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September 2014

“You have to take your reader on a mental journey,with fewer words.”

Owain Glyn

“Poetry is the bar of chocolate that I need after a long day. It's my creative outlet hence the importance.”

“Poetry is way of expressing yourself, exploring emotions within yourself, saying what you might not be able to express.”

Elizabella Jones

Alana Crosby

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Editor’s Letter

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During the past few years I, at times, would attempt poetry. Like most poets we fear that our first poem will not be interesting, or enjoyed by others. In our interview with Mr. Owain Glyn (See p.8.), through our series of questions we are shown the world of poetry through his mind; how he felt about the recognition of his poetry, and his thought process. If you enjoy exploring poems on a deeper level I would urge you to check out our reviews on this months selected poems; Autumn’s Breath (p.25), MY Name is September (p.21), Autumn (p.16).Along with investigating several poems we also take a step back in time, where we examine the history of a famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns (p.12.)While you’re relaxing and enjoying a cup of tea, we have a couple of competitions at the back for you to test out. These competitions will get your mind racing as you question your creative skills (p.29.) Furthermore, if you have enjoyed any of the reviews, interviews, or simply wish you read the poems advertised, then please turn to the back of the magazine (p.30), where you will find the directory with every featured poet in this issue.Last but not least, I want to thank all the staff that have helped make this first issue possible, without them you would not be reading this message. Also, a massive thank you to everyone that contributed their poems and time, without you all this issue would never exist. I am proud of everyone that was involved, and hope that you all enjoy.

Imperfectandoriginal

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Poetry CornerFounder Imperfectandoriginal

Reviews Review Editor Anya Hester Assistant Editor Ethan JW Savage

Articles Associate Writer Ethan JW Savage

Advertising Scouters; Poetry, Artwork, Competitions, Interviewee’s, Questions Ethan JW

Savage, Nyx Winters, Fifi, Raven

Editing Editors; Reviews, Interviews, Articles, Questions, Artwork, Poetry

Emillie, Ethan JW Savage, Rachelle

Agony Aunts Writing Aureyn Editing Hope Publishing Tucker

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CONTENTS

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INTERVIEWS8-10 Owain Glyn19 Elizabella Jones26-27 Alana Crosby

REVIEWS16-17 Autumn21-22 MY Name is September25 Autumn’s Breath

AGONY AUNTS15 Aureyn20 Hope23-24 Tucker

POET OF THE MONTH12-14 Robert Burns

COMPETITIONS29 Poetry Jewels

Lonely Poems

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eing writers, we areultimately faced with the choice of rearranging our time in order to fit everything in. We are honoured that Mr Owain Glyn has been able to join us for an interview. Joining Wattpad back in autumn of 2012, Owain Glyn has become one of the most successfully featured poets; with his poem ‘Windswept’ reaching over 1.3 million reads.

Why is poetry important to you?O : I find poetry a challenge; you take a thought, a vision, an idea, and instead of being able to write pages, or even chapters, to explain what you feel to your reader, you have to take your reader on a mental journey with many fewer words. However, this does not prevent you from writing comedy, drama, romance, even politics, you may even create characters.

What influenced you to write?O:I enjoyed poetry at school, particularly the war poets such as Sassoon, at University I joined the literary Society where I was exposed to a far wider selection.

How do you usually begin with a new poem?O: Something comes to me, an idea. I scribble down an outline, then I leave it for a day or so to mature in my mind. I go back to it to see if it still makes sense, if it does I will decide on the form I wish to use, and start writing. Once I have the overall base I will again put it to one side, maybe for a week, then I go back and edit until I am happy.I discard more than I complete, and I may have as many as six on the go at any one time.

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B What is your favourite genre and form to write in?O: I am not really a 'form' junkie, I think is stifles the thought process, although I find rhyme fun, and I like free verse. My favourites, are romantic poetry, and comedy, but I also like a smattering of dark.

