Have you ever fallen in love with a fictional character? I have. More than once!
I love all the characters in my novels, as well, which includes the villains, the manipulators, the gas lighters, the clueless, the jealous, the innocent, the spineless, the cheaters, all of them. Why? Because without the villain(s) or lower vibration energies, there is no heroine’s journey. It’s as simple as that.
All my fictional characters are integral to each story. I created them for a good reason—they have a job to do that will advance the story and the heroine’s journey or keep her stuck, in denial, until the rug is pulled out from under our heroine, forcing her to move, to advance, to learn. To fail, to grow. Like life, right?
Besides, I love discovering and exposing the darker sides each of us possess when we feel threatened, pushed into a corner, attacked, triggered, or exposed. Our characters are no different.
Good or bad, the characters in my books are my children. How could I not love them?
Do you have a favorite fictional character?
Happy Friday and happy writing to you.
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN (2017 & 2019 International Latino Book Awards) and the award-winning collection of poetry, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. (2021 International Latino Book Awards). Eleanor’s books are published by Winter Goose Publishing.
Eleanor is working on her second novel, THE LAMENTS, and a new collection of poetry, currently titled ERASE AND REWIND.
In a corner of the garden, Morning Glory vines have all but taken over the old red wagon and half of the vintage Belgian chair with the missing rush seat.
From mid-June to August, I battle with the flowering vines as they weave in and out of the posts of the side fence. They wind around and around the Lilac and Rose of Sharon bushes, the Dogwood and Cypress trees. I untangle, unwind, and cut myriad strands of braided vines. Often, it’s a losing battle!
By the end of September, when the visits have wound down, the days become cooler and shorter as Autumn approaches, I let the Morning Glory run wild. That’s when I finally pay attention to their beauty. This morning, coffee cup in hand and pen poised over the pages of my journal, I enjoy and appreciate the vivid purple and dark pink blooms around me that seem to say, “What took you so long?”
Be present. Be in nature. Be at peace. Stop fighting the situations, challenges, and people around you. Just be.
Enjoy good memories. Sit with the triumphs, tears, and joyful moments of the year. Soon, it will be time to go inward in every sense of the word.
Peace.
About Eleanor Parker Sapia:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN (2017 & 2019 International Latino Book Awards) and the award-winning collection of poetry, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. (2021 International Latino Book Awards). Eleanor’s books are published by Winter Goose Publishing.
Eleanor is currently working on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, and a new poetry collection, currently titled ERASE AND REWIND.
The pandemic continues. Around the world, people are still dying from the Covid-19 virus. The Russian war against Ukraine continues to devastate Ukraine and its people. Millions of people, now refugees, fled their country. Roe v. Wade is threatened, again. Women’s rights continue to be abused and trampled on around the world. Baby formula is scarce. A Palestinian-American journalist was slain. No one is taking responsibility for her death. Gas prices are close to $5.00. White supremacy and advocates of this pestilence continue to ooze from behind every corner. They no longer hide in the shadows. It’s out of control. Massacres due to gun violence continue. Mental health beyond a critical place. Folks are getting laid off and are forced to work two, three jobs to try to make ends meet. Crypto millionaires are snatching up land and properties in Puerto Rico, encouraged by US tax breaks. Greed and power. And the rich keep getting richer. I could go on and on.
I no longer ask, “What now?” Each day, there is a new or ongoing crisis that keeps my head reeling and my heart hurting.
In early April, I stopped watching news broadcasts and reading newspapers. It was too much for me. Believe me, enough news still seeps in through social media outlets. That’s where I learned about the monkey pox virus and that an asteroid the size of the Empire State building is hurling through space toward the Earth. Last night, I learned the asteroid will miss us. What the hell.
Note: I edited this blog post in the morning. Late afternoon, I discovered that 19 elementary school students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas were murdered. I was stunned. My heart broke as I watched the news broadcasts in evening. My April news fast was broken. How long can we stand by and watch the murder of innocents? When will our elected political leaders finally do the right thing and pass sane gun laws that protect us? Sadly, I don’t know the answers to those questions.
