Star Watchers is a collection of over 50 diverse poems, where a handful of selected poems merge to tell a greater story, of love, darkness and the hard-earned journey of life.The challenge is figuring out which poems piece together the larger story called, Star Watchers. Readers will be able to recognize that certain poems connect through repetition of names and phrases. In the book, there are a series of poems also entitled, Star Watchers, these are the key poems to pay close attention to.
Star Watchers uses fantasy, horror, and inspirational elements to provoke new ways of seeing the human condition. The poetry depicts unhappy, nervous, bitter and clever individuals; they found themselves in both in triumphs and defeats. Unfortunately, these characters often met with the fate of tragedy. Their misfortunes serve not only to entertain but also to inform its readership. Each poem and each character draws out a meaningful message for readers to take away with them. Yet, after piecing the poems together, there is an even bigger story--left for readers to determine for themselves.
Star Watchers will captivate the imagination, provoke fear and leave readers in wonder with a shocking discovery. Several poems are inspired by horror legend, Edgar Allan Poe.
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I realized I wanted to write during my last semester in college. I have always enjoyed writing and reading. If I would have known I wanted to be writer, I would have major in English and creative writing but a business degree comes in very handy too.
I’ve always thought my writing and poetry was mediocre but one day I let a friend read some of my poems and with his enthusiasm and high compliments, I made the ultimate decision I would gather all my poems together and write a poetry book.
Where did you come up with the idea for Star Watchers?
Star Watchers was essentially just a collection of poems, but I realized that needed to make my book unique so people would find it interesting, and suddenly the idea of “linking poems together to tell one story” just came to me. I think it is really cool that the concept hasn’t been done before.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Each poem leaves a message, lesson or moral to be learned for the reader. Star Watchers has a surprise message so I won’t talk too much, but I can say, that the recurring themes in the book are love, fear, darkness and the hard-earned journey of life
Do you think poetry is harder to find a readership for than a novel?
No, because a poetry book, just like a novel, you still have to promote and market it. As long as you advertise it to the right readership, they will hear about it. It’s all about promoting to the right target audience. Fiction is divided into genres, and poetry isn’t much different. There are various types of poetry, someone who likes fantasy fiction, will always usually like fantasy poetry as well.
What do you see as the influences on your writing?
I’m inspired by everything! Edgar Allan Poe is my favorite writer and the main influence because I love his writing style; it’s sophisticated, captivating and cunning. I don’t think I can ever re-write a better line of his.
What book are you reading now?
I’m reading, The Complete Poems of Bysshe Shelley. It’s a hard read and I’ve been working on it for a month, but the imagery is just incredible. I find myself high-lighting every other line.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m a dancer! I love dancing, whether it’s hip-hop, jazz or salsa. When I was younger I used to be on dance teams, but now I just dance for fun, whenever I get the chance.
What are you working on now?
I’m still working on promoting Star Watchers. I’m also working on my second book, which is going to be a romance, suspense, horror, mystery novel.
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Blog: https://www.kellyvang.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/officialkellyvang
Twitter: twitter.com/authorkellyvang
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Enter the form below for your chance to win one of three paperback copies of Star Watchers.
(U.S. only)
Great Interview. Very curious about this book
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie for taking the time to read my interview. I'm actually running a promotion right now for Star Watchers, take a look: http://www.kellyvang.com/p/promotions.html
DeleteYou can find some reading samples at: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12618654-star-watchers
Awesome interview. Edgar Allen Poe was a good poet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Poe is my favorite poet, now that I have finally have time to read works from other poets, I'm discovering, I have so many favorites. Thanks for supporting this interview.
DeleteGreat interview :D I find it great & amusing (in a good way) that Kelly's a dancer! Right now I'm taking a dance class at school, and it's pretty tiring, but fun. Thanks for the interview & giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy salsa and belly dancing, pretty much just dancing in general as long as I'm moving to a fun beat. What type of dance are you currently taking?
DeleteThanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway- Awesome cover design :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Theresa!
DeleteI'll have to look into getting this book
ReplyDeleteHope I will get your support;-D If you're interested in taking a look at my current book promotion, here it is: http://www.kellyvang.com/p/promotions.html
DeleteThat linked poetry has actually been done before in "The Society On Da Run" and a few other poetry books.
ReplyDeleteOops just noticed the US only notice sorry!
ReplyDeleteGood interview. I'm curious about the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sherry!
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