It has been a long while (for a myriad of reasons) since I posted on this blog. My first poetry book, ‘In Conversation‘, my first book, in fact, going live on Amazon felt like a post was required.
In 2009 I wrote:
Author – This is something I want to take a step towards. I feel I have at least one book in me. Maybe I’m finally ready to make this a reality.
About | janicewhyne.com
I can now say I have followed through on that. At the time, I didn’t know what kind of book it would be.
A poetry book is where my rediscovery of my creative self has taken me. A journey of discovery that has been unfolding over the last 6 years. A milestone back then was me plucking up the courage to participate in an open mic at The Poetry Cafe in 2016.
Interestingly, while typing this, a line from one of the poems I shared came to mind:
A lyricist with pages to fill.
From ‘Who Am I’ | J Whyne (@janichay)
The experience of putting this book out into the world is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, as I am putting myself out there via my words and expressions. Even though the poetic voice in the poems isn’t always mine, there is a piece of me in each and every poem, which requires vulnerability.- Something I regard as a strength rather than a weakness, but that doesn’t stop some fear at how my words, and by extension, myself, will be received and perceived.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Susan Jeffers
This a phrase I first heard from my good good sistafren Olivia Pitt over 15 years ago. It is one I have repeatedly referenced, shared with others, and even used in a poem. It was only at my Indonesian book launch at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2022 that I learnt, from someone who attended, where it originated from. I’m actually very surprised at myself that I never looked it up before!
In Conversation being a reality is largely due to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway‘. I followed through on a commitment to myself, and that, in itself, is a success. A success that I will cherish and celebrate.
It is the conclusion of something and the beginning of things yet to come.
- Optional extras
- If you clicked the Susan Jeffers link, I’d encourage you also to take up the click here option
- Watch my Book Launch @UWRF 2022
- Buy or Review In Conversation–Thanks in advance!