I worry about my niece, an elementary school teacher, and all teachers and their students. They are frightened. Parents are frightened and suffering. Feeling unsafe, not in control in our lives and the lives of our children and family members is not normal.
I do know one thing: The line, “This is not who we are”, is a lie. This IS who we are.
There is one woman speaking truth to power — Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. If you haven’t heard of her, look her up. I admire her very much. Watch the video of her speech at the Opening of the COP26 World Leaders Summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
On a more positive light, in mid-April, I cohosted my beloved daughter and her fiancé’s engagement party. The joyous, elegant, and intimate celebration was held in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Our family and friends joined my future son-in-law’s family and friends for the first time. It was wonderful to celebrate the happy couple and to hug family and friends after two years of being apart. It was healing to forget about the cares of the world and the pain and suffering of the last two years for one beautiful weekend of love and family. There were a lot of tears, mostly happy tears, but I know our tears were also a mixture of releasing of pent-up emotions, of negativity, fear, and anxiety mixed with a great need to connect with others. God knows we all needed something to celebrate. My daughter’s wedding is to be held next year.
I drove back to West Virginia with my dog Miss Sophie, happy that I chose not to sell my house and move to Northern Virginia. It would have been a huge mistake for me. This old house has its quirks and issues, but it’s home. My refuge. A sanctuary. This is the home where I wrote and saw my first novel, A Decent Woman, and my first poetry collection, Tight Knots. Loose Threads. published.
These days, I’m focused on preparing the draft manuscript for my second novel, The Laments, for a story development editor. I’m excited to work with her this summer. I finally ordered a printer and a package of red ink pens, which will help as I work best with physical copies of my manuscripts. I’m old school.
So, we move forward. I can’t control much of what happens in the world around me, but I can do my small part to help. I can also control and make sure my creative life continues to thrive. My creative goals are front and center again, where they belong.
As my friend Jack says, “Art is salvation”. Amen.
Be well. Ellie x
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN (2017 & 2019 International Latino Book Awards) and the award-winning collection of poetry, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. (2021 International Latino Book Awards). Eleanor’s books are published by Winter Goose Publishing.
Eleanor is currently working on her second novel, THE LAMENTS, and a new collection of poetry, currently titled ERASE AND REWIND.
For the novelist, the poet, and the short story writer, understanding the world, our communities, our families, our own lives and why things happen to us and to those around us, to strangers, is why we write.
If we are brutally honest, transparent, courageous with ourselves, our hearts, the musings and deep dives into human nature and relational dynamics are the clay that inspire, form our stories, poems, and short stories. New characters are birthed. Their personal motivations and interactions are examined, turned inside out, challenged, made impossible, exposed or kept hidden, to present a fully fleshed, complicated, and relatable fictional character and an unforgettable story.
Through writing, our characters ponder, suffer, learn, unlearn, question, make mistakes. The smart writer knows to allow it all to happen to their characters. We throw in wrenches, toss live grenades and life vests in the dark that our characters may or may not recognize as assistance or safety. They may choose to not grasp the lifelines. They may turn away, dog paddle away, or continue to believe they’re strong swimmers, only to drown from exhaustion, or as can happen, drown their rescuer(s) in their attempt to survive—collateral damage.
We often leave our characters as unprotected or clueless, confused or devastated as we’ve felt once or twice in our lives, or have witnessed from a safe distance. Our voices. Our super hero or vile villain. Our characters may say or do what we’ve always wanted or needed to say and for whatever reason, didn’t or felt we couldn’t. Perhaps, we sensed danger, were silenced, felt helpless, defenseless. For many writers of fiction, characters are a safe way to test the water in relationships. To be bold, assertive, to experiment, dream, to risk, and perhaps, for once, to be reckless. To live passionately, play with fire or leave red hot embers for a future fire, to feel the relief of dousing it all with a large bucket of water.
In the end, we write to create worlds. To examine and better understand ourselves, the past, the present, and the future. To live. On the page. With words. Our words.
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN (2017 & 2019 International Latino Book Awards) and the award-winning collection of poetry, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. (2021 International Latino Book Awards). Eleanor’s books are published by Winter Goose Publishing.