We know that you aren’t into forms as much. But for other poets out there, how do you decide on what form to write in?O:To me, the most important thing is to ensure your poetry holds the emotion, so to begin with my outlines are always in free verse, once the body of words are ready I can then decide on it's form. With forms such as Haiku that is not an option, you have to start out by writing within the discipline.

Where is your favourite place to begin writing?O: I always write my draughts by hand. I sit at an old oak dining table covered with books of all types. Only when I am nearly satisfied to I sit at my work station and type the first draught onto 'word' and save it ready for editing. I always have a notebook near my bed, and when I am out and about.

What is poetry to you?O; My poetry is my way of expressing how I see the world in which we all live. Other people's poetry tells me their view of the world.

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What inspires you?O: I find inspiration in everything around me, but it is people and their lives that really drive me to write.

Did you ever think you’d get recognition for your poetry?O: In all honesty the answer is no, to be able to reach an audience is a privilege, it makes me work hard.

How did you feel knowing how much people loved your work?O: I am humbled by the comments I receive, I appreciate each and every one of them, and I try, religiously to answer each and every one.

Thank you Mr. Owain Glyn, for this fantastic opportunity to get to know you and your ideas!

‘It is the people and

their lives that really

drive me to write’

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It’d only be fitting to have our first article, as we start things out, to feature a poet who is known as being an inspiration to so many more and one who helped to move poetry partly into the period of the Romantic. Helping to move both literary and political movements, Burns is seen to have been one of the most influential literary figures in history. Often working its way into song, Burns’ poetry has spread throughout the world. Whether it’s unofficial national anthems or songs to sing in the New Year with, the Scotsman’s work can be heard across most of Western Civilisation. Folk song adaptations allowed Burns’ writing to be received by everyone at his time, ultimately creating enormous popularity for him and consequently making his political and social ideas to be broadcast throughout society. His spontaneity in writing simple background as a farmhand and ploughman allowed him to reach those of a less common audience as well as those who frequented the literary scenes of his time. Satirical writing also allowed Burns to gain the support of those with strong political beliefs, and his additional religious messages then meant that h he was able to capture the attention and admiration of majorities. The background from which Burns came resulted in a lot of literary controversy, as many people sought to try and take away the reputation of Burns’ work after his death by sentimentalising it in a new era of Scottish poetry. Even in death, Burns inspired new poets to write in ways that went against these new sentimental works, fighting to bring back the meaningful statements that poetry once contained. Burns’ influence didn’t just impact Britain. His work made its way across the Atlantic, where it still makes its mark today. In Canada, “Robbie Burns Day” celebrations take place on every anniversary of Burns’ birth, and include the official publication of biographies of the poet in newspapers alongside lists of restaurants that provide special commemorative buffet nights. Special collections of his poetry are available in Canadian universities as a result of the Scottish contribution to founding the country and its large Scottish-descended population today. In America as well, Burns’ writing can be seen as having influenced writers all the way into the 20th Century. John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men takes direct inspiration from a line of Burns’ poetry (“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley”) for its central plotline. Politically, Burns’ work was welcomed by those on the other side of the world to the likes of those in the US and Canada. The political contents of Burns’ poetry resulted in him being made the “people’s poet” of Russia during periods of public oppression and suffering under iron-fisted reign. His egalitarian views meant that those who were suffering under regimes like the one governing Russia found his work immensely close to their own beliefs. The translation of his work by those in Russia and France (during the revolution) allowed the oppressed to see that they had outside support, and resulted in Burns’ work becoming enormously popular abroad.

