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April 2004 Word Master contest winners SterlingPeony, Marillion and Dirk Russell. 'Kindred Trinity' was published in January of this year. |
An interview with the authors of Kindred Trinity
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We're pleased to be doing this interview with the first Word Master contest winners, SterlingPeony, (Lorraine R. Sautner), Marillion, (David Nelson Bradsher), and Dirk Russell, (David Lee Caudill). You were the first winners of EP's Word Master competition and as winners you earned the right to put together a book of your poems for publishing, "Kindred Trinity," when do you anticipate it will be released? (MARILLION) We're almost there. Our biggest challenge was in finding a good cover designer who could capture the vision that the three of us agreed on. It was a process that, at first glance, didn't appear too daunting, but became almost a comedy of circumstances until we finally found what we wanted. (SterlingPeony) Yes, we're almost finished and we're counting on a pre-holiday release. I can't speak for my co-authors, but my Christmas shopping just got a WHOLE lot easier! Seriously, the first part of our publishing process was relatively easy for us-the gathering of poems and deciding on their order. That only took us a few weeks or so. It was the cover design process that proved to be our stumbling block-we went through three designers until we got what we wanted!
Where did the name Kindred Trinity come from? (MARILLION) It almost named itself. The three of us are almost kindred spirits, hence the first part, and I've always loved the image of a "trinity," which means three. It seemed the perfect combination. It was the first title suggested, and we never came up with anything else that fit quite as well as KT did. It almost has a franchise feel to it, as well. We like the idea of it almost being an entity that could be used again. (SterlingPeony) Marillion's right-the title practically materialized on its own. Someone suggested the name right off the bat, and we instantly loved it because it so aptly describes how we feel about each other and our writing. Of course, I like the spiritual connotations of a trinity, but the kindred part is very meaningful as well. I really do feel like I've gained two family members, two brothers of my heart. I secretly like playing the role of their "big sister." It makes me feel I might have some wisdom or life experience worth sharing. (DIRK) When we all first became acquainted with one another, it was an instant bond that could not be ignored in any way. I've often heard people use the phrase, "kindred souls," but I never really knew what it meant until I met these two wonderful people. They have been the sunlight of my life when there seemed to be nothing but darkness, and the support they have given me in my recent life-altering event touches me more than they could ever know. For that reason, "Kindred" had to become part of the title. We all believe very passionately in the spiritual aspects of ourselves. The power behind the words of our hearts are for the most part very spiritually oriented, so using the word "trinity" seemed very fitting since it can mean "three" while also having that spiritual connotation we were searching for.
Has it been a difficult process? (MARILLION) A lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but it's been a great primer on the process of publishing a book. From choosing which poems to publish, to the order they appear in, to the writing of the biography, there's so much to consider. That's one of the things that make me so thankful for this opportunity. EP has done all the heavy lifting, and we just have to provide our own work to fill the book. So, yes, it's difficult, but so rewarding. (SterlingPeony) I'd describe it as time consuming more than difficult. You can develop a timeline and have every intention of sticking to it, but then you'll have a really busy week at work, or a family emergency, or a vacation-and things get pushed back. All in all, it's a labor of love, though. The entire process is so creative! You have total control of what appears in your book--the poems included, their order, whether to include photographs or graphics. The whole mood is up to you. In the end, you have something you've created yourself. It's wonderful! (DIRK) It has been a little difficult at times, waiting for various aspects to be completed by outside individuals. However, it has been overwhelmingly joyous the entire way. To me, it's not difficult to put time into something that means so much to me, and even though I haven't been able to share poetry with the great people of this site for a while now, I still write and keep poetry very close to my heart. If you feel that way about something, no matter how much time you put into it, it cannot be considered difficult. It's a wonderful opportunity that I am so thankful for and very excited about as well.
Has the experience been all you expected or quite a bit more? (MARILLION) A bit more, to say the least. There are so many things to consider, and it makes you realize how much goes into publishing a book. A lot of the smaller details aren't something you think about until it's time to put everything together. My head's still spinning over the fact that I'm contributing to a book that I'll be holding in my hands very soon. As big a thrill as "Chorus of Voices" was, to see my name as a co-author will be very emotional. (SterlingPeony) I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I must say it's been a wonderful experience. And as rewarding as it will be to see my own work in print, the truly special part-to me-is to be forever in print with Marillion and Dirk. This is something I'll always treasure. I admire them and their talent so very much. The process of putting a book together has only strengthened our friendship. We've had a lot of laughs and some serious discussions, too, but the one thing we never had was conflict. We're all very much on the same page (bad pun, I know) when it comes to poetry. All of our book decisions were made almost effortlessly. (DIRK) It has been more time consuming than expected, however I wouldn't change any of it. The more time we put into it, the more our friendship grows, and that's something you just can't put a price tag on. Honestly, I hope this is something that everyone here gets to experience at least once. The excitement felt and the anticipation makes it worth all the time and extra effort.
We know the book will be listed by Baker and Taylor and Books in Print, but what other designs do you have for this project? (MARILLION) I'm hoping to do a series of poetry readings and book signings in the area, and to venture wherever I can to market this book, our work, and also Emerging Poets. We owe such a debt of gratitude to this site, and it creates such an amazing opportunity for poets to grow, meet other like-minded writers, and to be published. I've already got a "street team" helping me get the word out and I can't wait to have the product ready to roll. (SterlingPeony) I'm just going to pay Marillion's "street team" to come to my town and hawk the book! No? Okay then, I guess I'll have to do a little marketing on my own. I'm going to try arranging poetry readings at local coffee houses and arts cooperative events; try getting a feature story in the local newspaper; and sell in my office building and grad school. And there's always busking in the New York City subway---only kidding! I'm going to look into joining some local poetry societies, like the Connecticut Poetry Society. Sometimes affiliations like these can provide venues for networking and marketing.
