INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE!

INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE WITH AUTUMN WILLIAMS!

Autumn Williams is a versatile and brilliant writer and Poet with a unique ability to tell compelling stories and weave exceptional imagery that has a positive, long lasting impact on her large audience.

She has a huge Worldwide fan base of several thousands of people, and she is famous for her thought-provoking poetry, filled with masterful imagery in her writing. 

Today, Autumn grants us an Exclusive Insight into aspects of her life and what makes her as a person stand out. 

1. How did your journey with writing poetry begin?

I started writing poetry in 2022, after the chronic illness that I have, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, worsened to the point that I became almost entirely bedbound. Writing became both a form of escape, as well as a way to work through emotions.

2.How has having a chronic illness influenced your work?

I will often write about time, and the way it can feel like an abstract concept, especially when sick. Some other topics I write about are dreams, nature, and loss. All of these subjects tie into my personal experiences. I do, however, write my poems to be open and universal, and I venture into fiction poetry. It is my hope that this allows readers to feel heard and understood.

3.Can you talk about the role of nature imagery in your poems?

I love writing nature poetry. I often use elements like clouds, waves, and changing seasons as metaphors for emotions and life experiences.

4.What is your writing process like?

Most days I will write one or two poems, at any point in the day or night. Rarely will I do a longer writing session where I write many pieces. After I write a poem, I edit it as I see needed changes, over the course of days (or months, as I find some poems need to be left alone for awhile). Eventually I will send a collection to be professionally edited, and then I make any necessary additional changes, based on feedback.

5.How would you define your poetic style?

My style is free verse and lyrical, written with accessible language. My poems often have a dreamlike quality, blending concrete observations with more abstract reflections. I strive to create relatable and comforting imagery that conveys complex emotions.

6.Tell us about your books:

I have a chapbook, "Waves", that is free when you sign-up for my newsletter at www.freechapbook.com. In "Waves" I explore themes of longing, memory, and the sea. I also have an upcoming full-length poetry collection, "Clouds on the Ground", that is releasing November 7th, 2024. "Clouds on the Ground" follows the changing seasons, and explores time, loss, and the power of dreams.

7.Can you share a poem from one of your collections, and tell us a little about it?

One of my favorites from "Clouds on the Ground" is an untitled poem about lightning. In this poem I compare lightning to both veins and roots, because they

follow the same visual pattern, but also because of their usefulness in transferring power.

Patterns appear

in the sky like roots,

-

reaching for water,

-

and the light

is there for only a second,

-

balancing the atmosphere

the way your veins

give you strength

to breathe while you watch

the lightning shine,

-

through the music

-

of rain and thunder

8.Tell us a little more about yourself:

I currently live in Texas with my husband and our children. I love writing and reading poetry, spending time with my family, and listening to music.

You can find more of my work on Instagram and TikTok: @autumnwilliamspoetry

9.What do you hope readers will take away from your poetry?

I hope readers find comfort and connection in my words. I want them to feel seen and understood, and to recognize their own experiences in my poetry. I hope my work reminds people that there is beauty to be found in life's journey, even in our challenging times.

The entire Editorial board of the Poets Digest wishes Autumn Williams the very best in her endeavors and also warmly welcomes her to the Collab Tour. 

Founder/ Collab Tour

Joseph Spencer