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In spite of his international popularity among the oppressed, Burns’ egalitarianism wasn’t supported by those around him, and his sympathy with those exploited by political regimes overseas caused him to alienate many of his friends. Nevertheless, his loss of admiration at home by those surrounding him was dwarfed by the love his work received from those who clung to the support he gave. The translations of his work are still popular today in Russia; their messages still fondly remembered by the country’s grateful people. The unfortunate death of Burns during a dental procedure revealed a lot about the backdrop to his writing. Studies of his handwriting as well as analysis of the heavy emotional content of his poetry have shown that Burns suffered from a state of manic depression that, although unfortunate, did inspire most of his work. Commemorated fondly across the globe, Robert Burns has managed to make more than a name for himself with the work that he wrote so fondly for so many people. He may not have realised the sheer size of the legacy he left behind, but the support his words gave to all those in need was almost definitely made clear to him while he worked, and the ongoing love of his writing today will help to make sure that the help he gave and the impression he left on the literary world will never be forgotten.

- Ethan Savage

“There is no such uncertainty as the

sure thing”

-Robert Burns

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Dear Aureyn…

Dear Aureyn, What advice would you give to new poets about form writing? What form would be most appropriate for them to begin with? A: For young poets, my advice is to write in descriptive or narrative form. And slowly

they can step into persuasive form.

Dear Aureyn, What are the most common mistakes that poets tend to make when writing poetry? How can these be resolved? What is the best way to avoid them?A: There is no mistakes in poems, it just gets better and finer as we write more.

Dear Aureyn, It has been said that ‘quality matters more than quantity'. Is this true when writing poetry?A: Sure. Not only how much you write but what you write is also important. A cluster of meaningless words would never make a poem where as a short 4-lined verse with immense meaning perhaps can change a person, who knows even a world. Moreover, we have the right to use poetic licence too. but there is one thing that poets have too keep in mind that is the flow of lines or verses. Whenever we read some poems, readers get an incomplete or unsatisfied feeling, that is because synonyms give the same meaning but not same feeling. So you have to choose more or like the appropriate words that fit the other words in the lines. Secondly there are poets who think tough and intricate words in the poems impress readers. But that's a complete wrong assumptions. You have to write what comes to your mind. Its true that dictionaries can help at some point but not always. If you want new vocabularies, there is only one choice that is to READ.

Dear Aureyn, How would you define poetry?A: No. Poems doesn't need to rhyme every time. It is a common thought that if it has to be a poem then it has to rhyme. There are different kinds of poems that need not rhyme, for example, Free verse, acrostic etc. What is troubling me is that there are some poets who kills poems with words just to bring a rhyming scheme. If you are bad at rhyming then one of the best option is to try free verse. As you keep writing and become familiar to the world of words, you can create easily a poem with a suitable rhyming scheme.

Dear Aureyn,Is it necessary to rhyme your poems? Can you avoid this? Does every line need to rhyme?A: Poetry can never be limited to definitions, because what they try to portray is not just mere words but a thought or an imagination.

Found in among a collection of poems that seem heavily-laden with emotional discomfort, autumn possesses atone which is calm, light and almost romantic. Serenading the season less synonymous with warmth and joy, KKR creates a unique tribute to a time normally seen as an approach to an end.A sensual poem throughout, this work’s sole stanza engulfs us in a world of textures to experience as it starts. It may be nostalgiathat is triggered, or it may simply be an empathetic mental image of the stereotypical images of autumn that is conjured up, but regardless of how it manifests, the physical of the season is extremely poignant. The addition of visual descriptions is worked in, then, toonly add to the sheer volume of aspects made instantly at the centre of our attention, allowing the writer to show us exactly what itis that they’re imagining. A sense of relationto the season is created in the simultaneity of pulses mentioned in order for us to see an emotional connection between the writer and the written in the poem. Emphasising this with

the sense that condolence and sympathy is always found in autumn then adds to the relief felt in reading the poem among the others in the anthology. We see that, in spite of the pain and discomfort in the writer’s life, there are still moments of joy and rest. Using this gives strength to the more negative images used elsewhere to make the writer’s experiences appear more realistic; everyone experiences difficulties, but we all still enjoy things regardless of them. Subsequently, the positivity of autumn is used simply in order to add realism to the work of the rest of the anthology, displaying the writer’s true intent to accurately portray their true feelings. The positivity used in the poem isn’t permanent. However, as it develops, small hints of a dark tint to the thoughts within the inspiration begin to make themselves known. The admiration of the prolonged nights of the season eludes slightly to the more common themes featured in KKR’s work, suggesting that although positivity is in flow and richly acknowledged, darkness is still a central factor in the way in which they choose to write.

