Raw, Witty and Unapologetically Human: A Q&A with Linduur Lashes

Linduur Lashes’ poetry collection is a striking exploration of modern life in all its contradictions - tender yet sharp, humorous yet deeply affecting. With poems that move effortlessly between laugh-out-loud observations and moments of emotional intensity, Linduur captures the complexity of being human: the chaos, the resilience, the longing, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.

From reflections on identity and neurodiversity to grief, love, anger and everyday absurdities, this collection invites readers to see themselves in its honesty, and perhaps feel a little less alone.

We spoke with Linduur about her writing, her inspirations, and the stories behind her poetry.

Your collection moves between humour and deeply emotional moments with ease. How do you approach balancing lightness and vulnerability in your poetry?

My astrological sign is Libra, so balance is important; however, I don't always find it, and this can feel a bit like searching for the Holy Grail at times! However, a lot of my poetry has humour in it because I like to see the lighter side of life and I also enjoy making people laugh when I perform. Yes, I do reveal my vulnerable side because it's a part of me, how I am and how I feel and think, but I regard doing this as strength, not weakness; it's just me being human.

Many of your poems feel very personal and honest, particularly pieces like “Being Different” and “Endurance.” How important is authenticity in your writing?

I am only able to write the truth. It's personal and honest, and I feel the audience will feel this. I am unable to write about something or somewhere I haven't experienced, because that wouldn't be authentic and it wouldn't sit well with me. I'm a very truthful person; it's as simple as that.

There’s a strong sense of voice throughout the collection - bold, direct, and often unapologetic. How would you describe your poetic voice?

Yes, I am bold, direct and often unapologetic in my writing – these are my words and my truth, and I say them my way. I'd say from a personal point of view, it's very liberating – I'm too old and too tired to keep apologising, keeping quiet and worrying about what other people might think of me.

Some poems explore difficult emotional experiences, including anxiety, anger, and resilience. Do you find writing poetry to be a form of processing or release?

I explore difficult, emotional experiences in my writing because I have been through them and come out the other side; yes, rather battered, but I'm still here. I feel that writing helps me both process and release my feelings, so it's a combination of the two.

Your work often finds humour in everyday life - from relationships to food to daily frustrations. What draws you to those observational moments?

There is so much humour to be found in the everyday, but I suppose it depends on how one looks at things really. One can either find misery or joy. I'd rather laugh than cry, but believe me, I DO cry, and it's not pretty! I feel it's important that we don't take ourselves too seriously all the time; there's a time and a place. We have the choice. I look for joy.

You move between structured rhyme and more free-flowing forms. How do you decide the shape a poem will take?

I do indeed move between structured rhyme and free-flowing forms, and this is what I enjoy because I don't really follow the crowd – I go with the flow. I don't set out to write in a certain way; it genuinely just happens after the first couple of lines. It's got to 'feel' right – I can't explain it.

When readers finish your collection, what feeling or thought would you most like to leave them with?

I hope that readers will enjoy my collection, obviously, and that they will feel that I have put many different thoughts and feelings that they have experienced or are experiencing. I'd like readers to feel encouraged and hopeful, to have a giggle and realise they are not alone.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time or unwind?

Unwinding is something I find hard to do – my mind is always very active – but when I'm at the beach (I do beach cleans), I'm able to enjoy the fresh air, look at the sea, and chat to people if I want to, as well as do my 'bit' for the environment. I look for seaglass and pretty stones as I go. I think this is my best way to unwind.

What’s something fun or unexpected about you that readers might not know?

I have several items of clothing that are the same! The downside of this is that it looks as if I've not changed my tops for days! I am extremely fond of Angel Delight, so much so that I wrote a poem about it, and you can read it in this collection! I'm quite spontaneous in that I don't plan things far in advance unless it's a holiday or going to see a band – I find it fun to just go somewhere or have a go at something I've not tried before. There's so much to see and do, and there's never enough time, so I don't want to waste it.

Where can readers follow your journey as a debut author?

You can purchase my book, come along to events, and see me on social media; who knows, the night is young!