This book contains the poems of three hardworking poets, does the concept of putting three poets together to do a book work or would you change that? (MARILLION) It's a fantastic idea, from a personal standpoint, but also from a marketing standpoint. Whether the poets are similar, as the three of us are, or completely different, it allows for different styles and tastes to be seen by all. One reader may prefer traditional to free verse, or vice-versa, but in reading other styles, it allows for exposure of all kinds of poetry to a broader base of readers. How exciting is that? It's time that poetry re-captured the imagination of society again. It offers so much. That's one of the great things about EP. There are so many styles, and I've come to appreciate different types of poetry, and it makes me a better poet when I can open my mind to other forms. (SterlingPeony) I can't speak to anyone else's experience, but for us, it was a perfect fit. Our poetic philosophy is very similar, although the ways we express it in writing illustrates our individual uniqueness. I would say our styles are highly compatible, with each third together forming a whole. I can see how collaboration between three poets whose poetry was radically different might be a challenge-the overall book theme would somehow have to incorporate these differences. That would be very interesting! (DIRK) I couldn't imagine having it any other way. The support that we get from one another is unbelievable. We keep each other motivated and in a positive frame of mind. I don't think I could have been that way, nor do I think I would be as excited about the possibilities of such a wonderful book, had it not been for them. I say that because I think they are so great at what they do that I truly feel honored to grace the same pages as them (while feeling a little "not worthy" at the same time.)
What are your future publishing plans? Or any other plans for that fact......... (MARILLION) I've found my calling at last. My dream, now that this one has come true, is to publish my own book of poetry. Since this contest, I feel I've grown as a poet and as a person, and I have more than enough material for several volumes. I hope to publish "Pieces of the Fortress" next year. Beyond that, I have a book about halfway done called "The Vampire Sonnets", which chronicles the vampiric life of Tristan Nelson, a Chelsea nobleman in the 19th century, and the members of his "coven". It's written completely in chapters of Shakespearean sonnets and has been well-received thus far. I haven't posted any of them on EP, but I'm considering doing so for the help the members can give me. I'm a perfectionist, so any suggestions are always welcome. (SterlingPeony) I'm not sure what my future publishing plans are. I've wanted to write a book of devotional poetry for awhile now. I also have a long poem I'm hoping to turn into a children's book. I'm someone who very much functions on inspiration's ebbs and flows. Sometimes I'll feel incredibly inspired and write a lot. Other times, I'll go months without writing anything. Life seems to dictate to me what I'll write-so it will be interesting to see what 2005 brings my way. (DIRK) First and foremost, my plans are to get accustomed to my new surroundings here in Atlanta - new job, new home, new faces. That is my number one priority at the moment, and I am doing everything I can to be successful in this new chapter of my life. Secondly, I have started a novel which has been a dream of mine since I was a child. To embarrass myself a little, I remember being about eight years old and watching "Back To The Future" for the first time, and when George McFly (of all people to be influenced by) received his box of novels in the mail that he had written, I turned to my father and said, "Daddy, I want to write a novel." Dad was probably like, "Whatever, kid," but I still hold onto that dream nearly 20 years later.
How beneficial do you think it was to get this opportunity, do you think it is a useful tool? (MARILLION) I couldn't even begin to articulate how incredibly honored I am to have this opportunity, especially with two people I've grown to love as siblings. I'm so grateful to EP to actually gain the experience of what it's like to publish a book. Like I said before, there are so many details that we, as readers, take for granted. What an opportunity to publish a book including my work while, at the same time, going through an experience that could be called Publishing 101. It's been so beneficial to me as a person and as a poet. Next time I'll know that much more and it'll help with the publishing time. I hope all of our membership interested in publishing will be able to experience this. (SterlingPeony) I think this is an amazing opportunity and incredibly beneficial! I don't think it will really seem "real" until I'm holding the book in my hand. At some point, anyone who works to publish a book of poetry must ask him/herself, "Why am I doing this?" To me, there's something spiritual about having an idea or feeling residing inside your heart and then bringing it to life. It feels like pulling a rabbit from a hat, creating something tangible from thin air. To me, the benefit is personal-it somehow validates my feelings to have something I've written read and purchased by someone else. It's the Sally Field-Oscar-acceptance-speech syndrome: "They like me! They REALLY like me!" Marillion, Dirk and I will be meeting in person for the first time in Atlanta when the book comes out. I can assure you a few tears will be shed when I see my "brothers" for the first time. There's something very personal and healing about sharing poetry together. (DIRK) Beneficial doesn't even begin to describe it. For me, it is something that I will be able to treasure for the rest of my life. So many times I've felt like I failed in life. Everyone thought I would be a major league baseball player, and after making it to college to play ball I thought I had a chance myself. Well, that didn't work out, so I can't say I was a successful athlete. I've failed at love and let myself down many times in the process. I'm still working on the musician thing (one day I hope to be a guitar virtuoso). I never seemed to make anything of myself on the inside while living in Ohio, so I had to go searching in other parts of the country to find peace and solidarity within myself.
There are so many things I wish I could go back and do differently, but this opportunity has allowed me to prove to myself that I can be a part of something wonderful and successful. No one will ever be able to take this away from me, and for that, I finally have something that allows me to feel a sense of pride within myself.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us, we're all waiting patiently to get our hands on the book. (MARILLION, STERLINGPEONY, DIRK) You're welcome. It's we who should be thanking you! We couldn't have written and published this book without the encouragement and support of our friends at EmergingPoets. We're very proud to represent the site as its first WordMaster winners and we're pleased to see what a dream and hard work can produce. We hope you are, too.
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