This interview with Christy Birmingham marks my first with a writer who primarily identifies herself as a poet. I can’t say exactly when Christy and I passed internet paths, but I’ve since become a regular reader of her poetry blog. When National Poetry Months rolls around in April, I will be reading and reviewing her collection. She’s a kind soul and fantastic writer, so please make sure to check her out.
1. Please provide a brief synopsis of your book.
Pathways to Illumination tells the story of a woman who finds herself in difficult times when her abusive relationship ends. She has struggles with depression, as well as identity issues. The book is unique in design as it is told through poems that are meant to be read sequentially.
2. Tell us a little bit about what motivates or inspires your writing.
I write to help explain my views on the human experience. Through writing, I am able to reach out to readers to describe situations I have been through. My intention is to try to help alleviate pain or discomfort through soothing words or have my words be an avenue of escape that elicits a smile from the reader during his or her day.
3. It’s hard to pick just one, but what do you consider your favorite novel and why?
My favorite book is Surfacing by Margaret Atwood. She is one of my idols as I value her insights and the flowing movements in her writing. She helps inspire me to stay strong as a female writer and keep working away at writing books.
4. What is the name of your blog and what can readers expect to find there?
My blog is Poetic Parfait and, as the name suggests, it is a mix of my poems with other yummy literary tidbits. I post poetry, short fictional works, and highlight other writers too. It’s a place to pull up a chair, read and relax.
5. Are you traditionally published or self-published?
Pathways to Illumination is my debut book. It is traditionally published, by Redmund Productions. I am thankful that the company formatted the book and had a designer on board to create the cover. I am curious about self-publishing and will likely do that at some point.
6. Can you offer one or two helpful tips for fellow writers when it comes to marketing and publicity?
I say, don’t be shy about promoting your own work online. While you don’t want to do it 24 hours a day and spam your online networks, it is important to share your writing proudly (books, content articles and blog posts). After all, if you don’t do it then how will anyone know it even exists? Posting one link a day to each site you’re active on is generally fine (with Twitter being more often than that).
7. Describe your writing background.
I took one year of professional writing courses immediately after graduating high school. Following that, I changed directions for my degree. I am, therefore, largely self-taught, although I value my English teachers in high school for encouraging me to write.
8. What does your drafting and/or editing process entail?
I am a freelance writer, so I pride myself on being self-disciplined. For the book I am working on right now, I write every day for about half an hour. I try not to get upset with myself if it is an unproductive day (meaning I write very little during the half hour). Some days are better than others, and I wish I had more time to devote to it! I have had a few people offer to beta-read it when it’s written, which is so kind of them (friends and authors).
9. What future projects can we look forward to?
The next book! It is a science fiction/fantasy/Christy-twist book. I am finding it fun to step into the imaginary realm in writing this book. I plan to publish another poetry book, as well.
10. Is there anything else you want your potential readers to know?
I want them to know that I believe in chasing your dreams. If you put in hard work, you really can become what your heart desires. If you want to write a book, you can. Wake up a half hour earlier in the morning or write on your lunch break at work. Make the time; your dreams are worth it. Now, with many authors going the self-publishing route, it is an exciting time full of opportunities in the literary world!
You can connect with Christy Birmingham and her social sites via her blog. Her book of poetry can be purchased from Redmund Productions.
All images appear courtesy of Christy Birmingham.
Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2014.
What a nice interview, Jeri! I don’t like poetry but the idea of having a book of poems which tell a story and need to be read sequentially is super interesting!
I relate so much to the book writing and not having enough time for it 🙁 But i applaud Christy for the last bit of advice – “Make the time; your dreams are worth it” – so so true, thanks, Christy, i am going to set my alarm to wake up 1 hour earlier so i can write more 🙂
Diana, that’s great that you’re putting the plan into action already – thumbs up! Let’s get writing and those goals truly are within reach. Your comment here is awesome 🙂
I still can’t grasp the concept of waking up earlier to get stuff done. I am a night person in every sense of the word and get my biggest productivity time before I go to bed.
Poetry is on the rise again, I think, with the growth of author publishing. Considering some of our greatest epics and such were poems, this is a good thing.
Jon, yes, it’s best to write when the time is best for you. I think many writers enjoy the quiet times that night can provide – mind you, our minds are buzzing pretty loudly some of those evenings! Thank-you.
Lovely interview. I’m not a poetry person, but a book told in poems does sound interesting. Good luck, Christy.
Thanks, RJ. I am told my poetry is unique in style and I hold onto that with a smile. It is nice to read your kind comment.
