Inspired Angela Edgar Mad Jock Publishers ISBN: 9781906439118 Reviewed By Wendy Paulson
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
"It took a lot To get me here I was so frightened I lived in fear."
Taken from the title poem, "Inspired," those lines speak volumes to the trepidation most authors & poets face in deciding whether or not to share their most personal musings with the world at large. Oftentimes, many creative types shrink away in the face of that fear, preferring to insulate themselves from the looming, critical eyes awaiting their offerings; others, though, rise to the occasion, daring to endure whatever criticisms may come their way in favor of making their voices heard. Thankfully, Angela Edgar keeps company with the latter.
Inspired, Edgar’s debut poetic collection, is exactly that: an assembly of verse teeming with eclectic motivation from various sources, providing the reader with an enriching read sure to inspire him/her to return the favor in his/her own way. Running the gamut from intensely personal topics to broad-based global issues, Inspired is a poetic cornucopia of goodies with a tantalizing flavor worth savoring.
Consider this passage from the standout piece, "What’s It Like/It’s Like This":
"As black people we need to get ourselves into the system Reflect change because a beast can’t stand its own reflection Check mate like chess into powerful positions Soaking in lessons from those that paved the way"
And this excerpt from "Stealing My Thunder":
"As I heal I’m taking back my thunder Eventually I’ll blossom again like a rose I’ve realise there’s life after spousal abuse It will take time, how long? I trust God it’s only he that really knows."
Regardless of whether she’s expounding on intra-racial conflict or domestic abuse, Edgar’s voice is clear, direct, and comes through as a much-needed clarion call.
Edgar’s creativity also shines through in the way she structures her poems, with her chosen formats enhancing the flow of each particular piece. For example, as witnessed in this passage from "Well I," she preserves the element of surprise quite nicely – and humorously – until the very end:
"Well I… said that I don’t love you anymore When I… said that You burst out in to tears Where I… said that You dropped to your knees crushed Why I… said that I’d just had enough of your stuff How I… said that I drew on courage I never knew was there Who I… date next Is no longer any of your business."
Of course, any true wordsmith must know the times when the truth must be told full-force, no sugar-coating or dressing-up about it, and Edgar proves herself possessive of such a skill as well, particularly in this excerpt from "My Heart":
"My heart cries out I’m feeling the pain I can’t sleep, I worry That I’ll never see you again.
My heart yearns and my feelings are true I’m a rainbow full of colours Exploding after the rain To express my love for you."
Inspired is a compelling collection of poetry offering a kaleidoscopic glimpse into the mind, heart, and soul of a gifted wordsmith on the rise. The literary world has now seen the birth of its latest rising poetic star, and be on the lookout for more as she continues to shine.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Angela Edgar (Inspired)Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Angela. We’re looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Angela Edgar: Thank you. It’s really my pleasure to be able to tell you a little more about Inspired.
AR: How does it feel to finally realize your dream of publishing your writings?
AE: It is a truly amazing feeling. It’s something I’d only ever dreamt could happen. I remember being at school when I was about 14 years old, writing what started off as a short story for class that turned into a 100 page novel (which one day I will finish) and thinking to myself this is what I want to do - I want to publish a book by the time I’m 21. It didn’t happen but at 14 you can be wildly optimistic about these sorts of things, and my life took a slightly different career path than I expected, but nothing before its time is my favourite saying.
In hindsight, I feel I had to experience certain things in my life in order to bring me to the place emotionally and mentally where I could pen Inspired. It is however, very empowering to know that others will now get the chance to experience things that were previously only thoughts in my imagination and my unspoken observations.
AR: Our reviewer noted that you run the gamut of issues with your poems, including everything from love to heartbreak to politics to domestic abuse. Was it difficult for you to write about some of the topics in the book?
AE: Yes, some were quite difficult and emotionally taxing, taking days, even weeks to write and some were easy, flowing out of me in minutes or in the course of an hour. Inspired is a very personal collection, where I express a piece of me that is often hidden from people when they first meet then get to know me. For some of the poems, I just described what I was living, thinking about or feeling at the time. For others I sat and really thought deeply about the topic and tried to empathise with a situation.
