https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578402327/
When My Soul Bleeds Words, looks like a great poetry book. Any plans for a follow-up or series?
Probably not. It’s basically based on a chapter of my life that is in the past.
What do you think makes a great poem?
How it causes the reader to feel. How well a reader can connect to what it is trying to portray.
What inspired you when writing When My Soul Bleeds Words?
My own life experiences concerning my struggle with depression, suicide and bipolar symptoms. I wanted to raise awareness for mental health when it’s been such a taboo subject for so long, and to show there is hope despite all the hardships.
What are your ambitions for your writing career? Full time? Part time?
While writing is not my “bread winning” career, I do plan on continuing to write more books and publish them. My main reason for writing is not to make money. I write books to touch people’s hearts.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I didn’t really decide, per se. It just felt natural and so therefore it just happened. I wanted to express my ideas and thoughts, so I started writing.
When writing When My Soul Bleeds Words did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
Publishing a book is incredibly difficult. The hardest thing in this process has been marketing and distribution. The actual writing of the book was a breeze because whenever I felt inspired, or on the flipside, depressed, I wrote down what came to my mind in that moment.
How did you come up with the poems in When My Soul Bleeds Words?
As I mentioned earlier, the poems are based off my own experiences. Some of them are based off my perceptions of the world and my beliefs concerning religion and the afterlife, as well. When I fell in love with my husband, he was inspiration for a few poems, too.
What do you like to do when not writing?
I am a nationally certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, five days a week. I lift weights and do yoga, and also play nine different musical instruments and enjoy creating art. When I’m not working at the gym, I enjoy traveling with my husband Michael, doing historical reenactments, sewing, gardening, and visiting friends and family.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I have a website, www.leahoxendine.com, and you can also check out my Instagram profile: leah_oxendine_strong.