To Be Seen - self-discovery through poetry with Willow Martin

Willow Martin is a poet and author based in Cornwall, UK. Her work explores themes of emotional healing and personal growth, offering a reflective and nurturing perspective on the journey of transformation.

We were honoured to speak with Willow following the launch of her debut poetry collection, To Be Seen: The Bloom and the Roots, to discuss her journey as a writer, her process of emotional healing and self-discovery, and her advice for up-and-coming poets.

1. A huge congratulations on the launch of your new book! Tell us all about your poetry collection To Be Seen: The Bloom and the Roots.

I'm happy to say that my book is live on Amazon worldwide as of October 27th! You can purchase it here.

This book is more than just words on a page—it's a heartfelt journey through healing, self-discovery, and the resilience that defines us. Each poem offers a glimpse into the raw, authentic moments of life, capturing the spirit of growth, joy, heartbreak, and the gentle art of finding peace within. As you explore each poem, you'll be invited to reflect on your own experiences, embracing the beautiful, messy journey of being human.

Written as a form of self-healing, these poems are meant to bring comfort and connection, serving as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope. Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a sense of companionship, this collection is here to walk beside you on your path to healing and self-love.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who inspired and supported this journey, and to those who continue to celebrate the beauty of vulnerability. I hope this book brings you the same sense of comfort and renewal that it brought me while creating it.

2. Tell us about your journey to becoming a poet. What drew you to writing poetry and what inspires your poetry?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I would write stories for my parents' friends. It's just how my mind works—I’m constantly thinking up ideas and stories, and writing has always been the most natural way for me to share them.

3. When writing poetry, do you feel like this is a healing journey for you? Especially as your poetry focuses on emotional healing and self-discovery?

Poetry has always been a healing journey for me. Through it, I'm constantly discovering more about myself and the world around me. My hope is that my words can inspire others to reflect on their own healing experiences and consider new perspectives along the way.

4. Do you hope that people have their own journey in self-discovery healing as they read the book? As the book has a unique space added at the back designed for people to write their own poetry, reflections, or thoughts?

Absolutely! I truly hope that readers embark on their own journey of self-discovery and healing as they move through the book. The unique space added at the back for writing poetry, reflections, or thoughts is designed specifically for this purpose. My intention is to invite readers not only to engage with the content but also to explore their own feelings and experiences. By giving them a space to express themselves, I hope they can connect more deeply with their inner journey, using the book as both a guide and a companion in their path to self-awareness and growth.

5. Why do you think that people relate so strongly to the topics in this book?

 I believe people relate so strongly to the topics in this book because they touch on universal themes that resonate with many of us—healing, self-discovery, resilience, and the search for meaning. Life is filled with challenges, changes, and moments of self-reflection, and the book provides a safe space to explore these experiences. 

The themes are deeply human; they reflect the emotions, struggles, and triumphs we all encounter at some point in our lives. Readers often find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in their journey, and they connect with the authenticity and vulnerability in the writing. The book encourages self-reflection, inviting readers to see parts of themselves within its pages, which can be incredibly validating and empowering.

By addressing these raw, real-life experiences, the book becomes a mirror through which readers can reflect on their own lives, making the content not just relatable but also transformative. 

6. What is your favourite poem or quote from this book?

 My favourite poem is human

7. Were there any challenges in writing this book?

One of the biggest hurdles was being vulnerable enough to explore and express deeply personal topics. It required a lot of introspection and honesty, which wasn't always easy. 

Another challenge was finding the right balance between sharing my own experiences and leaving space for readers to connect with their own. I wanted the book to be relatable and open-ended enough for readers to see themselves in it, which meant carefully choosing words that could resonate on multiple levels. 

Despite these challenges, the process was incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to grow as a writer and as a person, ultimately making the book more authentic and meaningful.

8. Tell us about the beautiful cover design and the artist behind it.

The cover design is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it was created by my talented friend Laila. Her artistry is truly unique, and she brought such a distinct style to the cover that perfectly captures the essence of the book. Laila has an incredible eye for detail and a way of infusing emotion into her work, which made her the perfect collaborator for this project. 

I'm beyond grateful for her creativity and vision, and I genuinely believe that she has a bright future ahead of her. You can definitely expect big things from her in the art world. I’d absolutely love to work with her again on future projects!

9. Do you have any advice for new poets making their way into the industry or poets who want to publish their own poetry collections?

My advice for new poets is to stay true to your voice and write what feels authentic to you. Read, read, read! It’s so important to understand different styles and techniques, and make it a habit to write regularly. 

Engage with the poetry community—whether through open mics, workshops, or online groups—to gain support and feedback. Please don’t be discouraged by rejection; it’s part of the journey.

If you’re looking to publish a collection, consider self-publishing for more creative control. Above all, stay persistent and passionate—keep writing and sharing your work.

10. Are you working on any new poetry? Are there more books in the future?

 Yes, I'm always working on new poetry! Writing is an ongoing process for me, and I’m constantly exploring new ideas and themes. As for future books, I definitely have a few projects in mind. I’m excited about putting together another collection when the time feels right. Stay tuned—there’s definitely more to come!

A huge congratulations and thank you to Willow for taking the time to share her journey of self-discovery and healing through poetry, and encouraging readers to do the same.

To Be Seen: The Bloom and the Roots is available to purchase on Amazon here.

Connect with Willow here: @willowisobelwrites

Interview with Willow Martin
Poet & Author

Willow Martin is a poet and author based in Cornwall, UK. Her work explores themes of emotional healing and personal growth, offering a reflective and nurturing perspective on the journey of transformation.

@willowisobelwrites



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