I'm Rising (Author Interview)





I’m Rising looks like a great book of inspirational poetry.  How does it differ from your other poetry book When Love Rises?
Thank you! While both books, in fact, offer an element of inspiration When Love Rises takes you on a journey through the different phases of romantic love. From that initial spark to discovering your soulmate, unbearable heartbreak, healing, feeling whole on your own and then finding the courage to try love again, then ending in an inspirational and upbeat tone.

I'm Rising is a collection of empowering messages about what is often a journey to discover self-love and the power we have always had within to survive and thrive.  It was written to ignite a spark to remind us that facing our fears and pain helps us evolve.  With messages applicable to both women and men, the prose inspires us all to grow and rise to our fullest potential.

How did you come up with the poems in I’m Rising?  
Over the past several years, many of the ideas and concepts came about as I wrote in my journal or used writing prompts. However, most of them came to me as I searched for messages to support my Rising theme for this self-love collection.

What will readers get out of your book?
I hope they will allow themselves to embrace their own fears and challenges and then travel with me through an evolution of growth.  Ultimately, I want people to come away, feeling inspired to own their power.

What inspired you when writing I’m Rising?   
The realization of sharing my experiences and metamorphosis to a stronger and more resilient woman could help someone else drove me to honor my truth.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I’m not `sure that it was as much a decision, as it was a natural acceptance that I was a writer. I’ve written poetry and short stories for as long as I can remember. Deciding that I wanted to publish my work and become an author occurred as a young adult shortly out of architecture school.

When writing, I’m Rising, did anything stand out as particularly challenging?  
Writing the pieces in the Challenges Chapter required truly ripping off the scars and bearing my soul. There were literally moments when painful memories or thoughts would come out of nowhere and crowd my mind. Writing it out was a therapeutic way to process the pent up frustrations and hurt. It was difficult, but worth the realization that acknowledging my feelings resulted in finding my voice and strength.

What do you like to do when not writing?
I love the arts, both visual and performing, so checking out shows, and small art collections are always fun to do with family and friends.  To wind down and re-energize I like to curl up with a great read or pull out my acrylics and watercolors for a little painting. I also enjoy sketching, taking photos and taking on creative do it yourself projects.  Given I no longer design buildings, these activities allow me to exercise my creative.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

Readers can learn more from my website, www.michellestradford.com. To stay updated on my next book release, read samples of work in progress, etc., please connect with me as follows:

Instagram @michellestradfordauthor
Pinterest @michellestradfordauthor

They can also find both of my books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, Indiebound, and other major book retailers.

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