A novelist, poet, artist, and photographer, Eleanor is hard at work on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, set in 1926 Puerto Rico.
When she is not writing, Eleanor facilitates creativity groups for women, tends her gardens, and tells herself she will walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela a second time.
I’m thrilled to share amazing news–my debut poetry collection, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS., was honored with a Bronze Award for Best First Book, Fiction (Poetry) at the 23rd Annual International Latino Book Awards.
My gratitude and thanks to Jessica Kristie, a talented poet and my publisher (Winter Goose Publishing) for believing in my poetry collection. I’m grateful to Empowering Latino Futures and the committees, judges, and volunteer readers of the 2021 International Latino Book Awards, who worked hard to make this year’s online event a beautiful success.
Congratulations to all the Award Winners and Honorable Mentions!
Keep telling your stories–it matters.
Eleanor Parker Sapia
ABOUT ELEANOR:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN (2017 & 2019 International Latino Book Awards) and the award-winning collection of poetry, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. (2021 International Latino Book Awards). Eleanor’s books are published by Winter Goose Publishing.
A novelist, poet, artist, and photographer, Eleanor is hard at work on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, set in 1926 Puerto Rico.
When she is not writing, Eleanor facilitates creativity groups for women, tends her gardens, and tells herself she will walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela a second time. Eleanor is the mother of two adult children and a Chihuahua named Sophie.
I hope you are enjoying your summer and staying healthy. Mask up, everyone. The Delta variant is a real and present danger. Get your vaccines. I’m ready for my first booster shot after the two initial vaccines. Not taking any chances.
I’m thrilled to share that my first poetry collection, Tight Knots. Loose Threads. is a Finalist in the 2021 International Latino Books Awards for Best First Book, Fiction. Tight Knots. Loose Threads. joins A Decent Woman, my first historical novel, with literary awards–what an honor.
Congratulations to all the Finalists and Honorable Mentions! Thank you ILBA and Empowering Latino Futures, judges, and readers for all you do for Latinx authors.
“Empowering Latino Futures International Latino Book Awards The Largest Awards in the USA Celebrating Achievements in Latino Literature
Major Publishers Are Paying Attention to Books By & About Latinos By Kirk Whisler
The International Latino Book Awards is a major refection that the fastest growing group in the USA has truly arrived. The Awards are now by far the largest Latino cultural Awards in the USA and with the 276 finalists this year in 105 categories, it has now honored the greatness of 3,470 authors and publishers over the past two decades. The size of the Awards is proof that books by and about Latinos are in high demand. In 2020 Latinos will purchase over $750 million in books in English and Spanish.
The 2021 Finalists for the 23rd Annual International Latino Book Awards are another reflection of the growing quality of books by and about Latinos. About 42% of the winners were from major U.S. and Int’l publishers, up from 19% five years ago. In order to handle this large number of books, the Awards had 198 judges in 2021. The judges shared how hard it was because there are now so many great books being published.
Judges included librarians, educators, media professionals, leaders of national organizations, Pulitzer Prize Winners, and even elected officials. The Awards celebrates books in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Finalists are from across the USA, Puerto Rico, and 19 other countries. The Awards are produced by Empowering Latino Futures, a nonprofit organization co-founded in 1997 by Edward James Olmos and Kirk Whisler. Other ELF programs include the Latino Book & Family Festival, currently being held virtually at http://www.LBFF.us, our 69th Festival. The International Society of Latino Authors now has 140+ members. Education Begins in the Home has supplied books to 155,000+ young readers. The Latino & American Indian Scholarship Directory has been used by 182,000 students. More than 80 episodes of the Latino Reads Podcast have now aired. ELF’s programs have now touched well over a million people. Over 350 volunteers annually donate 14,000+ hours of service.
