I had the pleasure of catching up with love and heartache poet, and short story writer, Maya Y. She is going to tell us all about her poetry journey and some information about her everyday life.
Q: Hi, Maya! Tell us about you. Where are you from? How did you get into writing poetry and short stories?
A: I am from Macedonia, Europe, but I've been living in Wisconsin, USA, for the past ten years. I've always been an avid reader, but didn't write much until I was in my late thirties.
One day, it just clicked! I wrote one poem, called "Silence," inspired by the song "Tumbleweed" by Pusciferdotcom, and that was it; poetry got a hold of me. I knew there was no going back. Short stories are my favorite because they can attract the attention of even non-readers, as they are short enough to read in one sitting. One day, I had heard a true and sad story online about a woman in my native country; it touched me so much that I sat down and wrote a short story about her. Next thing I know, I had decided to turn that story into a novel. I am very glad I did it, but writing a novel is a road I won't travel again...
Q: That's fair. I find writing longer stories to be a bit more involved. Also, I think you're the first person I've talked to from Macedonia, so that's cool. You write about love and heartache, why those topics?
A: Can you think of a topic that is more universal than heartbreak, that debilitating pain after losing the one you love? It transcends cultures, languages, upbringings...l've always read, and consequently, wanted to write about things anyone could relate to. I've never watched any popular sci-fi or fantasy show because I have always been interested in the real world, and nothing can be more real than love, and the pain that accompanies it.
Q: So true. I write about the same topics and agree that it's something we can understand universally. Well put! What do you do when you're not writing?
A: I spend only a few minutes a day writing. It takes me about 5 to 10 minutes to write a poem. The rest of the day I spend thinking about past loves to get inspired to write. Just kidding. I just moved to a new city, and I spend my days unpacking and cleaning the house. I explore the new neighborhood, which is super exciting. I love to spend time with my family, read, watch detective shows, learn languages...just to name a few.
Q: Who is your favorite poet and why?
A: Kocho Racin, a wonderful Macedonian poet, because he also wrote about love, pain, and grief. He was a magnificent sculptor of pain. And...Bukowski, because he was honest, raw, and probably the most real person on the planet. He wrote what was on his mind and heart without trying to impress anyone. You don't see that often.
Q: I will have to look into these poets! What is a book that has really inspired you? In what way?
A: I am a firm believer that the more you read, the less you remember the books you have read, because there are so many to remember (I have earned three degrees in language and literature, which means l've read plenty of books!). I was strongly inspired by Fog by Maria Luisa Bombal, a Chilean author. She definitely inspired me to write about how I feel (or what I have felt in the past) without fear of being judged. Writing can be a very cathartic experience. Think of it as a therapy session. If you don't say what bothers you, you can't expect to heal.
Q: Writing can be very cathartic, I agree. Tell us about some of the books you've written. What are they about? Who should pick them up?
A: My first poetry collection is called Regrets. I wrote it when I was going through a difficult time in my life. It captures not only my pain, but the pain of all the love stories I have heard that ended with a heartbreak. But it is also about love. You can't have heartbreak without love. It is an essential component. So, Regrets, as well as And then we met, and And then I met him, are books in which heartbreak is seen not only as a curse, but also as a blessing, because as most people would say, I would have rather loved and hurt, than not loved at all. I wrote the poems for all people who go through heartbreak, and need to know that they are not alone.
Q: I look forward to picking these up and I hope those reading will do the same. Are you coming out with any new books/projects soon?
A: Yes! My fourth book should be out by the end of this year. I will stick to my signature style, but this time, the book will include love letters. You know the old-fashioned love letters that nobody ever writes anymore? I am bringing them back!
Q: I love a good old-fashioned lov letter! Lastly, where can we find you on social media?
A: You can find me on Instagram @mayaypoetry. Stop by and say hi!
Thank you so much for indulging us and allowing us to learn more about you, Maya. For those reading, be sure to give Maya a follow and read her work.
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