I like the idea that just like a music record/cd, a poetry book all your own is like tracks of music aligned to convey a certain theme, message, or feeling.
Christie Leigh Babirad – 15 April 2021
The Back Flap
Sapphire Stars is a collection of poems devoted to love. Here, we uncover truth and passion when contradictions to both rush into the heart. “Illuminated,” “In the Distance,” “Unhindered,” and “Dark Blue Encore” are filled with lines passionately placed to reveal a journey of the heart. This collection is for the dreamers and the fire signs. It is for those who have loved with everything they have and lost, only to love again, because that’s what life is all about. Saxophones, Electric Guitars, Dark Blue Skies, and Sapphire Stars light up the heart in this collection. These poems are for the romantics and those who believe our lives are meant to be extraordinary and filled with a unique and grand purpose.
About the book
What is the book about?
Sapphire Stars: Poems is about falling in love romantically and with your unique life and story, heartbreak in both relationships and aspects of society, and in the conclusion of the book—knowing more than ever who you are, where you come from, and believing in a bright future ahead with this more self-actualized person you’ve come to know.
When did you start writing the book?
Oh boy! This book began around 2007. It has been about thirteen years in the making, and then some of the poems go back even further, to my teen years. The poems being put together for the vision of Sapphire Stars took about two years.
How long did it take you to write it?
This collection is comprised of both polished older poems and newer poems that I had written closer to when the book was released in November of 2020. I wanted this book to truly reflect a spirit that holds both the past, present, as well as dreams for the future. This book has taken on many forms, but I would say that Sapphire Stars is about two years in the making. That time consists of coming up with what I wanted the book to represent, how many poems I was going to have for each chapter, coming up with the chapter themes, and of course, revising old poems and writing new ones that fit with what I wanted to convey as a full picture of emotions.
Where did you get the idea from?
The writing of a poetry book in itself is something I probably thought of since I had read a book comprised of Emily Dickinson’s poems. The idea was further solidified in college when I was instructed to put a collection together for the Advanced Poetry Writing class I took. The idea was encouraged further through new poets and their collections rather than books with a compilation of a number of poets. I like the idea that just like a music record/cd, a poetry book all your own is like tracks of music aligned to convey a certain theme, message, or feeling. People often ask me how I came up with the idea of dividing a poetry book into chapters. I believe that at least one of the poets that I have read did that with their book, but I don’t believe that’s what stood out. It may have touched me on a subliminal level, of course, but I knew that I needed to divide Sapphire Stars into chapters because of all of the varying emotions I wanted to cover. This also seems to be a style that I have adopted since my next collection will be comprised in a similar way.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I’ve written hundreds of poems so I would say that what I struggled with was choosing which ones would be best for this particular book. As far as the writing, poetry is something beautiful for me that comes naturally and is 100 percent inspired. There’s a strong element of discipline that comes with other writing that I’ve done, but with poetry, for me, the process is always invoked by the muse. Even in the editing and revising, the process is soul-driven.
What came easily?
What came easily was the passion for this book, and I was lucky and blessed to find a publisher who appreciated all the different kinds of writing I like to do. For some reason, poetry isn’t spread as widely as other genres and it’s such a shame because it touches the heart in such a unique way, not dissimilar to music, but uniquely profound in the way the words are specifically arranged in rhythm and style to connect with the reader. I hope more and more people every day find the passion for poetry that I and others have. It has been life changing for me to see my world through this lens.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
These poems are about me and hopefully many of you. I believe that the subjects of many of these poems are universal. They are written from a personal place and are based on myself, people I have known, circumstances I have encountered, in addition to hopes and wishes for the future.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Yes. I truly believe you can’t be a writer without being a reader. I am influenced by so many authors. A few who come to mind are the poets: Emily Dickinson, John Keats, Lang Leav, Beau Taplin, Atticus, and fiction author, Patti Callahan Henry (particularly her books: Between the Tides and When Light Breaks. These writers in particular have influenced me because they all have one thing in common: They write with poetic honesty. You can simply tell that with much of what they write, they are writing from the viewpoint of their own lives and experiences. They don’t distance themselves from their own selves and the raw truths in addition to the beauty of the human experience, which is what I strive to tap into with all of my writing as well.
Do you have a target reader?
I’ve never liked the term “target reader” because many people who are older than me have enjoyed my books. They have said that my writing has brought them back to emotions and experiences they had when they were younger, or they connect with the vulnerability and passion that remains in their spirit no matter what age. I am sure that I have younger readers as well who connect with my work for the similar reasons. However, I understand that in terms of marketing a target audience group is necessary. I would say that because I write most times from my own viewpoint, my target audience for all of my books is 15 to 35.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
With writing poetry, often ideas will come to me. When the ideas come, I need to record them immediately and that’s why I almost always have a notebook with me, or I rush to get a piece of paper if I don’t have the notebook on hand. I will write down as much as I am given. When I’m ready to complete the poem, I will play with the lines and structure multiple times. There will be a number of versions in the notebook before it’s right. I always write in a notebook first. After I think I have a pretty good version of the poem, I write it into another notebook that has the edited poems. Finally, I go to the computer and type up the poems, which are often edited on the screen as well.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
For my fiction books, I outline as I go along. I will also have a list of scenes for later on in the story as they come. It’s always a loose outline. I’ll write the chapter heading and then a few points/scenes I know are in the specific chapter. I usually have a rough idea of the storyline, but there are always surprises as inspiration strikes along the way.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit lightly as I go along but save the major editing for after I’ve completed the first draft of the story.
Did you hire a professional editor?
The press I am with has excellent professional editors on staff.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes, I do listen to music while writing. I keep it low so that it doesn’t become distracting. I usually listen to music that connects with whatever I am writing. My writing is without a doubt inspired by music as well as other mediums of art.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I decided to go with TouchPoint Press because of their dedication to an author’s creativity and style. They are a traditional publisher and what I greatly appreciate about them is that they allow the author to become actively involved in the final product of their material, as well as its promotion. They are supportive and have excellent editors who seem to be able to rather seamlessly step into the writer’s mind and assist you in taking your writing to the next level without infringing on your vision.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
TouchPoint Press has a professional cover designer who the author is able to work with. You submit your ideas and vision and they work with those ideas. You have ultimate say in how your cover turns out, and I know that’s not always the case with other publishers. They are respectful and open to the author’s vision. With Sapphire Stars: Poems, they even worked with me so that I could incorporate my own photography into the pages of this book. Sapphire Stars has 170 poems and 48 personal photos. You as an author are involved in the creative process from start to finish and I couldn’t be happier than to be published with this genuine and honest press.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I market my books across all of my social media channels, through newspaper features and magazine articles, contests, and library and bookstore appearances. I am always learning something new about marketing and I incorporate all new ideas that align with the presence I desire to have. I am always seeking out more coverage because I truly want my books to touch the hearts of many. I want my readers to know that what they feel matters and to have them hopefully be inspired by my writing to go after their unique and beautiful purpose in this life.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Keep your vision but look with honest eyes and listen to the suggestions you are given in the process of publishing your book. Always have something new brewing. Stay passionate about what you do!
About You
Where did you grow up?
Long Island, New York
Where do you live now?
Long Island, New York
What would you like readers to know about you?
I want to touch and inspire as many hearts as possible.
What are you working on now?
My second full-length poetry collection and a love story.
End of Interview:
For more from Christie Leigh Babirad visit her website, follow her on Twitter, and like her Facebook page.
Get your copy of Sapphire Stars: Poems from Amazon US or Amazon UK.