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.
This blog post is a later version of an essay I was honored to contribute to eYs Magazine, an online Australian magazine. I’m grateful to eYs Magazine CEO and author Jasmina Siderovski and contributing author Marsha Casper Cook, for inviting me.
Three years on, two vaccines, and two boosters later, I have managed to duck contracting the Coronavirus disease. This morning, I administered an at-home Covid-19 test after a recent ten-day visit to my home country of Puerto Rico. I tested negative. I am relieved.
Whether or not folks have tested positive for Covid, most people I know, including myself, are still cautious and judicious about where we shop, dine, and how we travel. I still avoid dining indoors and large gatherings. When I leave the house, I wear a mask and keep hand sanitizer in my purse.
A few friends and family members who contracted Covid are glad to have had the disease as they claim to have shored up antibodies against hospitalization (and death) with a potential future infection. That could be true. Me? I do not want the disease. I deal with daily autoimmune issues, thank you very much.
Physically, I have escaped the virus. Emotionally, I know the stress of the last three years, which included the politics of Covid, US politics in general, and especially quarantining and experiencing the global pandemic lockdown solo for a year and a half with my dog, has affected me. Before the pandemic, I lived alone by choice. It’s another matter entirely to be forced to live alone. Of course, it affected my emotional health. These days, I am a bit more anxious, less happy-go-lucky, less impulsive, and more reactive to bad behavior than before the pandemic. Can you relate? Thank God for writing!
My daily decision making now involves questions such as, should I fly or drive to that wedding? Do I need brown sugar bad enough to go to the store today? Should I travel to Puerto Rico this summer? Is it time to begin accepting dinner dates and in-person book events to market my two books? Much thought and deliberation about potential risk are always involved. To some, this may sound a bit much, but to me, it feels weirdly “normal” in light of the state of the world and current events.
In 2020, I read an article that stopped me in my tracks. It spoke about men, women, and children in quarantine around the world living with their abuser(s). Folks were living with spouses or significant others, who in “normal” times, they would have separated or fled from. They were staying put for various reasons—fear, economic dependence, toxic emotional attachments, perceived safety. Tensions ran high and across the nation, best friends stopped speaking and families took opposite political sides. Children, who are dependent on stable adults to handle and maneuver unknown or dangerous situations, found themselves living with stressed out parents and caregivers, and dealing with at-home learning with stressed out teachers. Most were trying to do their best; however, some folks lost control of themselves.
The rates of domestic violence in the United States and Puerto Rico during 2020-2121 rose to frightening proportions. Murders of transsexual people reached dangerous levels in Puerto Rico. Femicides rose dramatically around the world. Tragically, femicide is not new, yet during 2020-2021, when people were losing their jobs, their homes, their livelihood, their minds, the numbers reached ungodly, unacceptable numbers. It was frightening to watch what was happening to women around the world, and ultimately to their children and families.
Mass shootings in the US, an ongoing tragedy in this country, have risen exponentially. On July 5, 2022, at least 314 mass shootings were reported in the United States. This year. In one country.
Committed, selfless social workers, mental health therapists, nurses, medical specialists, laboratory workers, hospital staff, surgeons, and doctors have been incredible during this global pandemic. Absolute heroes, who’ve experienced high rates of burn out are exhausted. Mentally spent. Who cares for them? Healthcare systems around the world were pushed beyond safe, sane limits. In Puerto Rico, doctors and nurses and medical specialists fled the island to the United States seeking better paying jobs. Where does this end?
Currently, the American economy seems unstable. The world seems unstable. There’s an ongoing war in Europe. We are paying soaring gas prices and often dealing with limited food products on grocery shelves. Europe is experiencing global warming with insanely high temperatures and fires across the continent. What’s next? I asked that question last month. Then, monkeypox reared its ugly head. Today, more than 16,500 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 74 countries.
While millions of us may have escaped Covid-19 infection, hospitalization, and death, none of us have come away unscathed, unaffected. Not one of us. I will never forget the 6.38M souls who lost their lives in this global pandemic. I felt as if we’d lost an entire generation of our elderly. Sadly, over 300 people die from the disease every day in the United States.
