(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

I’m pleased to share that my interview with editor/author Michelle Ayon Navajas appeared live today on Hotel Masticadores. Thank you, Michelle, for honoring me with such a rewarding experience! Please visit Hotel and show them your support.

Here’s the first question and response:

Can you share what inspired your debut poetry book and how you chose its theme?

When I realized that 65 of my poems had been published, I thought, Wow! That’s enough to publish a book! I used Atticus to design and create the inner content. The connecting theme was that all the poems had been previously published, so I used that as part of the title. Having no common theme like “nature” or “love,” however, made it harder to choose the categories. I dedicated the book to my daughter, Ariel, who has been inspiring me since she was born, and chose the poem I wrote for her, “Ariel’s Song,” for the title. After that, I searched for an appropriate image in the public domain to use for the cover that would look inviting, calming, soothing, and ethereal. I enjoy creating my own book covers because it’s fun, and I know what effect I’m trying to achieve.

Please click HERE to read the rest of the interview. Thanks!