Nov 14, 2008

The Sighing of the Winter Trees by Laura Grossman

Laura Grossman's The Sighing of the Winter Trees is a collection of poems I received from Dorothy Thompson at Pump Up Your Book Promotion. Following my review, you will have a chance to see what the poet had to say in an interview and a chance to win one copy of her book.

Grossman uses familiar images to tackle loss, love, and many of the emotions we feel. Her sparse language and short poems attempt to evoke emotion from the reader without relying upon complex lines, concepts, or too many literary devices.

Many of her poems have a conversational tone, as if she is speaking directly to the reader. This tone can generate a warmth in the reader, like it does in her poem, "Waiting Warmly Beside Orange Flowers," or it can evoke sadness, like that found in "Wait, Wait I'll Be Back."

Some of these poems tell stories, but those stories leave the reader hanging, waiting for a resolution. Others simply confuse the reader, like "Wooden Ship." Although I was not overly impressed by this volume, it does have a lot to offer the "everyman" and parents may find some poems in this volume to help introduce their children to poetry. Readers looking for poems that are less daunting than those read during high school or college will discover verses in this volume that will tap their hidden love of poetry.

My Interview With Laura Grossman:


When did you realize you wanted to be a poet? Was there a particular event that started you writing poetry?

I realized I wanted to be a poet when I was a child and I loved describing the winter days in a form of a haiku. The particular event that started me in writing poetry was after my father died and the professor at college had me read a stanza that captured the way I felt about the death of my dad. Suddenly there was beauty and meaning in the way I felt about my late dad.

Is The Sighing of the Winter Trees your first published book of poetry? Could you describe your path to publication?

The Sighing of the Winter Trees is my first published book of poetry. I took books out on how to achieve my goal of getting published and that helped my path to publication.

Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood or inspiration hits?

I usually write when the mood or inspiration hits.

What are your favorite poetic forms? And are those forms that you find yourself using the most?

My favorite forms of poetry are haiku and rhythmic and I use those forms quite often.

As a poet can you describe your role in the current literary world and what you see your poetry accomplishing for yourself, readers, and other poets?

I describe my role as a poet to bear meaning and shed light to others about the world in which we live. I also use my writing skills as a way of making lemonade out of lemons until the sun come out again into my life and my readers’ lives as well.

How do you view the current state of poetry in terms of public recognition?

There should be more public recognition of poetry for poetry can heal and sooth us and leave a positive impact on our lives.

Could you describe your favorite writing space?

My favorite writing space is by my fall mums by the window in early morning hours.

Do you have any favorite poets, and if so, why?

Emily Dickinson is my favorite poet. Her words touch my heart with wonder.

What are you currently reading and do you have any particular book recommendations?

I am currently reading The Flowering by Agnes Sligh Turnbull and would greatly recommend this book to others.

****

I want to thank Dorothy Thompson for sending me Laura Grossman's book and for allowing me to interview her for this post. I also want to thank Laura for taking time out of her schedule to answer my questions.

For the inside scoop on how Laura Grossman got her volume published, check out this article at Book Publishing Secrets of Authors.

About the Author:

Laura Grossman graduated from Lehman College with a degree in English literature and won several awards from poetry contests. She has attended poetry readings and has enjoyed positive feedback on her work.

And now, for the contest; This is open to international entrants as always.

1. Leave a comment on this post with an email or a blogger profile that works for one entry.

2. Put this contest in your sidebar or in a blog post for a second entry and leave me a link to it on this post.

Deadline is Nov. 17. I will draw the winner through Randomizer.org.

Also Reviewed By:
Cafe of Dreams



Contest Reminders:

Want to win a copy of Off the Menu by Christine Son, go here; Deadline is Nov. 18

Win a copy of Karen White's The House on Tradd Street here; Deadline is Nov.14

24 comments:

Anna said...

Sorry you didn't enjoy the volume as much as you hoped you would.

Emily Dickinson is my favorite poet, too!

No need to enter me obviously, as I'm part of the tour, too.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

I think there are many poets who were inspired by Emily Dickinson. I love her work, but you know who my real favorites are! (Ahem, Blake and Frost)

Anonymous said...

I'm not much for poetry, but I think it's because I've never had a good poetry teacher. I remember everyone reading poems in a sing song voice which detracts so much from whatever is being read.

Carolyn Crane said...

Hey, great interview. You asked a lot of the sorts of questions I would. I know when I sort of sit down and force myself to read poetry I find it sort of edifying, but I rarely have time to do it poetry (don't enter me!) but I really empathize with poets today because of people like me.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy poetry, but don't read any nearly often enough. I'd like to be entered.

Cheryl said...

Thanks for hosting Laura today.

Cheryl

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

What a beautiful title--"The Sighing of the Winter Trees" sounds perfect for the season. I don't read as much poetry as I did when I was in school--have to be in the mood for it, but this sounds beautiful.

teabird said...

I love the title of the book, and I love Emily Dickinson - I'd love to read this!

teabird 17 8*at* yahoo * dot * com

avalonne83 said...

I do love poetry, especially poems by T.S. Eliot.
Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.

avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

Unknown said...

I love poetry and I think i'd really enjoy this book and the cover is so catching!

The Writer's Center said...

Hey, Serena. I enjoyed your interview here--and wanted to let you know that you don't have to register for the event on Sunday. And it's free. And we have cake! And a lot of poets will be there. Hope you can make it.

Anonymous said...

I think I would enjoy Laura's poetry. I'm a big fan of Haiku (Zen and Taoist background)and I like sparce rhythmical verse. Oh, put me down for two entries, Serena. Seems I ALWAYS have a link/announcement to your contests in my sidebar these days - lol

Marvin blogs at Free Spirit: http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/
Eye twitter 2 - http://twitter.com/Paize_Fiddler

Anonymous said...

I love poetry and would enjoy this book-please enter me.

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

darbyscloset said...

Funny, yesterday I was just thinking that I needed to find some poetry to inspire me...and then here you are with this giveaway today!!! Awesome!
I just need to get my hands on a couple of new poems.....pleaase enter me!
Thanks so much,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Asylumgirl said...

Sounds very melancholy. Please enter me.

Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com

Jeannie said...

I used to read a lot of poetry, but haven't done so in a long time. This book sounds like there's something for everyone. Thanks for the review.

P.S. I love Emily Dickinson too.

Anonymous said...

How can I pass up a poetry book?

Please do count me in!

gautami.tripathy[at]gmail.com

Bunny B said...

Count me in please!
bunnybx at gmail . com

Bunny B said...

Here's my 2nd entry: http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2008/11/fab-finds.html
:)
bunnybx at gmail . com

Shana said...

Great interview and review.

I always love to see the answers to the writing space and what are you reading now question! Well, I love reading ALL the answers, but especially those two!

Shana
Literarily

Anonymous said...

Let me in! Enter me!

on an aside, do we se a video coming for u for the quilt giveaway[ thats on the sidebar :)]

Serena said...

Veens! I wish I could make a video for the quilt giveaway! I have no ideas for it...lol and not a whole lot of means to create one.

April said...

Great review and interview, Serena!

windycindy said...

I enjoy the poetry of Robert Lewis Stevenson. Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com