An Interview with Sonja Koch
Living in a 112-acre piece of paradise near Canada’s capital brings me immense joy. Every day, I share this beautiful space with my husband and a wonderful menagerie of animals—horses, dogs, alpacas, cats, chickens, and guinea pigs. Animals and nature are my sanctuary, fuelling my passion for the healing arts and teaching. My love for poetry began in childhood, as I listened to my mother read enchanting verses that sparked a fascination with rhythm and flow. There’s something truly magical about expressing deep thoughts with just a few carefully chosen words, and poetry has always felt like my authentic voice.
The idea for my latest book, Bookends of Life, emerged in a delightful way, when my granddaughter, Dalys, sought my help with a school project on online safety. As we collaborated, her enthusiasm for poetry reignited my own, leading us to weave our voices together to explore the seasons of life through the perspectives of the Maiden and the Crone. My hope is that readers will find something meaningful within themselves, embracing their power to shape their own worlds. With a rich background that spans the horse industry, healing arts, and teaching, I treasure every opportunity to inspire others while nurturing my own creative spirit.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
This book is about “A perspective on the seasons of change as experienced by the Maiden and the Crone.” The title, Bookends of Life, sprang to the forefront of my mind even before I started organizing my poetry. What better way to hold life together than with the generations shoring each other up?
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
When I first saw the cover for my book, I was pleasantly surprised and filled with excitement. It was such a beautiful piece of artwork—everything I had hoped for and more. When the proof copy of the paperback finally arrived, opening it was like unwrapping a treasure. As I flipped through the pages and read the words on the parchment-like paper, I felt overwhelmed by the realization of my dreams coming to life.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have been writing poetry since I was a child. My mom used to read poetry to us when we were children. I have loved the rhythm and meter of poetry since then. The organization and uncluttered aspect of being able to express the maximum of thought with the minimum of words has made poetry my ‘go-to’ writing style.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
The horse industry, healing arts, ballroom and Latin dance teacher, Waldorf school teacher, animal communication…Basically anything that I really enjoy…
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of publishing my book was witnessing the words come to life on the pages. It was an incredible experience to collaborate with the professionals at Atmosphere Press, finding solutions to any challenges that arose along the way. Even more meaningful was the trust and friendships that blossomed with the team as we transformed the manuscript into the finished product. Those connections made the entire journey feel even more special and fulfilling.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Nature sounds, theme song from Dr. Zhivago, What a Wonderful World, rain, medieval music, string instruments.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
It is my hope that the reader will walk away having a better knowledge of what is deep inside themselves. I hope to be able to touch the reader’s life by planting the seed that they themselves are the creator of their own little world and have the ability to change whatever needs to be changed.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I am currently diving into a companion book to Bookends of Life, which focuses on self-care and introduces alternative health care options. This new poetry book allows me to explore themes of wellness and healing through verse. In addition, I am also crafting poems for various poetry contests, which keeps my creative juices flowing and challenges me to express myself in new ways.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere Press has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The team did an amazing job bringing my book to life, and their kindness and generosity with praise, along with their constructive criticism, made the process enjoyable. Their professionalism at every step—from manuscript to completion—gave me confidence in my journey as a writer. For all you writers out there, believe in yourself! Get your basic ideas out there, and trust Atmosphere Press to help you along the way.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