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“Autumn isn’t just a beautiful love

song, but a change of perspective.”

• This may act as a possible suggestion that there is something felt beyond the help of autumn’s sympathy that darkens KKR’s outlook, and is only aided by empathy and a common understanding through autumn’s shared darkness. Nonetheless, the emotional reprieve felt by KKR as a result of the shoulder of autumn upon which to cry helps to show that there is something good in everyone’s life that can be found easily and in absolutely any place or form. Swiftly, KKR moves away from the brief dark spot and continues to serenade the third season, now writing to elevate the appearance of autumn in its red-gold glory; bringing the calendar year to a close with its organic fireworks. The easily relatable aspect of autumn is displayed in a simply beautiful way in order to allow anyone at all to see the stereotypical image of the season in a new light that permits them to empathise a little more with KKR’s perspective and adoration. The final line of the poem is possibly my favourite of the whole work. The extremely simply-worded phrase gives a complete summary of KKR’s sheer love for autumn and tributes the season wonderfully. The “lovely heat” found

by KKR in the arms of autumn shows the personal effect of the season upon the writer, and allows us, as readers, to see how, even though autumn is by no means the warmest of the months, the beauty, sympathy and counsel found in the closing months of the year mean that we are able to see autumn in a completely new way. What was once a cold, wet month filled with beautiful colours is now something new and amazing, with so many deeper qualities than any of us probably ever imagined. Autumnisn’t just a beautiful love song, but a change of perspective.

-Ethan Savage

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Poetry Author - @Killjoy_Keep_Running

“A sensual poem throughout, this work’s sole stanza

engulfs us in a world of textures to experience as it

starts.”

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Last year, Alana Crosby’s world changed when she was introduced to Wattpad. Now, one of the most successful poets for her featured poem, ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’. We are Ecstatic to be interviewing Miss Alana Crosby, and finding out what makes poetry special to her.What is poetry to you? Your relationship?A: I am my poems

How do you begin a poem? What is your process?A: I have no process as such. I begin with a sentence and the rest flows from there.

Why is poetry important to you?A: Poetry is the bar of chocolate that I need after a long day. It's my creative outlet hence the importance.

How did you feel knowing people loved your work?A: I'd like to answer this one in the form of haiku:My happiness isTheir smileTheir twinkling eyes.

What influenced you to writeA: I have loved reading poems for as long as I

can remember. What influenced me to write poems however was boredom combined with angst.

What is your favourite genre and form to write in?A: My favourite genre to write is crime fiction. I am currently working on a murder mystery titled Void that deals with a killing in a posh boarding school

Where is your favourite place to begin writing?A: I like to open with hard hitting sentences.

Usually when something strikes me I write it down on my phone and if the idea still seems interesting after a month, I continue.

What inspires you?A: I love inspecting my surroundings as well as my thoughts. These two things inspire me the most.

How do you decide what form to write in?A: My feelings govern my writing entirely. No thought is put into this process.

Did you ever think you’d get recognition for your poetry?A: While writing poems the possibility of recognition never crossed my mind. The Seven Deadly Sins is in fact the first seven poems I ever wrote. My friend suggested that I drop a query to get featured and a few months later I did!

Thank you Ms Alana Crosby for this amazing opportunity to understand your thoughts behind your poetry.

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Dear Hope…Dear Hope, I've noticed that poems always have a capital letter when beginning a new line, is this necessary? Especially if followed by a comma?One thing I think I’ve learnt about poetry is that it doesn’t really follow many rules. It’s very adaptable and different, depending on each individual poet. Some people think poems looks better with capitals at each new line. Sorry if this is wrong, but I would say that you can write it how you want. With capitals and commas wherever you feel is right. It’s your poem, so don’t let anything stop you.

