An Interview with Bailey Earith, author of Musings On Life

Bailey is a multifaceted creative. She is a mixed media fiber artist, poet, and vocalist. In all her creative endeavors, her goal is to bring peace, harmony, and joy to her audience. She is committed to making the world a better place through her art. She frequently performs her poetry in East Tennessee where her fellow poets have given her the moniker of “Haiku Queen.”

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve been journaling for years, so writing comes naturally to me. A friend invited me to attend a poetry open mic night. I was so moved by the experience that I went home and started writing poetry. I now perform new works every month. I decided that since the poetry was so cathartic for me and so well received at the open mic, I should publish it into a book to reach a wider audience.

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

I started my professional career as an occupational therapist. I morphed that into a career as a mixed media fiber artist and teaching artist. I combined those skills to specialize in teaching art to people with disabilities and for mindfulness and mental health.

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

My collection of poems covers a range of topics that are universal and relatable to most people. I decided Musings On Life was the perfect title for my book. I want to encourage people to stop and ponder life events both big and small and perhaps see them in a new way. The cover art depicting a shade tree in a field reinforces this idea.

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

I want to move people. I want to make them laugh and cry. I want to enable them to see that they are not alone in the trials of their life. I want them to pause and realize that even the mundane experiences in life are rich with humor and nuance. I especially hope my book finds its way into the hands of people dealing with toxic relationships. I want to give them support, perspective, and encouragement.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part of publishing my book has been the amazing comments and feedback from my readers. So many people have contacted me to let me know that they were moved to tears or laughter because of what they read in my book. I’ve had several people quote me to me, which has been really fun.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I continue to observe life and write about it. I plan to publish another poetry book in the next couple of years.

I also continue to grow as an artist, spending time every day in my studio creating mixed media fiber art.

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