From False Hope to Published Poet
Hello and welcome back to another episode of Masked Monologues. Today, I am excited to introduce you to Amy Liou, a talented poet whose journey into writing is as inspiring as her poems.
Amy began her poetic journey at the tender age of 13, with a poem titled "False Hope." This initial foray into writing was born from a deeply emotional experience—being waitlisted for an IB program. It was through this disappointment that Amy found her voice in poetry, using it as a means to express her complex preteen feelings. This marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with writing.
Writing as a Lifeline
For Amy, poetry has been a consistent thread throughout her life, even though there were periods when she stopped writing. However, these breaks never served her well. She discovered that she needed to write to truly express herself. Writing became her preferred method of communication, a way to articulate her thoughts and feelings more effectively than speaking.
The Catalyst for Serious Writing
Although Amy had been writing on and off since she was 13, it wasn’t until a significant life event at 17 that she began to take her poetry more seriously. This event, a painful relationship experience, reignited her passion for writing. She found that moments of intense inspiration often led her back to her keyboard, where she could pour out her emotions and thoughts.
Finding Inspiration and Writing Process
Amy’s writing process is deeply personal and spontaneous. She describes herself as someone who doesn’t choose to write, but rather is compelled to write when inspiration strikes. This often happens when something moves her profoundly. Her poems are born from moments of inspiration, which she captures and expands upon later.
Interestingly, Amy’s poems often start with a title, which serves as a seed for the rest of the piece. Other times, she might begin with a single verse or even the last line, and work her way up. Music also plays a significant role in her creative process. Regular pop songs on the radio can spark an idea that eventually blossoms into a full-fledged poem.
The Healing Power of Writing
One of Amy’s most powerful poems, "Everyone is Fucking," was written during a period of deep sadness and reflection on her own trust issues and inability to be vulnerable, especially sexually. This poem was a way for her to process and express the lingering effects of an assault and the subsequent reaction from her loved ones, which left her questioning her own reality. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Amy, helping her navigate and make sense of her emotions.
Musical Background and Influence on Poetry
Amy’s background in music has undoubtedly influenced her poetry. Having played piano, guitar, flute, and oboe, she has a natural sense of rhythm and melody, which translates into her writing. This musicality is evident in the flow and structure of her poems, which often have a natural rhythm and cadence that make them memorable and impactful.
Sharing Her Work and Building a Community
Amy initially hesitated to publish her work, viewing writing as a personal outlet rather than a potential career. However, a conversation with a friend encouraged her to take the leap and publish her first book. She began promoting her book only after it was published, but now she understands the importance of building anticipation and promoting her work beforehand.
Amy actively engages with the poetry community, both online and locally. She shares her work on Instagram (@amylioupoetry) and participates in local poetry workshops and events. Supporting other local artists and poets is important to her, as she believes in the strength of a close-knit community.
Looking Ahead
Amy’s journey from a 13-year-old writing her first poem to a published author is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her ability to channel her emotions into her writing has not only helped her navigate her own life but has also created a body of work that resonates with others.
You can find Amy’s book, "Can We Talk About It? Poetry and Art," on Amazon, where the first chapter is available for free.
Follow her on Instagram at @amylioupoetry to stay updated on her latest work and join her journey.
Conclusion
Amy Liou’s story is one of resilience and creativity. Her poetry serves as a powerful reminder that our creative expressions can be a source of healing and connection. Whether you are a writer, a poet, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of words, Amy’s work is sure to inspire you.
If you enjoyed this episode of Masked Monologues, please share it with a friend or family member. And don’t forget to check out Amy’s book and follow her on Instagram for more of her heartfelt poetry.
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