Balancing Poetry and Tech | Emily's Journey from Private Musings to Published Art

What if your most private musings could become a beacon of inspiration for others? Join us on Spark and Hustle as we welcome Emily, a poet and visual artist from Austin, Texas, who has fearlessly turned her personal writings into a published collection. Emily opens the episode with her evocative poem "Austin, Texas," from her book "Slightly Tilted, Perfectly Centered," setting the stage for a journey from Nebraska to Austin filled with outdoor adventures, live music, and resilience in the tech industry. She reveals how being laid off twice was a blessing in disguise, providing the time she needed to transform her poetry into a published book.

Emily shares the emotional process of turning private thoughts into public art, highlighting the invaluable support of her editors, Morgan and McKay, and the guidance of the self-publishing consulting firm, MHAUS. She dives into the complexities of self-publishing, discussing everything from the creative challenges behind her book cover to the cost considerations of multiple revisions. Emily reads her poignant poem "Charles Bridge, Prague," reflecting on how transformative experiences have shaped her work, and underscores the importance of retaining creative control throughout the journey. Learn how her chronological structuring of poems offers a poetic retelling of her twenties, capturing highs and lows in a relatable, authentic way.

Balancing a tech career with creative pursuits, especially during a pandemic, is no easy feat, but Emily's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From the ideation stage in 2020 to a table read by fall 2022, she talks about the extended free time that unemployment provided and how it contributed to her creative process. Emily offers practical advice for aspiring authors, including insights into Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and tips for avoiding burnout by maintaining diverse creative outlets. Tune in to discover how Emily's journey can inspire you to balance your professional life with your passions, all while navigating the ups and downs with grace and creativity.

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