Writing ’The Chimes’ with US based Michelle Davis challenged me to write differently to match her style and write as I thought the characters might think or act. I really immersed myself in the parts I wrote, getting into their heads I suppose, almost like a form of method acting. I was very really pleased with the end result of the collaboration and it is also one of 3 pieces in Inspired, which I co-wrote with other poets I’d connected with though MySpace, ’Bread’s In The Pantry’ with Michelle Lee (also US based) and ’What’s It Like / It’s Like This’ with James Famous (UK based).
’Stealing My Thunder’ came about as the result of a conversation I had with a friend in the police force, on the topic of domestic abuse. After I read it on an open mic internet radio show the same evening, from the response I received from the host, I knew I wanted to share that particular poem thinking it might help someone. Then I came across www.pointswithpurpose.com a few days later, fate perhaps, coincidence maybe, but I sent it to David Ilan who liked it and as a result he set up a supporters section on his site, where it was posted. I thought it was an appropriate piece to share, for a survivor of any form of abuse to know there is hope, and a lifeline to a new beginning beyond whatever tragic circumstance they may have had to endure.
AR: What inspires you?
AE: Everything and anything! I touch on this in a few poems in my book e.g. in the title poem ’Inspired’, ’Why I Write’ and ’How I Write Rhyme’. I’m inspired by random thoughts, acts, dreams and conversations. The origin of my name is Greek and Angela actually means ’messenger’ or ’angel’, so may be that’s what my purpose in life is. To be a vessel to deliver a message of hope or inspiration, connecting with people at the time they need it most through my poetry. I believe some of my poems are destined for one person in the world. When they do read it, will instantly feel a connection, like it was meant just for them.
When I hear or see things, sometimes something in it immediately jumps out at me, catches my attention and the words start forming in my head. It could be an image or a phrase that sets me off but I just feel compelled to write something about it as a response and want to share it.
Quite a few of my poems come from dreams. There are many times I’ve woken suddenly from my sleep with a line for a poem or a title on my lips and I don’t know where the idea came from. ’T.RO.M.P.’ is a prime example. I had a nap one afternoon and woke up uttering it, so I wrote it down and it developed from there. ’Crook Land Retribution’ and ’About You /The Kiss’ also started off as dreams. My favourite poem is ’Mama’s Kitchen’, inspired by and dedicated to my Mum, it describes my Saturday mornings as a teenager to now as a grown woman, of being woken by the smell of her cooking. Makes me hungry just thinking about it!
AR: You’re based in England. How is the poetry scene there?
AE: Yes I live in North West London. The poetry scene in general in London is thriving but I can’t really speak for the rest of England. In the year I’ve been actively writing and performing at open mics and showcases I have seen it grow and the wealth of talent grow along with it.
I was disappointed that I found I was always travelling to South, East or the West End of London to see shows or perform. In my local area, there wasn’t really anywhere to go to enjoy poetry, so together with a friend we decided to change that and I now co-host a Spoken Word / Poetry event called ’I:Poet meets OD:Poetic’, which has had a very good response so far.
The opening night was combined with a launch party for INSPIRED and it was a very memorable, enjoyable and fulfilling evening. Not just for me, but also the audience, some of whom had never experienced a spoken word event before. It was also great for the other local poets who we gave the opportunity to be able to showcase their talents and share their words in their local community.
AR: What are your thoughts about why poetry doesn’t tend to sell as well as other literary genres?
AE: I think poetry is a niche market with a small but growing following. It will sell or it won’t, but it also depends on being marketed correctly. Like different kinds of music, people will like poetry or they won’t. I have found there to be a lot of pre-conceptions and stereotypes about modern poetry which came out, when I talk to people about Inspired. People are surprised when they read some of my poems and tell me afterwards that they could actually to relate to it and it was not what they expected it to be.