I forwarded this post to a poet friend of mine. I have a feeling she and Christy might have some synergies.
I appreciate that, Jadoda. Bring on the poetic dialogue!
Awesome interview, Jeri! Nice to meet you, Christy!
The book sounds awesome, and I’m especially curious for the next one to debut. Heading over to check out her blog!
Hi Beth, thanks for such a positive response and welcome to the blog too! Let’s keep writing 🙂
Thanks so much, Jeri, for the wonderful opportunity to do an interview with you! I am so happy to know you and to be able to support one another. The post looks great here, and I appreciate the hard work you put into this one!
Christy, it’s a pleasure to be able to spread word about talented writers. I’ll be looking forward to reading your collection come April. Until then, it’s comforting that your poetry brings a genre I love, but often don’t make time for, into my days.
Jeri, I’ve been a fan of Christy’s blog and her heart for a long time, so I thought it was fantastic to see her featured on your blog (another one that I enjoy so much). Wonderful interview, ladies!
Awe, Kitt! I’m a fan of your heart too <3 Thank-you for the support of this project!
Fantastic interview. I’m a huge fan of Christy’s blog, so I’m thrilled to learn more about her and her writing process.
Hugs! Appreciating your support, Tricia!
Jeri- I’ve been recognized Christy’s blog. So I was impressed with the interview that you did together.
I am not one that can get up early to do anything, so anyone who does I am very envious. I am a night person but I am trying to get off the computer earlier.
I think poetry is a lost art and it is great that Christy is bringing it back to lifre
Arleen, thank-you. I agree that the love of poetry has gone far away, it seems, and it’s an honor to help bring it back if in only a small way.
I am hard press to add anything to what has already been said. I do appreciate her thoughts on promoting her/our work. I think as I publish more I will keep her suggestions in mind. 🙂
Aw, happy to have helped, Susan!
Great interview Jeri and I appreciate the introduction. There is a huge community of pets where I live, so I’ve taken a bit more interest lately. I’ll check out her blog and thanks again!
Hi Jacquie, welcome 🙂
I have never been in to poetry, but she sounds interesting. Did you change your blog format again, or is it just not displaying correctly for me? Hmm….
I’m glad to be an ‘interesting’ read – thanks!
Thank you for another fantastic post, Jeri! I love interviews like this. Christy, thank you for being so candid and sharing invaluable help tools for someone who’s written all of his life but just getting started on the Internet. I have been very curious about self-publishing and I’m glad you also emphasized on getting the word out there staying short of being a “spammer”. I’ve always liked writing poetry though it is not my focus. I will check out your blog here in a bit. Best of luck to you, Christy! 🙂
Thanks for the compliments Mike and it was wonderful to be on such a quality platform as the one Jeri has here! Thanks again, Jeri 🙂
Jeri before I comment on the interview with Christie, let me just say, I LOVE the new design of your website, it is spectacular! My husband who is a graphic designer (did not design my blog) took one look and said, does she write as good as her blog looks? I told him better.
Great interview with Christy. I love how much range there is in her projects. It takes a lot of courage to be so diverse and her willingness to take risks makes her very intriguing to me.
Debra, thank-you for noting the diversity. I’m not sure it’s always seen as ‘brave’ but I’ll take the compliment. 🙂 Jeri’s blog looks wonderful in the new style – I totally agree!!
Debra, so glad you and your husband find my new theme visually appealing. This theme is more simple than the last one I’ve been using for a few months, but the the image slider up-top is what made me take the plunge.
This has inspired me a lot especially now that I’m still on the beginning stages of writing. Thanks!
Keep going, Krisma, and I wish you all the best!
Jeri, what a great interview with Christy. I am an avid follower of her blog and have read her book. Each poem within her book tells an emotional story, from the darkness and eventually into the light becoming stronger with every poem. She definitely is a unique writer…and her way with words sweeps you into that gift of writing that she so possesses.
Tessa, I’m pleased that the book meant a lot to you and that you are coming along on this writing journey. Yes, Jeri’s platform here is certainly high quality and I was very lucky to be a part of it!
So inspiring. Loved the personal angle of this interview and the helpful advise.
Thanks Jen, and it was only with Jeri’s support that I was able to have such a great platform here!
I resisted posting to my posts to LinkedIn for a long time, but when I started, it was pretty surprising how many of my “work contacts” connected with my blog… good advice to promote!
That’s awesome Dan to hear that your LinkedIn contacts were all aboard with your blog! Keep it up 🙂