The Phoenix Society News

In previous editions, I spoke about my writing process and how thematic exploration plays a key role in my craft.

In this column, I’m going to dive deeper and provide a glimpse into how my writing style is shaped and sharpened by themes.

At the heart of my pre-writing stage, I take time to reflect on the possible themes I would like my poems to illustrate. This stage often involves peaceful park walks and moments of solitude, where I unpick my emotions and life experiences in order to filter them into categories.

For me, my words feel sharper and more precise when attached to a thematic universe. It also helps me create the poetic world for a book or anthology. For example, if I wanted to write poems based on the theme of societal injustice, imagery such as scales of justice, the element of fire, or even historical references like the witch hunts would assist in driving that storytelling. At my core, I am a conceptual writer.

Themes also act as anchors. They not only give me direction, but they challenge me to stretch my imagination. When I was writing my debut book, the theme of mental health and identity pushed me to explore metaphors I may not have discovered otherwise. In that sense, themes are not just a starting point; they become companions throughout the entire writing journey.

I also believe themes create a bridge between poet and reader. While every poem is deeply personal, a theme offers a familiar thread that readers can hold on to—whether it’s love, loss, hope, or struggle. That shared connection is where poetry finds its greatest power.

Looking ahead, thematic exploration has truly shaped my debut book, as each poem contributes to a larger narrative. I can’t wait to share how these recurring threads weave together to form not just individual poems, but an entire poetic world.

For me, tone isn’t just a part of poetry—it’s the lifeblood of it. It’s what turns a collection of words into something that feels alive, guiding readers through every emotion, rhythm, and meaning tucked between the lines. The right tone can make a poem unforgettable, something that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

When I sit down to write, I always think about tone before the first word makes it onto the page. I’ll ask myself: Will there be moments of contrast? Will the piece carry a steady voice, or will it shift and surprise? These decisions might seem small, but they create layers of meaning and help shape how you, the reader, experience the poem.

A little trick I use is to imagine my poem being discussed in an English Literature seminar. I’ll picture students asking, What’s the tone here? Is it hopeful, raw, ironic, intimate? That thought pushes me to make sure each stanza has enough grit, weight, and substance to spark a real discussion—because if my tone is clear and intentional, the poem will always have something to say.

At the end of the day, tone is what gives poetry its soul. It’s the difference between a piece that drifts away and one that leaves an imprint on the heart. For me, learning to master tone is a constant journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a poet—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I’ve got some exciting news to share—something very special landed in my inbox earlier this month.

The final manuscript arrived, complete with suggested tweaks and the upgraded house styling. Holding those pages in my hands, knowing they’ll soon be in yours too, was a surreal and truly exciting moment.

This journey has been filled with countless edits, early mornings, and plenty of second guesses, but seeing it all come together reminded me exactly why I started writing in the first place. This proof is more than just words on a page—it’s the final step before my poetry takes flight into the world.