Meet Samantha Wise, author of “Evening: For the Fragile Heart & Wandering Mind”
Tell us what your book, “Evening: For the Fragile Heart & Wandering Mind,” is about!
Sure! Here’s the summary:
Evening is a collection of poems I wrote sporadically over the last 6 years. I touched a little bit on dealing with infertility, identity, intimacy, and heartbreak. It speaks to the girl I was in those moments, with timestamps for each of the poems written.
What did you love most about writing this book?
What I love the most is that it was never my intention to create a book at all. These were more diary entries. Me writing out my emotions in a way I could digest and understand. I didn't do any special schooling for writing or anything. This is just what I've done when there was no one around. Instead of journaling, I was busy turning my thoughts into a form of art, I guess. It’s great. :)
How did you start writing?
I've always been attracted to writing. I've been reading since Pre-K and have always been 2 grade levels ahead. There's actually a book I've been trying to track down. Most likely written by a self published author but I read that book over and over when i was in elementary school and I would say it was the reason i never stopped. Right now I can only remember the cover art, but I always give credit to that memory. Writing is one form of expression I've always used, I've just always been nervous to share my mind with the world out of fear of being misunderstood. I no longer have that fear. In fact, I now look forward to interpretations of my work.
Tell us a little bit about your self-publishing experience.
Self-publishing was fun! Trial and error, of course. I've changed my cover twice. Adjusted the formatting a few times now. But I've decided to put all of those changes and updates and new ideas into a Volume 2 that already has double the amount of content and completely new work.
What was your biggest challenge in bringing the book to market, and how did you solve it?
Um, I think my biggest problem with bringing it to market is gaining an audience. I haven't quite solved anything just yet. It is still a work in progress finding my tribe. Finding a group that is truly invested in The Archives and wants to hear more from me. I've posted a few of my poems on The Writing Forums and got really good feedback that inspires me to keep going so one day at a time!
What's one piece of advice you have for other writers?
JUST DO IT! Don't be afraid of being misunderstood. Your words will reach the right people at the right time. You never know who needs to hear what you have to say in the exact way that YOU are able to say it. Yes some things have been repeated plenty of times before but most of the time it isn't the message itself, its the messenger. Trust yourself, express yourself, and just remember: no one else is you, so put YOU out there, unapologetically.
Anything else you want folks to know?
I am a poet who writes from moments of spontaneity. Sometimes lines or thoughts come to me and I expand on them at later dates or times and its always when I'm doing something arguably ordinary. In the shower, while doing dishes, before bed, or even in the middle of the night after my cats' zoomies session woke me up. I write from lived experiences and emotions that are sometimes hard for me to explain if someone were to ask me then and there. Poetry is what my thoughts turn into when I sit with them for a while. I do hope that the introduction to The Archives is interesting enough for you to stick around, because I have many more thoughts to share with you all.
Where can people find your book?
