The Poets Path: Journey to Ireland (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM37XB39/

The Poets Path: Journey to Ireland looks like a great book.  Can you tell us a little about it?

Thank you for saying so. The book is an exploration of Ireland and looking at various aspects of life there. I have used the art of poetry to tell of Ireland’s history, it’s myths and legends as well as taking a look at Irelands landscapes, which it is famous for of course. Ireland has a long and rich history that many do not know about and also the legends from the Celtic era are breath taking stories. There are far too many to include them all in the book so I picked some of my favorites and while thinking about what the audience could engage with so that they become immersed in the stories. I like to say that the book contains simple poetry from a simple man and that all can take something from reading it.

 

Where can people buy it from?

It is for sale at present on Amazon.com but is also available from all major online book retailers. I am currently working on it to get the book into stores, so that is something I remain hopeful for.

It is available in paperback, hardcover and on all devices.

 

Any plans to turn it into a series?

Not at present as I want to work on more a novel, while the poetry I want for my next collection will be a little more introspective. This book stemmed from ‘The Irish Series’ that I released on my Instagram page @the.poets.path. I got great feedback from all corners of the world, which made me want to compile this collection. While there are over 80 poems in the book, 40 of them are previously unseen/unpublished.

 

What inspired you when writing The Poets Path?

I love Irish lore and history and I feel in modern society a lot of that can become lost. There is such a rich and deep history to Ireland and its legends are fantastical. So along with the tales and history I had already known about, I researched as much as I could and compiled a collection, which as I stated previously had been posted on my Instagram page.

 

How did you come up with the title to your book?

The full title is The Poet’s Path: Journey to Ireland so I wanted to incorporate my Instagram handle into it as many would only know me as thepoetspath rather than Christopher. Of course, I had to include Ireland on it but I choose Journey to Ireland as a link to my Insta handle. In which the reader can journey down the poet’s path to Ireland, something I incorporated into the cover artwork.

 

What will readers get out of your book?

I would hope it would give them a taste of Ireland and all it has to offer. Try and get rid of the stereotypical view that many have of my country. Ireland has had many immigrants leave our shores and I would like to think that their descendants may read it and it would bring them back to their ancestral home.

 

What part of the book was the most fun to write?

I enjoyed all of it to be honest. If I had to choose though it would be researching and finding out just how rich and beautiful Irish myths and legends are. While we would have grown up with many of the stories, I have learned that there is far more to learn which gives me solace but also a little sad that many in this country do not know the extent of our lore. Hopefully this book may peak someone’s interest, if it does so for just one person then I would be happy.

 

Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing The Poets Path?

When writing about Irelands fight for independence from Britain, I had to remain vigilant in how I went about it. Things such as the language I used, how I portrayed each side and such, meant that I had to be considerate of those who were directly, and still are, affected by it. It is sometimes easy to forget that Irelands independence only began 100 years or so ago and many lost their lives in that fight.

 

What do you like to do when not writing?

Walking is something I do enjoy, whether in a forest listening to the wind rustle the trees or along mountain paths and see Irelands rugged side. I find I am at peace most often in these places. I need to do more of it as I find it hard to manage my time because I am also in college studying psychotherapy, while working full-time in a homeless shelter. Life can become very busy and I try to put words on paper and call it poetry in between.

 

Where can readers find out more about your work?

Social media is where people can find me and connect with easiest and I am active every day and answer all of my DM’s. My Instagram is @the.poets.path and Twitter is @CPowerAuthor.

I am also starting a mailing list for a new monthly newsletter which will include exclusive news, photos, unseen poetry and a way of connecting deeper in an almost VIP aspect.

I also have a profile on Goodreads, where folk can come and ask questions and keep up to date with what I am up to, although my mail list will know first.

Anyone interested in joining my VIP mailing list can email directly @christopherpowerauthor@gmail.com  or  DM me on my socials.