The Awards Ceremony will be held virtually October 16 and 17 via http://www.LatinoBookAwards.org. Current and past sponsors have included AALES, AARP, American Library Association, Atria Publishing, Book Expo America, California State University System, California State University Dominguez Hills, California State University San Bernardino, Entravision, Independent Book Publishers Association, Las Comadres para las Americas, Libros Publishing, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Community College District, MAAC, MAOF, MiraCosta College, Piping Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund, REFORMA, Scholastic Books, and Visa. ELF has recently gotten grants from Amazon, LULAC, SDGE, and the SBA.”
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN, and her first collection of poetry titled, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. both published by Winter Goose Publishing.
Eleanor is currently working on her second historical novel set in Puerto Rico called THE LAMENTS. She is the mother of two amazing young adults and tells herself that one day, she will walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela again.
AUTHOR ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA – WRITER OF CARIBBEAN FICTION AND WOMEN’S FICTION, POET, AND ARTIST
By Marsha Casper Cook
Please talk about your roots and how you found out who you wanted to be in your new life. Your story is very inspirational.
I was born in Puerto Rico into a family of exceptional oral storytellers: my grandmother—the matriarch of our family—my mother, and my aunt. Their magical stories included lives of struggle, spirits, herbal recipes, ancestral rituals, good food, and a fierce love of family. I was the child at my grandmother’s knee, always begging for one more tale.
I doubt it surprised anyone in my family when I turned to storytelling through painting and later with writing. A simple trip to the corner store can yield ideas for new stories or poems, and a cast of characters for future novels. However, my journey to publishing novels set in Puerto Rico with a good dose of history and magical realism took a circuitous route. Publishing my first collection of poetry took even longer. Each stage of my journey was as important as the last—steppingstones to where I am today—living and thriving in a creative world.
Following in my parent’s footsteps, I married a US Army officer, and we raised our children in Belgium, Austria, and France. To date, I have lived in Europe longer than I’ve lived in the US and Puerto Rico.
For 25 years, I painted and exhibited portraits and still lifes in the most unforgiving medium—watercolor— which speaks of perseverance and keen observation. I stashed drafts of poems in an old cookie tin and volunteered with refugee organizations and counseling centers in Brussels, Belgium.
In 2000, two life-changing events coincided: my maternal grandmother’s 90th birthday and receiving a copy of Julia Cameron’s seminal book on creativity called The Artist’s Way. The following year, I invited five girlfriends to experience the course with me. I learned just as much as my friends, who encouraged me to keep writing. Around that time, the paintbrush no longer told the stories of my soul—I was hooked on writing. I would go on to facilitate four more creative clusters with participants who felt blocked creatively or were interested in discovering their artistic passion.
In honor of my grandmother’s 90th birthday, I wrote a tribute to her that included many of her life stories. After reading the tribute, my then-husband encouraged me to write an outline. That outline turned into the first draft manuscript of A Decent Woman, set in turn of the century Ponce, Puerto Rico, my hometown.
In 2005, life changed dramatically. Before I knew it, I was a single woman in her 50s. I left one life and started a new one in the U.S. when my children headed to American universities. I was forced to face the unknown, dig deep, and tackle many challenges, much like a baptism of fire.
How has writing novels changed you as a person? If yes, please feel free to elaborate.
I believe my creative journey had more to do with my personal growth than the actual writing of my books. Before my divorce, I volunteered as a Spanish language refugee case worker and as a volunteer counselor in the only English-speaking counseling center, both in Brussels, Belgium. After my divorce, I moved back to the U.S., where I graduated from a massage therapy institute, I worked full-time as a bilingual (Spanish) social worker with the immigrant/refugee population and became a Reiki Master.
During that same time, I honed my writing skills, but the draft manuscript of A
Decent Woman wouldn’t see the light of day for five years until a shoulder injury precluded me from continuing a career in massage therapy—I was at a fork in the road. I made a life-altering decision to leave my job and to move from the Washington, D.C. area to West Virginia, where I could afford to write full-time.
Through writing novels and poetry, I found my voice quite organically. My previous career choices bolstered and inspired me to write novels of courageous women living simple lives in extraordinary times. The characters in my book said what I needed to share with the world—stories of misogyny, domestic violence, racism, and early feminism. Sterilization of women against their will or without their knowledge. Hate crimes against women and prostitutes. Class struggles. I use it all in my stories.
I believe life helped me grow into the role I was destined to fulfill—that of a storyteller. My hope is to continue to honor my maternal line and my Puerto Rican roots with my writing.
In your new book, a debut collection of poems titled, Tight Knots. Loose Threads, you expose a side of you that no one knew. Was that decision difficult for you?
Just before my first poetry collection was published in April 2021, a good friend, a therapist, read my collection. She wondered if readers would view me in a new way, and wondered if my raw, emotional poems of love desired, love denied, and heartbreak would confuse friends and readers who’d loved A Decent Woman.
While readers and friends on social media know me as a writer, a divorced mother of two awesome adult children, a feminist, an activist, who loves to garden and travel, my reply to my friend was, “How well do we know anyone?” My close friends and family weren’t surprised, at all.
I understand it’s human nature to often put people in boxes to better understand them, but I don’t enjoy limits, literary or otherwise. I was ready to unpeel more layers of my emotional onion. To stretch out and take up more room as a mature woman and as a writer.
I didn’t shy away from writing about controversial, delicate, taboo themes in A Decent Woman and there were many. Writing poems about controversial and delicate situations and exposing raw emotions wasn’t difficult either.
Now, although every poem isn’t about me, I admit to feeling a bit vulnerable about the intimate nature of some of the poems. What helped me move forward with publication was the Coronavirus pandemic and turning 63. We were and are still living in a world of unimaginable loss, grief, and fear. The year 2020 moved me enough to retrieve the poems I’d stashed in the old coffee tin for over twenty years and to write new poems for my first collection.
In my opinion, it was the perfect time to release Tight Knots. Loose Threads. I hope readers will relate to the poems and not feel alone as we’ve all experienced heartache in love and relationships. I thought, if not now, when? I’m glad I listened to my gut.
What do you think the Publishing Industry could improve on?
One frustration I share with many writers is the push by some publishers and agents for writers to garner as many reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads before and after a book is published, as if that guarantees literary success. Honestly, writing and marketing our books are hard enough. Of course, I absolutely adore hearing from my readers and am incredibly grateful when a reader takes the time to review my books, so the last thing I want is to annoy them with constant requests for reviews. So, there’s a delicate balance.
Then, there’s paying for literary reviews—a gray zone. Most writers I know don’t have extra money to pay for reviews. I don’t know the answer to the dilemma of literary reviews. I write stories I’d like to read, and if I connect with a reader, that’s wonderful.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I’m a slow writer. On occasion, as I watch writers publish a book or two each year, I can fall into doubting my process. But that is short-lived. My process works for me. I believe in allowing a story to come together in an organic way. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about my story 24/7. I don’t begin with a firm outline or a firm ending. I always have a rough idea of where I’m going and what I want to highlight in the story, such as domestic violence, misogyny, racism, growth, or battling personal demons. Being locked into a particular storyline or ending without deviation disrupts my creativity. What I want for myself as a writer is to reach others. As a reader, I want to be moved.
Life has taught me to be open to change, discovery, and that starting over can be golden. I am a big fan of rewriting as much as necessary and to listening to my characters. It’s not uncommon for my story to change and evolve. That can only come from knowing your characters inside and out. With time and patience, the dividends pay off.
What keeps you up at night as you near the end of finishing one of your books?
Great question. What I struggle with is knowing whether a story is finished, which is easier to discern with painting.
I ask myself if I’ve done my best with what I know today to rewrite a sentence, a page, a chapter for clarity, rhythm, and lyrical meaning and weight. Ultimately, I listen to my gut—I trust I will know when I’ve reached the end. Readers may, of course, feel differently about our story!
What does Literary Success look like to you?
While receiving literary awards and accolades were a thrill, success of any kind can be a short-lived, slippery slope. I remind myself to not rest on past laurels. After each published book, I’m back at the beginning—learning more about the craft of writing, honing my skills, working hard, and doing research for the next novel.
Marsha Casper Cook – CEO, Author, Screenwriter
If readers love, remember, and recommend my book(s) to other readers over years and years, that is literary success to me. I want to move my readers as much as I need to be moved to continue to write good literature. It’s never been about making money.
Because of your new book, a collection of poems called Tight Knots. Loose Threads, you have increased your readership into a different market. Will you continue that path?
I wrote poetry long before I considered writing a novel. So yes, I will continue to write poetry, which feels as natural as painting, writing novels, and keeping a journal, where many poems are birthed. Painting for over 25 years helped me write A Decent Woman and The Laments. Writing poetry helps me access emotion and continue to write poetic prose in fiction, and writing fiction helps me write deep poetry. It’s all connected.
Writing poetry is also cathartic and healing. It’s a great way to peel away, examine, and discover old or new layers of my personality and life experiences in an intimate way. While poems of a more sensual nature may bring up feelings of vulnerability or of feeling a bit exposed, I tell myself that by being “naked” and unafraid, I’m connecting with readers who I hope will realize they’re not alone—we’ve all experienced love and heartache and pain. It’s universal.
In the future, I also hope to write a poetry collection and a novel in Spanish, a beautiful, lyrical language.
Are you pleased with the way readers have admired the courage it took to compose such a wonderful collection of poems? And did you expect readers to find themselves understanding your journey in a way that many poets never achieve?
Thank you for your kind words, Marsha. The readers who reviewed Tight Knots. Loose Threads before and after publication were gracious and generous with their praise. I am grateful for the gift of their precious time as many are busy writers. It is always heartwarming and validating when others understand our journey and resonate with what we’re trying to convey.
I had hoped readers would find themselves in the collection. It reads like the journey of a love affair from flirtation, passion, and love to confusion and sadness, followed by anger and grief. The death of love. There are many voices in this collection. It’s real life. Love is universal.
While I don’t consider it an act of courage to put out a poetry book of this type, it did require me to reach deep into myself and to push the boundaries of my comfort zone. I grew as a woman and as a poet.
What advice would you give to new aspiring authors?
Sounds cliché but learn to write by reading. I encourage aspiring authors to read books in their chosen genre, books by their favorite authors, and books recommended by favorite writers. I also encourage folks to write through the scary bits of the story as that’s usually where the meat and essence of the story are found. If you’re not passionate about your story or if you rush the creative process, it will show.
Lastly, your story matters. The saddest thing to me are unwritten stories.
What are you working on now?
Since 2016, I’ve been working on a second novel called The Laments. The story begins in 1926 in a Roman Catholic convent in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and a Spanish-built leprosarium on Isla de Cabras, an islet located five miles off the coast of San Juan.
The Laments is the story of an idealistic novice nun whose monastic life is shattered by crimes at her Convent. As a means of escape, the conflicted novice volunteers to serve the patients at Lazareto Isla de Cabras. A colorful cast of characters and chaotic events will clash with the nun’s mission to save souls for God. She will be challenged to take a hard look at making her final vows and to take an even harder look at truth.
The Laments will be in reader’s hands in early 2022. I hope readers connect with this story.
My thanks to eYs Magazine and to you for the wonderful opportunity to connect with the eYs audience.
You can find out more about Eleanor at linktr.ee/ EleanorParkerSapia
Special note to Eleanor: It has been my pleasure to interview you and I would also like to thank you for the wonderful friendship we have developed over the years. Marsha
Hello! The last blog post I shared was two days after my first poetry collection, Tight Knots. Loose Threads. was released on April 27, 2021, and what a busy time its been. Trying to finish a novel while releasing a new book is not easy. In that situation, we are forced to use both sides of our brains–the logical, analytical left and the creative, artistic right–at the same time. I’m heavy on the right side of my brain, so it can be a challenge.
Another reason I find book marketing and writing a novel challenging is that I don’t multi-task as well as I used to as an at-home mother of two kids. Why is that? I live alone. You would think I have more free time, right? I don’t. The difference is that I live alone. There’s no one but me running errands, keeping up with car inspections, planting and watering the garden, or doing or arranging for home maintenance projects. I live in an old house, over a hundred years old, and Lord knows, it’s a constant challenge to keep up with home projects, interior and exterior.
