Below is my interview with Danielle Holian, a poet who has just published her first book of poetry early this year. I envy poets for their rhythm, their openness, and their ability to convey deep emotions onto the page. Holian’s book is focused with a very deliberate and universal message that anyone can relate to. So, if you are or know of a poetry fan, consider buying a copy of her book, Beautifully Chaotic, and be sure to leave Holian a crucial, verified review.
About the author and book
Author Name: Danielle Holian
Author Links (links open in a new tab):
Book Title: Beautifully Chaotic
Genre: Poetry.
Book Summary
Beautifully Chaotic is a poetry collection that shows a progression from isolation to survival. Each poem is crafted with an expression of empowerment, love, and truth; celebrating the beauty in life and mourning the chaos. The essence of it all is to show that life goes on through the loving, bad and confusing times.
Book excerpt
There is a poem in my bones
A song in my heart
A painting in my blood
And I would be lost without my inner ruins
That makes my life art.
— Poem from Beautifully Chaotic.
Talking Shop
What famous books can you compare to your own?
Books that inspired my journey on Beautifully Chaotic were poetry collections of Milk and Honey, Atlantis, Note to Self, Soft Thorns, Roses and Thorns, and Born to Love Cursed to Feel.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
I had begun the process of my debut, Beautifully Chaotic, over time in 2018 and took a year to write, edit, and put it all together to be released in 2019.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of all time great writers?
Olivia Gatwood, Rupi Kaur, Taylor Swift, Lauren Eden.
How do you autograph your books? Do you use a special signature? Write a personalized message? Draw pictures? Add stickers or stamps?
If someone requests an autograph I will usually write a personalized message with my special signature.
What is the most fun part about writing? The most difficult?
The fun part of writing, for me, is the magical feeling of connection I get when I feel I’m writing something I truly feel is important to me. While, the most difficult thing about writing is trying to find this feeling.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
Demi Lovato.
If you could be in a writer’s group with up to four famous writers, who would they be?
Rupi Kaur, Olivia Gatwood, Lauren Eden, and Nikita Gill
You’re offered a contract to rewrite your book in another genre. Which genre do you choose and why?
I would choose crime, based as a novel, as Beautifully Chaotic deals with some heavy issues that I would prefer to dive deeper into from a storyteller perspective rather than telling a story in a short few lines in poetry.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
I would love to make a short film inspired by stories in Beautifully Chaotic, and to work with charities in relation to topics I discuss throughout the book to spread more awareness.
Your book becomes a bestseller. What do you do next?
Travel and adventure through life for more experiences to write my next book.
Just For Fun
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
That there is art, joy, and love in healing from things that are meant to destroy you.
Favorite band, musical artist, or genre/era of music.
My favourite genre of music is alternative, indie, pop.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
Although I do want to travel the world, I’d have to say Canada as I see myself returning one day – hopefully to live!
Food you’d like to win a lifetime supply of.
Bangers and mash or chocolate cake.
Celebrity you’d want to be friends with.
Demi Lovato.
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This was a great interview. I haven’t heard of Danielle but I’ll be looking up her book! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading!