Rebecca is a Canadian author who currently lives in Prague, Czech Republic. She works in not-for-profit and writes in her spare time. She began writing at the tender age of 7, when she wrote and “published” her first short story. In her teenage years, she began writing poetry after discovering a love for it in high school. She has continued to write poetry over the last 2+ decades and will now publish her first book of poetry titled Outside the Lines, which is also the name of the book’s featured poem. This poem reflects Rebecca’s own life, a life of ‘colouring outside lines’ and not adhering to society’s expectations. She finds beauty in everything and looks to the world around her, as well as personal experiences to inspire her writing. In addition to poetry, she has written blog posts and articles, dabbled in scriptwriting, and is in the middle of her first novel.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I began writing at a very young age. I have always loved stories and creating, and as soon as I could read and write I began writing my own stories. My passion for writing has been in me since I was born, and when I write, the stories or poems or articles simply flow out of me. Hours can pass without me realizing it because I become entranced in my writing.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I have been writing poetry for more than 20 years, and it’s been a dream of mine to publish a book. It took a long time to go through hundreds of poems and decide which ones to choose. I wanted the book to be connected by an overarching theme, but to include poems that also stood out on their own.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The book’s title is taking from the featured poem of the book. I have spent most of my life defiantly ‘colouring outside of the lines’ and refusing to fit into any box, and that is what the poem is about. It’s a celebration of my own uniqueness and individuality as well as the uniqueness and individuality of every person in the world. We are intricately and beautifully made and my dream is to see everyone, especially every woman to embrace who they truly are and ‘colour outside of the lines’.
Describe your dream book cover.
I favour simplicity when it comes to book covers. With this book, the cover is black with white lettering and images. It is abstract and without pictures. There is a simple square box in the middle and then a scribble of lines in, around and over the box.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have previously worked in broadcasting television (although not on screen). I have also worked in HR, as a manager and in not-for-profit.
What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?
I read every day. I enjoy mystery/detective books, memoirs, historical fiction, biographies and poetry. However, music and real life are what inspire my poetry the most. I prefer listening to music that tells a story with well-written and imaginative lyrics.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope my book touches the hearts of readers. I hope when they read my poems they can see some of themselves and feel less alone. In today’s world, despite our ability to constantly connect, we seem to be more isolated and lonely than ever. I believe writing can bring such warmth and joy to people and help them feel connected to themselves and to others.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.