Dear Hope, Before submitting my poetry should I edit it properly first?Yes, I would definitely recommend editing your poetry before submitting it, because I think it allows for a better read and makes your poem look finished.

Dear Hope, Would you recommend finding an editor?Yes, if you want some help, try looking here on Wattpad. A second opinion is always helpful or if you are just unsure about editing altogether. There will most likely be many people who will be happy to edit your poetry.

Dear Hope, What advice would you give to poets about editing their poetry?Firstly, my advice would be to always spellcheck- that’s a given. Also, try not to use the same words over and over again in a poem, because sometimes this can sound clumsy, unless it’s deliberate repetition, of course! But my NUMBER 1 tip is to read your work out loud. As many times as you want. For me, this really helps when editing poetry, with testing line length, vocabulary used, the flow of a poem and just the way it reads.

Dear Hope, Would you say that reading unedited poetry is unattractive?In my personal opinion, unedited poetry looks messy and yes- unattractive. For example, A piece of work with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors would not be unacceptable, but it can take away from the poem as a whole, and some readers might be put off, or think it’s not as good. However, having unedited work doesn’t affect the actual content of a poem which may be very nice, it just makes it rougher around the edges.

Reading poetry, in my opinion, should always incite a strong sense of emotional input. In any piece the writer should leave the reader accepting, or consider the writer's point of view on the chosen subject. Tashima Kim Youna is far more capable than just this; making "MY Name is September" convey its emotional undertones from the very start. Youna's inspiration is immediately made evident with the use of pained language throughout the poem which expresses an enormous sense of heartbreak, and internal conflict. Despite the occasional error in grammar and sentence structure (which are probably the result of English being a second language), Youna is able to very poignantly lure the reader into feeling a sense of empathy. A single stanza being used to contain the entire poem grants readers a sense of emotional turmoil being persistent and unhindered, electing a further sympathetic level. As Youna progresses, a certain depth to the poem makes itself lighter, and begins a series of questions in the mind of the reader. Approaching the middle of the poem, it suddenly begins to appear as if death is the one being addressed, as the seasonal themes used by Youna become more emphasized. At a point, "the one" seems to have caused much pain to the narrator, that the latter's focus shifts towards "February", a more welcoming and loving version of "the one" from the first line. Even though February seems far more loving, there is a strong sense of them being tied to death, as readers are given a strong impression of a will to move on into their proverbial winter. If this is the true meaning of a love story then the emotions behind the writing of this poem become even more moving as we are presented with someone so heartbroken they can only find comfort in death. Contrarily, Youna does manage to establish more than one meaning to the yearning for February. Staying with the proverbial- long representation of life, February can be seen as the precursor to spring the precursor to spring and new beginnings. In this sense Youna can presents her subject longing to fall in love again, but this time with someone who can take them and show them a new life, away from the one filled with so much pain. Youna uses this to express a sense of hope, showing that heartbreak doesn't have to be the end, but instead be the beginning of a new life with someone who can be better. This could be interpreted as a message to those who have suffered heartbreak, and can't see how they can move on; showing them that life has more in store for them in the future.

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“An incredibly emotional poem, "MY name is

September", amazingly and movingly presents one person's

way of dealing with heartbreak and the difficulties of

moving on.”

