The first poem came from a moment when my mom inadvertently hurt my feelings. She knows I struggle with my weight and image, but she doesn’t realize how mentally exhausting it is.
Randi-Lee Bowslaugh – 7 December 2024
The Back Flap
This is the follow-up poetry book to Thoughts of a Wanderer. The poems depict climbing out of a deep depression to take back a life that was felt to be meaningless.
Tears, heartache, trauma and depression.
Is life worth it? That is the question.
Making no more concession,
It is time to take possession.
Enjoy the passionate poems that show we should never give up on ourselves and our life. Each poem is accompanied by a nature photo bringing the beauty of world and words to life.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
Some of the poetry was written last year, but I started to really put it all together as a book in January of this year.
How long did it take you to write it?
About six dedicated months.
Where did you get the idea from?
The first poem came from a moment when my mom inadvertently hurt my feelings. She knows I struggle with my weight and image, but she doesn’t realize how mentally exhausting it is. After she said it, I was quite upset and wrote a poem (Hate My Image).
After that, I realized that others also struggle with it, and perhaps there was more to be shared.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Occasionally I would want to end a line with a certain word but struggled to find a rhyming word to match the emotion in the next line. Many wording revisions had to take place.
What came easily?
The concepts for each poem. Knowing what the emotion behind the words were and where I wanted the reader to go.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
There aren’t any characters; however, every poem in the book comes from real-life experiences.
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?
There isn’t one author but rather a culmination of many influences. I have moved from prominent published authors to indie authors, and I think everyone has something to teach through their writing style. Knowing that each is different gives me the confidence to write my books in my style and not try to imitate someone else.
Do you have a target reader?
As most of my books discuss mental illness and the reality that comes along with the day to day struggles I suggest teens and above. Teenagers are at the age when depression and anxiety is common so my hope is to help them before they have to struggle the same way that I did.
Thoughts of a Warrior in particular sings to my teenage self. It is a book of overcoming and persevering.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write when I feel inspired. I like to say that I follow my dopamine because the writing comes out beautifully when I feel happy.
I usually have a list of 5-6 ideas that I want to write about, and when inspiration strikes, I tell the story that fits the moment.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Thoughts of a Warrior had no outline. It is a book of emotion, and I let my emotions lead the way.
However, previously, I have laid out chapter headings and concepts as an outline.
I am currently working in a new genre (mystery, suspense), and I have created a large character outline. However, I still only have the general direction, as I like to feel the story come alive. The outline will tell me what needs to happen.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I usually wait until I finish. I like to get the first draft out of my head and onto paper before I look back.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I hire an editor, but I doubt she would call herself professional as it is not her primary source. However, she gives fantastic criticism.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes, I do. I am listening to music right now! It depends on the story. I have a very eclectic taste in music; it may go from 90s emo to country to rap to show tunes. Whatever I feel in the moment is what I go with.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I chose not to.
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 chose to bypass the ‘nos’. I know that there will always be more ‘nos’ than ‘yeses,’ and because I deal with depression, I thought it best to keep myself out of a position that could exacerbate it.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did it myself, and I felt a sense of accomplishment after finishing the entire project. I love art and learning new skills, and learning how to create a cover was a challenge that I enjoyed.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I try to plan, but I usually end up winging it. I work with a publicist, Creative Edge, who keeps me on track. I always start with good intentions for the marketing plan, but something new comes up that takes my attention away.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Write, keep writing, and don’t let anyone tell you to stop. And remember, just because you wrote it doesn’t mean you have to publish it – that’s where editing comes in handy.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Southern Ontario in Canada.
Where do you live now?
It’s the same general area but about 30 minutes from the city I grew up in.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I host a YouTube channel called the Write or Die Show. I interview authors from around the world and discuss mental health journeys.
What are you working on now?
I have the first two chapters of my new book, which is about a young woman whose parents die unexpectedly, and she discovers some hidden family secrets.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Thoughts of a Warrior from Amazon US or Amazon UK.