Online for Authors Episode 10-25-25

Flesh and Memory: Exploring the Stories Our Bodies Hold with Author Maureen Sherbondy​

​In the latest episode of Online for Authors, I had the pleasure of speaking with the talented Maureen Sherbondy, author of "The Body Remembers." As someone who typically shies away from poetry, I was genuinely intrigued after Maureen managed to persuade me to delve into her volume. What I discovered was an experience that profoundly touched me, and I'm thrilled to share insights from our conversation with fellow poetry enthusiasts or those hesitant like myself.

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Discovering Poetry's Accessibility

Maureen's poetry has already struck a chord with various audiences, as she shared her experiences from virtual readings. Listeners—both men and women—remarked on the accessibility of her work and its ability to foster a deeper understanding of the interplay between body and mind. This universal connection is a testament to Maureen's skill in capturing human experience.

Navigating the World of Poetry

Admittedly, as someone who has often found poetry intimidating, I've had moments of feeling lost amidst the praise it receives. Maureen provided invaluable advice for readers new to poetry, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit. Just as we gravitate toward certain genres in literature, poetry, too, offers a unique voice and style for every reader. She suggested that, like with novels, when we find the right poet, the work can feel incredibly poignant.

Poetry as a Journey

During our discussion, Maureen and I reflected on how children's poetry, with its simplicity and directness, often stands out as more accessible, aligning with my own experience reading to my daughter. For those who fear poetry's complexity, Maureen advised focusing on personal connection rather than analysis, suggesting a more intuitive approach could unlock its beauty.

Crafting Poetry: A Peek Into the Creative Process

Curiosity led me to explore Maureen's creative process. She described the unique experience of writing poetry as being akin to a waking dream, where thoughts flow freely without an overbearing editorial presence. This spontaneity, combined with careful editing, culminates in powerful pieces where every word holds weight.

One of her standout poems, "C-Section Scar," beautifully illustrates this, drawing an emotional link between the physical and emotional scars of motherhood. Personally, this poem left me with goosebumps, reminding me that poetry doesn't require conventional understanding to evoke deep emotion.

Editing and Mastery of Sound

The editing process, Maureen revealed, involves multiple revisions and a keen focus on sound. Poets, much like musicians, pay close attention to how words resonate and flow, continually refining until each element synergizes perfectly. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the artistry involved in bringing a poem to life.

Feeling Understood Through Poetry

Reading Maureen's "The Body Remembers" gave me a sense of validation, a reminder that the emotions I've felt are shared by many. Maureen's hope is that readers walk away with a profound 'aha' moment of understanding—a connection that transcends pages and touches hearts.

As our conversation drew to a close, Maureen shared news about her upcoming projects, including a young adult novel and more poetry. For anyone wishing to explore her work further, Maureen's books can be ordered through various platforms, including Unsolicited Press.

If you find yourself with limited time or have hesitated to explore poetry, I highly recommend "The Body Remembers." It's more than just a collection of poems—it’s an emotional journey that can be savored bit by bit. For ongoing discussions and a chance to win a digital copy, join us over at the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook.

Thank you, Maureen, for a truly inspiring conversation, and for all interested readers, dive into this collection—you won't be disappointed.

Purchase The Body Remembers on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/47wmthK

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