1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

My mother, like all avid bookwhales, tried her hand at writing children's books. As a child then, I was the perfect beta reader for her craft. Through beta reading, I began enjoying the process of writing and would bounce back and forth throughout the years writing drafts when the muse struck. I supposed it's like a child dressing in their parents' clothes to find their own identity. I thought I'd end up becoming a fiction writer but discovered in college modern grotesque and surrealist poetry and fell in love with it. I've been writing poems since.

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

Melodia began as several miscellaneous poems touching on different types of melodies like prayers and nursery rhymes. Music has been my constant companion throughout my life and finds its way through my work on way or another. The natural evolution of which turned into Melodia.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

Quite a lot of my work centers around familial trauma and voice. Poems I've written for fun are about nature, erotic metaphors, gore, and fairy tales.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

If you aspire to be a poet, I recommend volunteering as a reader for a literary magazine first. It's often the fastest method to read a wide range of contemporary poetry in quality and content. You learn to get a feel for what hits and what doesn't, sometimes why. Also, attend generative workshops and open mics---as many as you can! You'll find many online and they're ideal for learning poetic craft that can't be taught in the classroom and amazing places to watch professional poets perform. If you're serious about being a part of the poetry community, it's a must.

5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?

I always intended to self-publish my first book. Poetry doesn't sell broadly well, as many know, unless you're an instapoet like Rupi Kaur. Most small and micro-presses require submission fees in order to be considered for publication (there are some exceptions with fee-waivered time slots). Unless you're writing about a specific topic that's extremely important or desirable right now, the process would result in losing more money than gained. My book, Melodia, is a "fun" book. It doesn't touch on important socioeconomic, interpersonal, or cultural issues, but, nonetheless, is a quality read. Poetry like this lend well to self-publishing for readers who want to enjoy a bit of escapism.

6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?

Ah, the audience. I've been in mics and online for a few years now and built a network of poets. When I did drop my book this year, they added it to the TBR pile. Beyond my associates and friends, I host workshops and mics where I add at the end that I have a book they can checkout and add the link where they can purchase. It can be harder if you decide to boycott Amazon since some global readers can only access indie published digital books or physical through Amazon. My favorite moment of reader feedback was a shy dm sent to me through social media asking if they could send me a full email of praises for my work. It was amazing! I never blushed so much in gratitude before.

7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

I don't know anyone who handles creative burnout well, or just at all. Writing is often a cyclical process where your inkwell runs dry only to be filled again later. I like to think of this as an artist's natural creation cycle. In the lulls, you may find yourself working on other uncreative but necessary tasks or spending time adventuring other's artistic endeavors. Most artists feel this is a failure because our capitalist society portrays creativity as a constant 24/7 stream of brilliance, but truthfully art is meant to be in cycles for balance. We need to live life in order to create and create to live life.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

I have a lot of pots on the stove, hahaha. A few projects on my shelf include a chapbook that's about dark and carnal desires, autobiography focusing on molestation trauma, crazy wild kitty-cats, mythless Greek gods, surrealist/nightmare fictionalized autobiography, and an alternative history apocalypse. All of them are competing with my brain to see publication first.

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

Maureen P. Medina is a poet and a workshop host who has helped expand my toolkit. I had struggled writing poetry about trauma and interpersonal conflicts, as many of us tend to do. Her workshops were a gentle way of exploring that and I've written a lot of poems thanks to them.

10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?

If it wasn't for my personal life being what it was, I wouldn't be pursuing art. Most poets have some sort of trauma. I am no exception. I often wonder what I would have done if my past were different and much healthier.

Nona Lea | Author

Belinda Campbell | Author