Even with a positive outlook, the poem still has a negative tone creating a sympathetic feeling among readers to feel supported. While there is a split between hope and hopelessness, Youna makes the hope seem dangerous as it traps the subject in an inescapable dream that is impossible to share with the outside world. The will to move on is so perfectly there, Youna questions winter in its ways of seeing the world, hoping for a new perspective to help ease into a new life without all the pain. However, wanting this new life, love, and outlook can be seen to have caused the subject to fall hopelessly in love with their dream, rather than going out in the world to pursue the reality. Resulting in them blaming February for having "locked me in a dream." Like any broken heart, this one has latched on to the only glimmer of hope it could find far too early, and has fallen in love with the impossible, locking itself in the dream of finding someone new rather than trying to find them. As a result, the subject stays where they are, unable to move forward to death or their new beginning (depending on the outlook of the reader), and is left permanently branded with the name 'September'. The final line showing the permanence of the subject's condition is endlessly easy to empathize with. Here the emotion felt within the poem reaches its peak, and the reader is shown the extent of the damage done of the damage done by the one who came before February. Wanting so badly to see the things that February offered created something that trapped the subject in their hopes, unable to move on to someone else because of their being tied to a fictional love. The loss felt by the subject reveals itself in the end to be of far more than just one level, creating an enormous pity among readers as they see just how much heartbreak has taken away from September. An incredibly emotional poem, "MY name is September", amazingly and movingly presents one person's way of dealing with heartbreak and the difficulties of moving on. Its language (although sometimes incorrect as mentioned earlier), perfectly portrays the stages from moving from one love to another, and the problems so frequently encountered, in doing so, making a beautiful representation of pain incited by another, oblivious to their own doing

- EthanJSavage

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Dear Tucker…

Dear Tucker, What advice would you give to poets who are currently trying to publish their work?The first thing is to edit, edit, and edit again. I’ve looked back on poetry I wrote a couple of months ago, and I found a few things that I could edit. I changed them, and I loved to poem twice as much! Publishers and agents alike look at grammar as a primary method of ruling out applications, so it’s a big deal! Never give up! Many poets were rejected by agents and publishers more times than they could count. If you have a novel, you may want to consider publishing that with a few of your poems inside. It’s somewhat self-promoting, but the public (and publishers) will get an idea about your poetry and may consider publishing one of your poetry albums. Last, but certainly not least, make sure everything in your application to the publisher is spot-on and edited appropriately. Many applications are denied before the work is read, just because the author’s grammar is off, or they forgot to add certain details to the application.

Dear Tucker, Is it easy to find publishers who take on poetry?The truthful answer is no. Chapbooks and collections are very difficult to get published. Many printed poets had a connection somewhere or their work was discovered by someone who did have those connections. An agent can reduce the hassle of paving the road to publishing, as can self-publishing. It depends on whether you are more interested in others knowing your work or receiving compensation. Agents take a large cut of royalties, and often charge a large fee. In addition, agents willing to represent poetry are incredibly difficult to find. Many novelists submit queries to five agents at a time, and usually only one responds. The ratio is even less for poetry. If you do find an agent, however, you work will be advertised and recognizable to a selection of the public eye. The other option is self-publishing. There are many methods that I have suggested in later questions. It will allow you to have a framework for agent and publishers to build upon, as well as a greater compensatory margin. Most poets self-publish and then attach a link of the work in their application to the publisher, but it all depends on you!

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Dear Tucker, Does my manuscript need to be edited first?Absolutely! Double and triple check your spelling and tenses. Spelling is also an important issue. Your poetry may be phenomenal, but one spelling or conjugative mistake will instantly affect your reputation and how the publisher feels. Make sure you’re using the correct versions of’ there, their, and they’re’, as well as ‘your and you’re’. Poetry is in the eye of the beholder, so grammar is to create an emphasis on certain phrases. Your titles should be properly capitalized. There are too many rules to list, but they should be available here: http://www.writersaccess.com/blog/title-capitalization-what-words-to-capitalize-in-a-title/

Dear Tucker,I have been rejected several times; I'm considering whether to continue submitting, what should I do?Don’t get discouraged. Have you heard of a writer named…STEPHEN KING?! His novel, “Carrie”, was rejected by publishers over thirty times. He actually threw the manuscript into the garbage. His wife fished it out and convinced Stephen to submit it until a publisher accepted it. He’s now a household name and millions have read his work. Also, consider reviewing your work and the details of your application to the publisher. Improper grammar and spelling (even in the application/blurb) are instant turn-offs and can keep you from getting published, even if your work is amazing! Look at the work that has been published by the company you are considering. Usually the publishers prefer a certain type of style and mood, and your poetry may not match. Samples should be available on Amazon. As always, I’d consider self-publishing, if this is your first chapbook/collection. Amazon and Createspace allow you to keep your copyright and even assist you in marketing. It’s quite easy and the royalties are actually quite high considered to what a publisher would pay. It also allows you to receive the exposure, experience, and the appearance of motivation that publishers look for.

