What inspired you to start writing poetry?
I wrote a little when I was younger, initially when I was 19 or thereabouts. I studied hard to become a nurse and became much more academic, sacrificing my creative self, in all honesty. I then wrote a little pre-children; even writing a song about a stray cat that visited the house! However, it wasn’t until January 2022 that I delved back into my creative soul to dig deep when dealing with my deteriorating mental health. Friends around me said, "Write it down, write it down on paper, take the power of the pain away." That’s what I did and how i'm glad I listened to them. By listening to others; I found my true self.
What time of the day do you usually write?
It usually happens randomly when my mind rushes in to word thought; sometimes triggered by joy, sometimes by pain. I try to write immediately if practical or if not, I send myself key words to string together later. I’m being wordy, but often it can be at breakfast time for a few minutes or before I sleep.
What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
As you will see from my book title; I wear my heart on my sleeve and always have done. Sharing my personal feelings is bold, but immensely cathartic and helps with healing process. I feel grateful that my writing flows, albeit in flurries with nothing for weeks; but when it comes it’s a like a tsunami of thoughts and feelings.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I am first and foremost a mummy to two young children who I spend listening, laughing, playing with and being inspired by their own magical, creative selves and resilience. I enjoy running and this is an important spiritual mantra for my mental health as is performing poetry and spoken word at events and trying to do as much as possible creatively.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Bold, passionate and empathic.
If you could invite three people to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
This question made me giggle! I have had a reoccurring thought of late; my life taking a new loving turn of late and how I wish that my late step father Ray Pledger could meet Terry, my love. Putting these two men together with their big smiles, interest & love of people with their sense of humour dining with Steve Coogan; now that would be a fun evening!
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
A sense of hope, tenacity, compassion for others and very humbly, a thought that the book may inspire others to write themselves for their mental health and well being.
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you...
I have restarted hearts that have died in the real world and will never forget each set of eyes that stared back at me.
Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
The irony
freed by words
OUT LOUD
breathing freely
without constriction
allowing recollection
For my mind’s depiction
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Yes, I am, readers can find me on Facebook: She wears her heart on her sleeve and on Instagram: @amandacrundallpoet
Amanda Crundall's debut title: 'She wears her heart on her sleeve' will be AVAILABLE SOON!
