Featured Poet: Samantha R.S.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Samantha R.S. about her debut book Running With Daffodils

Congratulations on the release of Running With Daffodils! What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always loved poetry. It has been such a big part of my upbringing. I developed an ear for Bengali and Sufi poetry from a young age, and this shaped my love for using words as a release, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. About two years ago, I picked up poetry writing as a way to cope with some tumultuous events that were unfolding at that time. A few months in, I was flipping through my journal when I realized that I had fallen in love with writing and wanted to share it with the world. Of course, this meant exposing my most vulnerable self to readers, and that was a decision that required courage. The feedback from the writing community was encouraging, and at the beginning of 2019, I began compiling my poetry for a book. I didn’t know then what the book would be called or what the theme would be, but I knew I wanted to write a book. It had always been a dream. It all unfolded beautifully with time. Fast Forward to 2020, Running with Daffodils is the offspring of this long but fulfilling process.

Can you describe your creative process?

I have always gravitated towards art - in any shape or form. I think they are all born of the same mother, the same source. Being surrounded by art has fueled my creative process. I often include music into my creative space, mainly instrumentals. Writing freely from places of deep seated emotion is an art in itself that isn’t limiting. When I knew the direction I wanted to take my book, my writing had to become more structured, streamlined. This was a challenge in and of itself. I had to find a balance between writing for release and writing for a purpose. I wanted to do everything possible to make sure the book was something I was content with, first, before anybody else. I arranged, re-arranged, and edited poems until I was able to compile the most fitting pieces. I printed them all out and put them into a binder - something that would allow me to mimic the flipping of the pages of a book. I wanted to hear my poems flow from one to the next. I hadn’t approached the formal publishing process until these crucial steps were complete. Following this, putting my manuscript together was seamless. I am a stiff for detail, so it was an almost obsessive process.

What does your workspace look like?

My workspace varies depending on my mood. The compiling and editing of poetry for this book was done during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I worked mainly at home. There are days when I crave silence and solitude, and there are days when I enjoy being in my own space among chatter and hustle. I love writing in quaint coffee houses. There is something about the smell of coffee and coffee house culture that really motivates me. My writing space at home is colorful and decorated with dreamcatchers and the smell of earthy candles. It is a quiet space tucked away upstairs that feels almost like an entirely different world. Most importantly, it is an outward expression of who I am. When the sun is out, I write outside among our little palms and succulents. I have come to realize that I am inspired to write in any space that allows me to connect with nature and the Universe.

What is your motivation for writing?

Life, and the human condition. Growing up has presented a melee of trials and emotions, and being an empath made for many high and low points. It is exhausting, so I write as an outlet. Running with Daffodils talks about the things in my life that have defeated me, and the things that have healed me. So long as I am able to feel, unapologetically, I will write.

How did you become a poet?

It still feels incredibly surreal to be called a poet. I always viewed poets as these ethereal people - like Rumi, or Shakespeare, or Edgar Allan Poe. I have a long lasting love affair with writing. I realized later on in life that I enjoyed reading poetry that is pungent and raw - the kind that would make you stop, wide-eyed, to think and connect. I wanted to be one of those writers that did that to my readers. I wanted to be a poet.

Has the coronavirus changed how you approach your craft?

Absolutely. The pandemic and the lockdown gave me something I did not have the luxury of before - time. Time to romance with writing, to connect with my feelings, and to create new pieces. I was more inspired to write. Some of the pieces have gone into Running with Daffodils, and some I am saving for another book later down the line.

What does literary success look like to you?

Of course, like all other authors, I want my books to one day become best sellers. But literary success spans beyond that for me. Being a part of a writing community - being respected as a writer, and having the opportunity to work and engage with other readers and writers - is true fulfillment. I could write an incredible book, put it on shelves for sale, and feel like I’ve made it; or I can go beyond the physical book to share my publication with the community, actively engage with my readers, make meaningful connections, and truly make it.

Where can readers read more of your work?

Instagram is my main platform. Readers can access all of my published pieces there that have not been included in my book. Running with Daffodils, my first book, is now available on Amazon.