The pandemic didn’t help. Yes, I survived the global Coronavirus pandemic. I’m grateful as hell, but I believe living alone during lockdown and pre- and post-vaccines, took its toll. Being in solitary confinement (that’s what it felt like most days) isn’t a normal state for anyone. This year, I tried my best to stay positive and keep hope alive, but I had to dig deep. Especially after the January 6 insurrection, voter suppression in many states, and so many needless deaths in this country. Thank God for writing. As my writing mentor says, “Art is salvation”. It was my salvation. My distraction. My joy.
The pandemic was a great catalyst for many folks. There’s nothing like a global pandemic and the tragic and needless deaths of over 600,000 souls (in the US) to put a fire under your seat to complete what you’ve kept on the back burner(s) for twenty years. I wrote my first poem in 2000. I pat myself on the back for editing an old poetry manuscript and seeing Tight Knots. Loose Threads. published this year. The book isn’t in brick and mortar bookstores yet, but it will be. Soon, I hope!
I also pat myself on the back for entering my poetry collection in two categories in an annual international literary competition, and for applying for a writers grant, which I’ve never done before. I’m 63. If not now, when?
Now I understand why grant writers are paid big bucks, wow. Writing a good 200-word statement and a 400-word statement took time and care, and forced me to be concise, clear, and creative–a great writing exercise. I can write until the cows come home, but being concise? That’s a different beast altogether. Or maybe that’s just me. I must say, the experience of writing poetry helped with the application. I learned a great deal and was grateful for the experience. So, fingers crossed.
I’m heading to PR this summer. It will be my first trip since 2019 and I can’t wait. Along with resting and regrouping, there’s always more research to be done for my work-in-progress, my second historical fiction novel. It’s called The Laments and it’s set in 1926 Old San Juan.
I wish you a fun and safe summer with your loved ones. Stay safe and get vaccinated.
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN, and her first collection of poetry titled, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. both published by Winter Goose Publishing.
Eleanor is currently working on her second historical novel set in Puerto Rico called THE LAMENTS. She is the mother of two amazing young adults and tells herself that one day, she will walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela again.
Release Day is an exciting day for any author. It’s exciting to see the words you written – agonized and cried over, rearranged and rewritten – in final form. In this case, I’m speaking about my first collection of poems titled TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. published by Winter Goose Publishing.
I’m more than excited to receive the physical copies of my first collection of poems. A dream come true. I say that with all my books and it’s true! But this week, especially today, three days before the release, time is moving like a super slow, silent snail leaving a slimy trail on a sidewalk! Slow!
Then I remember, everything moves forward as it should. Timing is everything.
I wrote my first poem, a Haiku, as a child in elementary school. I still enjoy the challenge of writing Haiku. I wrote my first poem in 2000 as a wife and a mother of two high school students. Nineteen poems followed. Life changed for me. As a single woman, I wrote over forty poems. Ten years later, I wrote ten poems and realized I had enough good poems for a collection. Between November 2020 to January 2021, I wrote eight more poems.
Then the real work and the stage I love began–rewriting, editing, and finessing. It’s the same with writing novels–I love the editing stage.
When I’m working a painting or writing, I’m often asked,
“How do you know when you’re done?”
I know.
I knew TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. was ready for publication when after the twentieth time (or more) I’d read the poems and didn’t make one single tweak or change. I was finished. The collection was finished and ready for readers. And I’m a picky creative, smile.
It takes a helluva lot for me to say, “I am done. This is finished.” And I always add, “I’ve done my best with what I know today.”
Common question asked of writers are, “Is the story about you?” and “Are all the poems about you?” Absolutely not. Love is universal. We’ve all experienced love, love denied, betrayal, loss, the one who got away, and we’ve all hoped for true love.
I hope you will order a copy of TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. and that you enjoy my words. If you do enjoy the poems, I hope you will consider leaving an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Thank you in advance! Be well!
Eleanor x
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA:
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN, and her first collection of poetry titled, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. both published by Winter Goose Publishing. The release date for the collection of poetry is 4/29/2021.