Be kind. Practice patience. Breathe. Wear your mask. Get the two vaccines and available boosters. Laugh often. Make your mental health a priority. Live simply. Plant a garden. Choose peace.
Most importantly, consider advocating to make Covid-19 vaccines and boosters available to every single person on our planet. It has always been vitally important to take care of everyone, now more than ever.
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.
Eleanor is currently working on her second historical novel, THE LAMENTS, and a new poetry collection, currently titled ERASE AND REWIND.
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.
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
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.
What a thrill it is to see my first poetry book, TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. on my Amazon Author Page alongside my first novel, A DECENT WOMAN. Thank you to Winter Goose Publishing for taking a chance on my novel and this collection of poems. I remain grateful.
I realize it’s an hourly thing and Amazon book rankings go up and down, up and down, but an hour ago, TIGHT KNOTS. was still #1 in the Poetry about Death genre, #2 in Poetry About Love, and #2 in Poetry About Love and Erotica. And a bestseller (#27) in Love and Erotica Poetry. It’s always a thrill no matter how many books one has written.
So what am I doing publishing my first collection of love poems at the age of 63? Shouldn’t the art of writing love poems be left to the young? Shouldn’t I be on the couch knitting? I love to knit, by the way. Or maybe defrosting the fridge? Doing anything other than writing love poems that my publisher just added to the love, death, and erotica poetry genre categories? Erotica. That makes me smile.
You know what? I should be doing all those things plus writing love poems that will make you cry, laugh, raise your eyebrows, cause your heart to swell, and make you think. Make you think about your past, the present, and yes, of a future with love.
Love is eternal. Love is magical. It doesn’t matter how old you are — we all need love — and love doesn’t solely belong to the young.
Speaking of young, maybe you’re wondering, “Do Eleanor’s adult children know what she’s been up to all these years with her poetry?” The answer is yes! My kids and their loves read an early draft of the manuscript and they are very supportive. Each one is a brilliant writer.
A friend teased that she will know which poems are mine. I said she won’t because we’ve all had our heart broken. We’ve experienced love. We’ve been married, single, and divorced. And no, I’ll never tell which poems are about me. After all, a lady needs an element of mystery.
So, why publish a collection of love poems now?
2020. Isn’t that reason enough? Tragically, over 500,000 beautiful souls died and it broke my heart. Why not? Life is precious and I am celebrating LIFE.
The second reason is for women over 50 and beyond, who sometimes feel invisible, no longer relevant, or stagnant in their day to day and creative lives. It is possible to write a book and to keep writing at any age. Please don’t forget, there’s no perfect time, it always seems too hard, and your words matter.
WE WILL CARE.
Lastly, I dared to publish a collection of poems at 63 because I have been writing poems and stashing them in folders, in desks, and on Word for twenty years. Long enough. If not now, when? Never doesn’t work for me.
The poems gestated and went through enormous transformation. Light was refracted, bent, and everything became clear that it was time to put the poems together and birth this book.
While I may not know all the ins and outs of writing poetry, my heart needed to speak. I listened. Some may say I’m taking a risk, but it doesn’t feel like a risk to me. It feels great! My heart has carried these poems long enough.
Now, I can write more poems and focus on finishing my second novel, THE LAMENTS.
Thank you for pre-ordering your copy of TIGHT KNOTS. LOOSE THREADS. See? I’m thinking positive!
The official Release Date is 4/29/2021. I hope you enjoy enjoy my debut collection enough to post an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads. I already know book reviews are golden gifts to all authors. I thank you in advance.
Stay well, be happy. Never give up on love.
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, set in 1900 Puerto Rico, 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.
When Eleanor is not writing, she facilitates creativity groups for women, tends her gardens, and tells herself she is making plans to walk El Camino de Santiago a second time. Eleanor is the mother of two fantastic adult children and a Chihuahua named Sophie.
The Writing Life Blog 