Give Poetry A Chance

Happy Friday, all! Today, I'm delighted to welcome Jessica Bell to the blog, in celebration of Fabric, her new book of poetry. I'm a massive poetry fan, and this book is not only beautifully laid out, it's very accessible. Drawing heavily on Greek terminology and mythology, Jess's poems are an assault to the senses - it's writing you can't be neutral about. 

Jessica says:
My poetry will not baffle you with phrasing that scholars award for academic genius and that can only be understood by those who wrote it. My poetry is for the everyday reader. In fact, it is even for those who don’t like to read poetry at all. Because it is real, stark and simple.

The poems in Fabric are no different. They explore specific moments in different people’s lives that are significant to whom they have become, the choices they’ve made. It’s about how they perceive the world around them, and how each and every one of their thoughts and actions contributes to the fabric of society. Perhaps you will even learn something new about yourself.

So, even if you do not usually read poetry, I urge you to give this one a go. Not because I want sales (though, they are fun!), but because I want more people to understand that not all poetry is scary and complex. Not all poetry is going to take you back to high school English, and not all poetry is going make you feel “stupid”.

You can still say to people that you don’t read poetry … I really don’t mind. Because if you read Fabric, you’re not reading poetry, you’re reading about people. And that’s what reading is about, yes? Living the lives of others? 

The e-book is only $1.99 and the paperback $5.50. Here are the links: Amazon US; Amazon UK; Goodreads

About Jessica:

If Jessica Bell could choose only one creative mentor, she’d give the role to Euterpe, the Greek muse of music and lyrics. And not because she currently lives in Greece, either. The Australian-native author, poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist has her roots firmly planted in music, and admits inspiration often stems from lyrics she’s written.She is the Co-Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and co-hosts the Homeric Writers' Retreat  Workshop on the Greek Isle of Ithaca, with Chuck Sambuchino of Writer’s Digest. Website

Thanks, Jess! Have a great weekend, everyone.