An Interview with Aubrey Olsen

I am Aubrey, but you may call me Aubs, and I am a poet who delves into the intricacies of existence, exploring the paradoxes that define the human experience. With a keen eye for the elegance and eloquence that lies within life’s contradictions, I weave words that resonate with both depth and grace.

Drawing inspiration from the harmonious interplay of light and shadow, joy and sorrow, I craft poetry that illuminates the soul and provokes contemplation. My verses are imbued with a timeless wisdom that reflects my deep understanding of the complexities of existence.

Rooted in a belief in the power of empathy and service, I seek to uplift others through my poetry, offering solace in times of hardship and inspiration in moments of reflection. My words serve as a guiding light, reminding readers of the beauty that can be found amidst life’s trials and tribulations.

My poetic journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. Through my work, I invite readers to embrace life’s paradoxes with courage and grace, knowing that it is in the midst of contradictions that true beauty is often found.

My debut poetry collection, Wilted, is a testament to my commitment to capturing the essence of existence in all its complexity and wonder.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I grew up in a very abusive and neglectful childhood, I then ended up in and out of foster homes, psych wards, and group homes. I have been writing poetry since I was 11. I didn’t have friends as a kid, so I dove deep into myself and found something that felt like home. Writing poetry. Poetry was my constant companion through the darkness I have faced and still sometimes face. Poetry is still very much my best friend. Poetry has helped me feel less lonely, and express the pain and joy I feel as someone who suffers from chronic illness issues and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms. Poetry is my way of reaching out to tell the people who read what I write, that I either understand or I WANT to understand. I write as an act of gratitude for beauty. I feel deeply, so I must write deeply.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It took me a few years on and off plus one impromptu search through all my poetry to find a word that encapsulates the flow of my poetry from the beginnings to the ones I write now—wilted is how it feels to me…exhausted, overwhelmed, tired, grieving the lack of joys. Wilted.

Describe your dream book cover.

Just a solid dark green color, Ptalo Green, gold trim filagree on the spine surrounding the title with the paper inside (white) having a slightly tattered look.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Absolutely anything by Enya, Katherine Jenkins, Jurrivh, Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum, Ian McConnell, Ben Rector, Rose Betts, Judah and The Lion, Rory…I could go on but I won’t, haha.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth and We Are Not OK by Christian Livermore.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Right now I am a SAHM, I am also a freelance assistant for the State Street Boxing Gym, a nonprofit owned by our friend David Ramos and my husband, Jason, teaches karate there with his program that was created for homeless, bullied and domestic violence victims/survivors/thrivers, I am also a photographer, poet, jewelry crafter, and I did custodial at temple square for two and a half years.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Anywhere I can be alone or in a quiet space, often with music.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I used a thesaurus a lot for the first half of my poetry journey but now I only use it 20% of the time; thank goodness for learning big words for fun. I now write whatever resonates with the mood I’m experiencing. And listen to whatever music goes with it.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I would like to make at least a few people cry…out of pure love, of course.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.