I am a picky reader, especially when it comes to fiction and poetry. I start (and dump) many books and recommend few.
Here's one I recommend.
I love Holly Coop's poetry.
It's not vintage and dark (which I love); it's not structured in complex layers (which I love); and it's not full of corkscrew metaphors (the reason I love another poet's work in WriteOn Joliet).
Rather it's full of simple wisdom, the kind one already knows. But Holly has a way of drawing the reader's attention to a focused point of that simple wisdom in a way that uplifts and inspires. I only own her first book, but I've read it one poem at a time as "spiritual food" for the day.
Yes, she's a member of WriteOn Joliet, but that's beside the point. Although without the group, I would never have read her poetry. Now you have the chance, too.
Here's a bit about Holly and her books, as well as where to buy them and follow her.
1) Tell us a bit about your books.
My first book “A Cup of Inspiration to Go Please - My Heart
Runneth Over” is a collection of short inspirational poems and quotes. They
focus on the simpler aspects of life, blessings in nature and the observance of
those blessings.
My second book “Heart Strings - Forever Wanderer” is also a
collection of poetry but with a more romantic flare. Celebrating and exploring,
the emotional ups and downs of love, heartache, and desires of the heart.
2) Why did you compile them?
Over the years I have accumulated quite a bit of poetry and
various writings, most of which can be found in binders, boxes, in-between
pages of various books I’ve read, on little scraps of paper, napkins, and
pretty much anything within my quick reach when a stream of words, thoughts, and
ideas would come out of nowhere bubbling out of my mind via pen in hand. So
originally I wanted to organize my writing collection into book volumes to
leave for my kids someday when I’m gone. It was either that or everything
tossed out someday by my non-hoarding brood - lol. But then I found myself
looking back at poems I had written and drawing comfort from reading them
whenever I was faced with difficult times. It occurred to me that maybe others
would find comfort in my poetry as well. So I decided to put some collections
together. I have quite a few planned.
3) Why did you illustrate them, too?
Well all of my poetry has a deep connection to my own soul
and the photos and images I used to compliment my books come from my own photo
collections. So the connection is there throughout the books. Most all of the
photos are of my own family, pets, places we have visited, memories, and
nature.
4) When did you start writing poetry?
I have always made up little songs for as long as I can
remember. But it was mostly after my dad passed in 1994 that I started writing
a lot of poetry. It serves as an emotional release for me and is very
therapeutic.
5) What type of poetry do you enjoy writing and why?
I write mostly inspirational / spiritual pieces, motivational
quotes and daily life observances.
6) Why do you feel poetry is the best way to convey your
message?
It speaks to hearts. I think it is vital in this life that
we leave a good measure of positive energy. If a person can take away something
good after meeting you, you are on the right track. A kind word, a smile, a
thoughtful gesture can make all the difference in another persons day and in
your own. You can literally see a person’s spirit lifted when you pass along a
kind word, especially when they are experiencing a bad day. That’s what I hope
my poetry does for those who read it.
7) What type of poetry do you enjoy reading and why? Who are
your favorite poets and why?
I really love the writings of Helen Steiner Rice. Her poetry
is very approachable. I also enjoy poetry that is completely out of the box,
which makes your mind work for it (so to speak). We have some wonderful poets
in our writing group who write the most interesting pieces that can be taken in
various ways.
8. Are you strictly a poet or do/would you like to write
short stories, essays or a novel?
I hope to someday write a mystery novel(s) or short story. I
have two - four started.
9) Where do you draw your inspiration?
First of all God! He is my co-writer or I should probably
say I am His. I get very inspired during my morning prayers and meditation
time, and when I spend time with nature. I write a lot while puttering in the
garden or while on a long walk. Driving too! Lots of inspiration comes to me while
driving.
10) And you have a greeting card line, too?
Yes, I have a shop on Etsy. hollycoopcards.etsy.com. I offer
greeting and notecards, bookmarks, business card design, as well as my books.
(Please add any final thoughts, upcoming events, website, Etsy
site and social media sites, along with a jpg photo of you and both your books.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for allowing me this time to share my
story. I have several author fairs and festivals that I plan on participating
in this fall.
Upcoming events include:
September 30th 10am - 4pm (tentatively)
Author Fair at the White Oak Library District - Crest Hill,
IL
October 7th 9am - 1pm
Oswego Library Fest - Oswego, IL
October 14th Beginning at 11am with an Author Fair
Plainfield Library Indi Author's Day - Plainfield, IL,
I will be doing many area festivals this fall as well -
details TBA.
I am also involved in the Romeoville Art
Society and will be submitting in its season-long (August - May) Image and
Poetry Contest hosted by White Oak Library District - Romeoville Branch. The
contest is open to the public, and submissions are voted on, by the public.
Each month is a different theme. It’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy
participating in it.
Visit me at:
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter at @writerbeeme and @hollycoopbooks
My third book “Locks of Love – a book of encouragement” is
due out early this fall.
Thank you ~Holly Coop
2 comments:
Thank you Denise :)
Thank YOU, Holly! :)
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