A novelist, poet, artist, and photographer, Eleanor lives in Berkeley County, West Virginia, where she is working on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, set in 1926 Puerto Rico
This morning, I spent a frustrating time trying to add editorial reviews on the Amazon page of my debut collection of poems, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. Poetry. It was so much easier in 2019! I definitely need a refresher tutorial.
So for now, in lieu of adding editorial reviews the standard way on Amazon, I’m honored and pleased to share a few of the advance reader’s book reviews as they appear inside TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS.
“Loose Threads is the work of a mature woman in her moments of complete openness. This is the writing not of a young thing who has yet to taste the bitter sweetness of betrayal and passion, but a writer who has been loved, stroked, abandoned and, in some ways, betrayed. The writing is evocative in its maturity, rich and varied in its poetics. These poems will appeal to the secret reader who dares to say, ‘Oh yes. I have felt that Yellow Blindfold.’”
—Jack Remick, Montaigne Medal Finalist, BOTYA Finalist, author of Gabriela and The Widow, Citadel, and Satori, poems
“Eleanor Parker Sapia’s first collection of poems offers an intimate look at words between lovers, from the erotic “Sexylandia” to the threat of “Open Wound,” from first glance to final slam of the heart’s door. Sapia’s “parched life” runs fresh and hot with brushes of skin on skin, exchanged glances, tumbles through the annals of deep love, and breaks, only to be brave enough for another reach into intimacy. This is a collection of poems for the lover, the dreamer, and the deep longing of a woman’s willful heart.”
—Julia Park Tracey, Poet Laureate emeritus Alameda CA, author of Amaryllis: Collected Poems
“The challenge women creatives face when applying their authentic voices to their work is often fraught with opposition— most notably when their words threaten to tear away at the careful underpinnings of misogyny, narcissism, emotional abuse, and manipulation. Eleanor Parker Sapia’s collection of poems in Loose Threads not only tore—but they shredded, dismantled, and exposed, and eviscerated––and I’m here for all of it.”
—Sahar Abdulaziz, Award-winning Author of But You LOOK Just Fine and Secrets that Find Us
“The weight of loss and longing permeates the passionate poems in Tight Knots. Loose Threads. by Eleanor Parker Sapia. Sensual and seductive, this collection explores the suffering of love desired and denied, of relationships lost, and of strength regained.”
—Arleen Williams, author of The Alki Trilogy and The Ex-Mexican Wives Club: A Memoir
“Tight Knots. Loose Threads. is a beautiful journey that explores the various phases of love. From the tender love we see in the opening poem Love Language to the anguish in Never Enough to the longing Parker Sapia captures exquisitely in The Wait, this is a collection about a woman unafraid to share her truths and her heart.”
—Nancy Arroyo Ruffin, 2017 ILBA Award Winning Author, author of Live On Purpose and Letters To My Daughter
“Tight Knots. Loose Threads. captivated me from the start. In each poem, we hear the clear, distinct voice of a woman experiencing and contemplating the complex nature of love and relationships. Life and love will always remain delicious, often in heartbreaking mysteries. Eleanor Parker Sapia understands that and shares her truth with disarming honesty and impeccable language.”
—Mary Rowen, author of It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way, Leaving the Beach, and Living by Ear
My deepest thanks and gratitude to all my advanced readers for the gifts of their precious time and generous reviews.
More wonderful reviews to come on Release Day, April 29, 2021.
Remember, you can preorder TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS today!
I hope you enjoy my first collection of poems, and if you do, I hope you’ll consider posting an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Thank you and stay well!
Eleanor x
ABOUT ELEANOR PARKER SAPIA
Puerto Rican-born Eleanor Parker Sapia is the author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, A DECENT WOMAN, and her first collection of poetry titled, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. both published by Winter Goose Publishing. The release date for the collection of poetry is 4/29/2021.
A novelist, poet, artist, and photographer, Eleanor lives in Berkeley County, West Virginia, where she is working on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, set in 1926 Puerto Rico.
The Writing Life Blog 