Samantha Terrell interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

When did your love of books begin?

Growing up in a large family with parents who were well-read, I was surrounded by books from birth. I don’t think it was an option to NOT become a book lover. :)

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Maybe it’s normal as a writer, I had a distinct love of writing (which I would differentiate from a love of reading, by the way), from a really young age...probably as soon as I could hold a pencil. Before I even knew how to write alphabet letters, I “wrote” stories on everything as scribbles. Like young artists probably love to doodle pictures, I was born with a love to scribble out my thoughts!

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

As most writers know, the process of becoming published is sometimes pure joy, and sometimes complete drudgery. But it is a labor of love that is a necessary part of being a successful writer. I started out blogging and making handcrafted chapbooks, and I’ve dabbled in self-publishing my own eBooks. My focus on getting published in chapbooks, journals, and lit mags comes in waves, depending on how many other projects I have going. My first two paperback books were published by small, indie presses – JC STUDIO Press (Scotland), and Potter’s Grove Press (USA) – both of whom were delightful to work with. Ultimately, I just keep an eye out for publications and presses that are a good fit for my writing.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Wanting to become an author should follow your love of writing, naturally, and never the other way around. Becoming a published writer is a lot of work and quite often, not monetarily profitable. This is the reality of a writing career, so a person needs to be committed to their craft, first. Then, the work of getting published and dealing with rejections is easier. And, finally, when the hard work pays off, it makes success even sweeter!

Tell us about your book/books:

My first full collection – Vision, and Other Things We Hide From – was published in March of last year, by Potter’s Grove Press. It has received 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and was listed as a #1 New Release in its category on several occasions. It delves into the delicate intricacies of emotion – “Pride is a fair-weather friend, │And houses of cards don’t keep out rain. │So wet, so cold, so vulnerable, we reach for an umbrella, │Only to find it, too, is flimsy.” And, in addition to emotional investigation, it probes the various complexities of societal issues. My poetry emphasizes self-awareness as a means to social awareness, and I believe Vision, and Other Things We Hide From is true to that form.

In October of 2021, my chapbook Keeping Afloat was published by JC STUDIO Press of Glasgow, Scotland. Keeping Afloat is a short book of 35 sand- and sea-based poems, paired with beautiful artwork by professional artist/illustrator, Jane Cornwell, owner of the JC STUDIO Press. Keeping Afloat offers readers an opportunity to explore the depths of self-awareness, and emerge with renewed purpose and buoyancy. It has also received 5-star reviews on Amazon, Amazon UK, and Amazon France.

My new full collection of 65 poems – Simplicity, and Other Things We Overcomplicate– comes out March 25^th of this year! Simplicity, and Other Things We Overcomplicate is a poetic discourse on finding simplicity amongst the ever-increasing complexities of our world. It pushes the boundaries of controversy and offers peaceful resolve. I believe my work appeals to both long-term and new readers of the craft.

*Links to all of my books are available on my website.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I have found the writing community on social media to be supportive and kind. It is a very collaborative opportunity for what is often very solitary work. I am grateful for the many folks I have been able to connect with on Twitter, such as “Feed My Reads” and many others!

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Keep searching for depth of meaning in what you read. You deserve to read soul-invigorating work, and I can only hope to be one of many millions of writers to provide poetry that is engaging and worthwhile. Thank you for your time!

Where can people connect with you?

My website is: www.SamanthaTerrell.com and I am on Twitter @honestypoetry.