Dear Tucker, I've been pondering on whether to submit my poetry to publishers. Do I need an agent first? Yes and no. If you need your poetry published quickly, an agent may be the way to go. Many agents do not take on poetry, however. The upside is that they can easily find you editors and publishers that will help you with your work. The downside is they are difficult to find and often charge many fees. Poetry is not a very marketable prose, so any money that you do make would go right back to your agent. Submitting yourself is difficult to do. Many independent and small to mid-sized publishers will look at applicants without an agent. Larger publishers will simply ignore those without a representative. The most important thing, however, is a copyright. Simply listing "All Rights Reserved" on you poetry may not protect it from those who may claim it as their own. Copyrights are the most important thing you write before contacting an agent or publisher. A simple search will allow you to find all of the information you need

about that! :D

The first question I asked myself was what the theme of this poem was, and in conclusion I think the theme for this poem was based on the season autumn. You are probably saying in your head, 'duh it is in the title,' butsometimes you just can't look at the title,you have to read the whole thing to get a better understanding of what the author'smain focus is. The first stanza in the poem I would like to look at and analyse is “Leaves drop dead at her presences. Life crumbles to a shade of brown .Everything is drained from effervescence. Warmth share its crown." Instead of her saying the leaves are dead and it’s not too hot but not too cold, she puts the description of the season autumn in a unique way. She also describes autumn, “The heir of wild mushrooms. Cold wind, and hollow trees. A freezing blanket looms to cover all that one sees." Again, she puts the description of the season in a sophisticated but yet beautiful way. The second question I asked myself while reading this poem was did the initial mood change? For the most part it didn't. I like how she didn't go all over the place by saying something about autumn but the next stanza about summer. She stuck to the main topic and

that was autumn. The last main question I asked myself while reading this meritorious poem was did the author get her point across, and the answer for that question was she certainly did. My favourite stanza of ‘Autumn’s Breath’ is "Autumn’s Breath Is merely the prelude to the story, braving the death, will earn you much glory.” For this poem, I give my review ratings a five out of five stars because it was a superlative piece of work and enjoyable to read. If you’re in the mood for reading a poem that was written by a great poet then I recommend reading Autumn’s Breath by @XaroXhoanDaxos.

-Anya Hester

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“Autumn’s Breath is merely the prelude to

the story, braving the death, will earn you

much glory”

Published by the Poetry Institute of Canada, we were over-whelmed when we received the opportunity of interviewing Ms Elizabella Jones. Featured on Wattpad for her many humorous poems and several other genres, Elizabella reveals the truth of what her poetry means to her.

Why is poetry important to you?E: Poetry is way of expressing yourself, exploring emotions within yourself, saying what you might not be able to express in normal conversation, and letting go of inhibitions for a moment in time. Poetry, for me, is an outlet – creatively and emotionally.

What influenced you to write?E: I have written poems for as long as I can remember and was part of a writing group when I was younger. Now, I write for fun, when I am inspired, or when there is a poem inside of me seeking to be put to paper.

How do you begin a poem? What is your process? E: Depends on the poem! Sometimes I will have a particular form in mind and I will choose a topic to fit that form. Other times, I have a topic in mind and the style and form just flow as I begin writing.

What is your favourite genre and form to write in? E:I love writing humour, romance, and light horror. I don't have a particular preference on form, since I think it depends on the individual poem and the intent of the poem. Although, if I had to choose, I would say humour is my preference, because I love to entertain others.

How do you decide what form to write in?E: I choose either based on a form I have not tried yet or a form I have not done recently.

Although, certain poems call for certain forms, so I usually just go with my intuition and what happens naturally.

