As I prepare to share “Caught in a Hazy Dream” with the world, I find myself reflecting on the journey that led to this collection. The seeds were planted during a particularly introspective period of my life, where personal challenges and transitions pushed me to seek beauty in the everyday.
The inspiration for this book came from a heightened sense of observation. I found myself drawn to the subtle interplay of light and shadow, the whisper of wind through leaves, and the fleeting expressions on loved ones’ faces. These moments, seemingly ordinary, became extraordinary through the lens of poetry.
My writing process was often spontaneous. I’d scribble verses in pocket notebooks or tap lines into my phone’s note app while traveling. This organic approach allowed me to stay true to the immediacy of each moment, preserving its raw emotional impact.
When faced with writer’s block, I found solace in nature. A walk in the park or a moment spent watching clouds drift across the sky often unlocked new perspectives and ideas. I learned that creativity flows best when we allow ourselves to step back and simply observe.
I chose tanka as the primary form for this collection because of its unique ability to capture the essence of a moment while hinting at deeper emotional undercurrents. The brevity of tanka challenged me to distill complex feelings into just a few powerful lines, much like how a single photograph can tell an entire story.
Pairing each poem with digital watercolor art was a natural extension of the creative process. As a visual thinker, I often see my poems as color and form before they take shape in words. The abstract nature of these images reflects the fluid, often ambiguous nature of memory and emotion that I explore in my work.
The book is divided into five themed sections, each reflecting a different aspect of the human journey. From “Misty Mornings” that explore the hazy realm of memory, to “Starlit Journeys” that delve into travel and transformation, each section invites readers to pause and find poetry in their everyday moments.
“Caught in a Hazy Dream” is more than just a collection of poems – it’s an invitation to see the world through a different lens, to find extraordinary beauty in ordinary moments, and to pause and appreciate the subtle wonders that surround us every day.
I’m excited to share this journey with you on August 23rd when “Caught in a Hazy Dream” will be released. Mark your calendars and join me in celebrating the poetry of everyday life. Pre-orders are now available – secure your copy today and be among the first to experience this poetic journey through memory, love, nature, and self-discovery.