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Candle-Crowded Birthday Cakes
Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake is a collection of sonnets with a humorous twist on the everyday modern life that women endure. What inspired you to write this collection of sonnets?
I am a lifelong actress (IMDb.me/pennypeyser) and have had the pleasure of working extensively in television, film, and stage, but through it all, I’ve had an adoration for Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. In a Shakespearean acting class, we were assigned to write a sonnet to better understand the demands of iambic pentameter. I went home, dashed one off, and thought – this is fun! That was thirteen years ago and I haven’t stopped.
How did you decide on the title of this collection?
Sonnets From Suburbia came to me partly because I was raised in the suburbs (but now live in Los Angeles) and I like the alliteration. More Candles Than Cake as the subtitle is because…I’m of an age where the birthday cakes are candle-crowded!
What sonnet in the collection did you have the most fun writing and why?
That’s a tough one. I write them all the time. I have affection for “Oops” I suppose because being older I’ve learned to appreciate youthful beauty – from afar – and there is a certain awkwardness when age disparity rears its head.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next collection of sonnets?
I actually have just published my second! Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance available on Amazon. This one has a romantic theme – just in time for Valentine’s Day! From my perspective being able to comment on modern day relationships in iambic pentameter is loads of fun. I hope you’ll smile with recognition with this collection.
Author Links: GoodReads | Webpage
Sonnets from Suburbia features Lady Penelope (aka actress Penny Peyser) serving up a funny take on modern day life in Shakespearean sonnet form.
From the foibles of friendship, to romantic relationships gone awry, to aging bodies that misbehave, to the woes of social media and confounding familial tussles, she has the uncanny ability to make us smile out loud and chuckle with recognition. One of those books for when you need a good laugh.
The clever, compassionate sonnets inside this book make a perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day and are sure to delight women over 40 (all female readers actually) and the men who love them.
Think Shakespeare at the mall.
For fans of Judith Viorst, Amy Sedaris and Dorothy Parker. Sonnets from Suburbia is long-time actress Penny Peyser’s first foray into poetry and sonnets, and she couldn’t be more thrilled about this new venture.
Sonnets From Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake
Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake by Penny Peyser presents a refreshing take on the Shakespearean sonnet, repurposing it to delve into the nuances of contemporary suburban life. Peyser’s collection stands out for its ingenious fusion of a classic poetic form with modern themes, such as aging, relationships, parenthood, and the peculiarities of everyday life, all expressed with an astute mix of humor and satire.
This book marks an engaging departure from traditional poetic structures, showcasing Peyser’s knack for sharp wit and perceptive observations. The sonnets, though concise, are packed with a blend of light-heartedness and introspection, effectively capturing the multifaceted nature of suburban existence. From mundane activities to broader existential issues, the collection paints a vivid picture of life in suburbia. Readers may find the disciplined use of the sonnet form in this collection a unique aspect, offering a distinctive structure that might be particularly appealing to those with an appreciation for classic poetry. While the succinctness of the sonnets provides a focused glimpse into various themes, it also invites readers to engage in further contemplation and exploration beyond the text. Peyser’s portrayal of suburban life is particularly striking, featuring relatable characters and scenarios that echo with a broad spectrum of readers. Her skill in encapsulating a complete narrative within the confines of each sonnet is commendable, adeptly reflecting both the ordinary and extraordinary elements of daily life. The themes she explores are widely relatable, offering a mirror to our collective experiences.
Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake emerges as a unique and thought-stimulating collection. Penny Peyser’s application of the sonnet to comment on the intricacies of modern existence is as innovative as it is insightful, offering readers a fresh lens through which to view the everyday world.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0BVRW9TB4
LITERARY TITAN 