Where is your favourite place to begin writing? E:I always work from the top to the bottom, but with an idea of the overall “story” to be told and the title is the last thing I do. I usually write late a night or when I first wake up.

What is your poetry to you? Your relationship? E: Poetry is about taking a moment away from whatever is happening in your life, good or bad, and expressing your feelings. Poetry is always there for you, offering no judgment, and allowing you to be free with your words and emotions. I love to write and I love to bring a little bit of happy to the lives of others if I can. I love the challenge of trying to new forms and the freedom of writing about any topic that comes to mind. So, my relationship with poetry is a space where I can test myself creatively and know that poetry offers me comfort in trying times and humour in good times. Also, the relationship is almost like that of a student in search of knowledge and awareness. Each of the poets that I have come across and had the privilege to get to know here have taught me something special and different, allowing me to grow both as a person and as a poet. With that being said, the poets of Wattpad are such a great source of inspiration and each of them make me love poetry even more.

What inspires you? E: Almost everything inspires me -relationships around me, random observations, conversations with friends, music, and the amazing fellow Wattpad poets. Sometimes it is fun to explore the silliest and the most random of things that come to mind and just go along with it.

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Did you ever think you'd get recognition for your poetry? E: I spent the first year of my Wattpad life being a silent reader, but then I took the plunge and posted a few poems about a breakup I had just gone through. I am pretty sure the only people who read those first few poems were my friends who I had sent the links to. But as I posted more, I met some truly wonderful fellow writers who encouraged me and offered me a friendly and welcoming space to continue posting. So, no, I did not think that people would read my poetry, but I am very grateful to those who do!

How did you feel knowing people loved your work? E: It makes me incredibly happy!! I love thinking that something I have written has elicited some kind of an emotional reaction or brought a smile to someone’s face.

Thank you Elizabella for this wonderful opportunity to explore your views and passion on poetry.

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COMPETITIONTIME

:How to enter – Write a poem inspired by the quote, ‘I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly and then all at

once.’. Send the poem to @HollySin on Wattpad.Prizes –First – Dedication, mention, and follow, +3 lined comment on any of you stories. Second – Mention and follow +2 lined comment on any of your stories. Third - Mention and follow +1 lined comment of any of your stories.

Terms and ConditionsNo stealing! Treat others like you want to be treated like. f you need more time to come up with your poem , tell me. No backing out. Pass your poem on time. Be amaze sauce :)

How to enter – Visit @iheartglee’s profile page on Wattpad, click on ‘Poetry Jewels’ and post a comment on the ‘Enter here’ chapter.

Prizes -First - A mention on my profile; your poem in my special reading list and a chance to help me judge in the next round of competition.Second - A mention on my profile; your poem in my special reading list and a free critic on a poem of your choice (optional)Third - A mention on my profile and your poem in my special reading list.All extra winners will get a mention.

Terms and Conditions –You must read the rules, instructions, etc. You must not bribe. One poem per round. The same poem must not be entered multiple times. No comments should be written outside the assigned chapter.

Team

Imperfectandoriginal

ethanjwsavage (Ethan)

Acid_Apple (Fifi)

InkRaven (Tucker)

FriendsNeverSayBye (Hope)

5sostillidie (Anya)

pinkpanda1239 (Rachelle)

Golden_Insanity (Emillie)

Nycotophilian25 (Nyx)

Aureyn

Featured Poets

Owain Glyn

Elizabella Jones

Alana Crosby

XaroXhoanDaxos

Iheartglee

HollySin

Killjoy_Keep_Running

Tashima Kim Youna

Crickfreak

anisaanasir

negativevision

Editors available through Wattpad

Shreya1234

Avrillavigneazz

LandPirate

hdwilliams1109

AJW_Ambusher

chiccsoul

Timeinabottle

_ThisIsn’tMe_

hubcaps

XxVivaLaJessxX

anthingthatglitters

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DIRECTORYBy Wattpad name

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