Comparing poetry when I was in school to poetry now, it is more personal, more expressive, and more accessible to the younger generation than ever before and is included in the national curriculum in schools, colleges and universities. More written poetry is also being read or performed as spoken word, sometimes backed with live music and this perhaps helps it reach a slightly different wider audience that those who prefer the classic book form of the art. In years to come, I could easily see it becoming just as popular as some of the other genres.
AR: Have readers come back to tell you that your writings have truly inspired them?
AE: Yes, they have. The best example being my best friend Donna, who has written over 70 poems I think are really great, since I published Inspired and she never used to write before! So I’m sure she will be well positioned to publish her own collection in the future and I will be supporting her in that endeavour should she choose to follow that path.
I’ve had readers email me and tell me that they can’t start their day without reading one of my poems e.g. ’I Do Not Fear’ or ’Your Tomorrow’, like a positive mantra to get them in the right mood. I’ve also had people approach me and say they feel there is hope for them achieving their own goals, that they feel encouraged, because if someone as ordinary as me can put their mind to publishing a book, then anything is possible for them too. Comments like that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and to know I am having such a positive, motivating effect on people is wonderful and keeps me writing.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with Mad Jock Publishers?
AE: Mad Jock aka Rols Sperling has been wonderful. I really can’t fault him in any way. I would recommend him (and already have) to anyone looking to publish their work with a small independent publisher, whether for posterity, or as a first step into a writing career. Rols has been very patient with me and is a very warm, open and pleasant person to deal with, one of the main reasons I chose to publish with him after doing my research when he initially approached me.
AR: What’s next for you?
AE: Anything is possible and writing Inspired made me realise that. I’d like to continue writing consistently enough to bring to fruition at least one of a few stories I’ve started over the years for novellas, that is one of my personal goals. Work with other poets, maybe even mentor children and definitely write an illustrated children’s book based on my 2 cats. I’d love for the poetry event to grow and I want bring out a small collection of hand-made greeting cards featuring my poetry. I’m also working on new material to go into my next collection as well as promoting Inspired and would love to do a promotional book tour in the US if the opportunity ever arose.
AR: How can people learn more about your writings and other efforts?
AE: I have a number of profiles on the web - MySpace, The Peoples Lounge, AuthorsDen.My main page can be found here www.angee.co.uk where people can see examples of my poetry, find out where I’m performing next or they can simply get in touch with me by email - INSPIRED@angee.co.uk or leave me a voice message at www.snapvine.com/angee
On 4th October each year is National Poetry Day in the UK and April is National Poetry Month. As I’m known to do things a little differently, to celebrate, I’ll be hosting a month long writing challenge, collaborating with some of my Inspired family of poets, writers and non-writers that I have met on MySpace and The Peoples Lounge. Everyone is welcome to join in, where we will be writing together and adding up to two verses each day, every day during April, continuing or changing the topic from the verse/poet before. I am so very excited and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
AR: Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
AE: I believe God was looking to guide me back to my chosen path when I had stopped writing for 6 years and he had set certain things in motion to happen to open my eyes to new opportunities. The company I worked for downsized and I was laid off. I believe it happened for a reason. It gave me the time and motivation to assess what I wanted to do with my life without the daily stress of working life influencing that decision. I had been somewhat fearful, to change something I previously had little control over, but my job-less situation forced me to re-evaluate, to be humbled and to embrace change and be brave enough to make that leap into the unknown by pursing writing again … after all I had nothing to lose and no job to hold me back or stop me soaring to greater poetic heights.
So I’ll end by saying this, don’t be afraid to follow your dream. Your imagination, your dreams and the power of your words are things not to be underestimated and as such I always try to write positively because you never know who is reading or what can come as a result of it. How your words can influence others to follow their hearts desire, lend them strength in dark times or encourage them to do or try something they may not have considered before or may have been fearful of trying.
I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such extraordinarily supportive family and friends and I found a great new job just as I finished the book. Sometimes, you get a second chance years down the line, if you do, don’t let it pass you by. I recognised the opportunity 6 years later, and I made the most of it. If one comes your way I hope you will see it too.
AR: Thanks again, Angela, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
AE: Thank you so much for having me. I hope you’ve been inspired because I’ll always continue to be INSPIRED by you!
