As I type this, I am mostly in shock. My poetry collection, a complete work in progress, will officially be out in the world this weekend, on Saturday, October 23rd!!!!
Three sections, 122 pages, 70 poems- all for you to read!
There are not enough exclamation points in the world to express my emotions right now. There’s not even a poem that could describe my emotions right now. I’ve spent a year and a half writing and editing these poems, and they will finally be out in the world. I poured my whole heart and soul into this collection. In all honesty, re-reading each of these poems countless times made me sick. There’s only so many times you can ponder the placement of every comma, every stanza. On the other hand, writing and editing these poems helped me heal, grow, and process my emotions. I don’t recognize the version of myself in so many of the poems now.
I’m beyond ecstatic for you to read my collection- but publishing a book comes with a unique set of worries. Those worries are intensified in knowing that I’m only a teenager. If I do this writer thing right, my poems will be better in a few years. My writing will always get better, I’m sure. It doesn’t mean that the poems in this book aren’t well-written, or impactful. Not to be dramatic, but this poetry collection is my life blood. I think I feel a lot of pressure for everyone to love it as I do. For it to resonate deeply. That’s impossible, I know. There’s no way to control the perception others have of me or my writing, which I’ve talked about on my newsletter before. It was safe in my google docs, it’s vulnerable in your hands. I am vulnerable in your hands.
I think that’s the whole point, though. It comes with writing a book. I can say that now, seeing as my book is going to be published and for you to buy this week (how many times can I mention that in one newsletter? Answer? There’s no limit :).
My book isn’t meant to be written by someone older or someone more experienced. It was meant to be written by me. I really believe that. A complete work in progress explores coming-of-age as both magical and tragic. It is for teens and anyone who remembers what it feels like to be one. It is for anyone who is grieving, confused, lost. Who better to write about growing up and changing than someone who lives in a state of perpetual change?
Thank you for reading my silly little rant. It means the world to me that you are here and that you always read what I have to say. If I am this excited just to announce when it will be available to purchase, just anticipate my emotions on Saturday!
Mark your calendars! October 23rd!
-nia mahmud
big news!
Yaaaaay oh my goodness how exciting!!! I can't wait to read it :)