1. How would you describe How to Order Eggs Sunny Side Up?

A poetry collection that speaks to the gaps and silences of women’s bodily experience. As humans, we have a wide range of emotions, but some are not considered palatable for everyday conversation.

2. What drew you to write this poetry?

The initial drive was to speak to the adolescent trauma that I was carrying in my body for decades. As a childless woman, I wanted to represent female experience that wasn’t maternal. The poems grew from there and went on to explore other ways in which women are considered abject, including the aged and the ethnic.

3. Tell us a bit about the experience of writing the book…

I wrote the poems in sequences so there were several stages. Mostly, I find writing poetry enjoyable as I approach it with a sense of playfulness. I found that when I gained some success, that’s when it  became more difficult, as I felt people expected more from me. Although, I was very lucky to have my mentor Lucy Dougan who helped me stay grounded, be true to my voice, and write what felt most urgent.

4. Who is this book for?

People who are interested in a wide range of human emotion. Women who feel othered in society.

5. When (or where) would be the perfect time (or place) to read this book? 

This book is sometimes confronting so at a safe time for the reader, although saying that, it is also erotic and witty. Perhaps, over a breakfast of eggs sunny side up to start your day with conviction.

6. What do you hope readers will take from this book?

I hope that readers will also release their shame over feelings that might not feel ethical but be authentic to their experience. I hope they will speak their truth and refuse to be silenced. I hope they feel moved.

7. What prompted you to start writing poetry and when did you start? 

I began writing young when I saved up at ten to buy a typewriter. It began with a love of reading and then I wanted to also create my own worlds, speak my own thoughts, and play with words which I love. Although, as an adult I returned very recently as I felt disillusioned with work and capitalism and wanted to live a creative life.

8. One thing you’ve learned the hard way when it comes to writing poetry?

Don’t over edit to the point where the initial spark gets lost. Save every draft because sometimes you’ll go back to the first.

9. Best investment you’ve ever made in your writing?

I left my teaching job and decided to invest my savings in myself and do what I’d always dreamed of doing and that was to dedicate my time to writing.

And lastly…

10. Favourite bookshop anywhere in the world?

Crow Books who I partnered with for my book launch.

11. book are you currently reading?

Flow by Luoyang Chen.

12. What’s the last book you read that you loved?

Like to the Lark by Stuart Barnes.