track’)—also subtle comments on today’s overwhelming, consumptive lives. ‘Eight’ plays with form in both word and symbol—‘an infinity turned up,’ or ‘an eight turned horizontal,’ as does ‘108’. The practice of seeking comfort in confiding, almost confessing, to strangers is seen in ‘Sharing,’ and the sound of wholeness (aum) that gently reminds readers that each is a part of a whole in ‘Wisdom Says.’
The quotidian objects and scenes written about are done so thoughtfully and in a comforting manner. The single splashes of color on each page and the line illustrations are appealing in their simplicity. The book can be read aloud to children and adults alike, teaching readers to slow down and observe the world around them and to learn from and be inspired by a blend of nature and cultures.
Embolden is an inspirational collection of poetry that will leave readers with much to think about. This collection has something for everyone as it touches on so many different areas of life. It is the type of work you gain more from with each reading, and you will always gain new insight each time you pick it up.
Pages: 242 | ISBN : 0645450197
An Opportunity For Self-Reflection
Embody is a collection of thought-provoking poetry organized in the form of the seven chakras. What inspires you to write poetry?
Everything and anything, ranging from tea to goddesses. I don’t know when, where, or under what circumstances I will get the call to write poetry. It just comes and I heed the call, no matter the time of day, where I am, or what I am doing. Of course, I won’t do it when I’m driving, but as soon as I can, I write it down, and I do so on notebooks, scraps of paper, on my phone, or whatever I find at hand. I can get inspired from what I am streaming, what I read, something outside my window, a conversation, an event, or anything that stirs my thoughts and emotions.
My favorite poem from this collection is ‘Security’. Do you have a favorite poem from this collection?
That’s an interesting question because there are many poems that have evoked quite strong feelings in me, given what was happening at the time I wrote them. Those are my favorites. One such example is “How I Feel.” I wrote it after realizing that I didn’t make an effort to connect with my emotions. Interestingly, writing poetry opened up that door for me—that of being in touch with my feelings.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
Writing this collection of poetry was an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. Embody was about being in touch with myself, being present with what was happening in the moment and how that felt in my being. We don’t often take the time to pause, be still, and be ok with whatever is going on—whether it is positive or negative—and do so without judgment. Writing this collection of poetry was a chance for me to be at peace with where I was and what was happening, and allow whatever needed to come up to rise.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
There are two more books of poetry that are in the works that will follow Embody. These are Embrace and Embolden. They follow the next steps of the emotional journey, which for me was acceptance and then finding a way forward. These will be available soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Embody
![Embody by [Sonee Singh]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HvYfrETgL.jpg)
Embody by Sonee Singh is a rousing and inspired collection of poems exploring the common theme of healing, organized in the form of the seven chakras – Muladhara (Root), Svadhisthana (Sacral), Manipura (Solar Plexus), Anahata (Heart), Vasudha (Throat), Ajna (Third Eye), Sahasrara (Crown). The chakras are an ancient energy system having roots in ancient India, the birthland of Yoga. A blocked chakra can manifest itself in the form of several mental and physical diseases. Thus, Singh’s idea of classifying her poems in the form of seven chakras coincides with her overarching theme of healing.
The best feature of this collection of poems is that they are not forced and seem to be flowing from the inner self as any good poem should. As Singh mentions, while writing the book, she did not have the theme in mind, and it was only after finishing that she realized that they had a common theme and a hidden structure. The simple short poems flow easily and carry readers along with their easy-to-understand and straightforward form and a free-flowing rhyming scheme.
The book, in itself, is aesthetically pleasing and offers a treat to the eyes with its colorful water paint illustrations, white background and uncluttered, minimalist layout. I feel that the knowledge of Chakras is not well known, so one feature that I would have liked to have had in the book is a bit of an introduction about the focal point of the chakra and its manifestation.
Embody is a collection of simple poetry that I think will be very appealing to average readers as it contains thoughtful but stimulating poetry that is easy to understand and is powerful because of it.
Pages: 235 | ASIN: B09GP4GJ9K
LITERARY TITAN 