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Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author, D.L. Finn and a book review #TreasuringPoetry #bookreview #poetry

Posted: June 21, 2023 | Author: | Filed under: Blog Tour, Book Release, Book Review, Books, Collection, Interview, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: , , , , |93 Comments
A lake with a hill behind it Text: Treasuring Poetry 2023 Hosted by Writing to be Read and Robbie Cheadle

My June Treasuring Poetry guest is the talented poet and author, D.L. Finn. Welcome Denise.

Why do you write poetry?

I write poetry for many reasons but the most important one is that I can describe what I’m seeing or feeling in ways I am unable to when I speak. Poetry also expresses or records the world as I see it or want it to be. I can use poetry to convey the pure awe of nature, share my thoughts, or vent frustrations. Writing poetry is not only a wonderful vehicle to communicate my emotions but I like that my perspective can be interpreted differently by the readers.

Do you think poetry is still a relevant form of expressing ideas in our modern world? If yes, why?

I do think poetry is still relevant. It is a beautiful art form that allows us to glimpse the world in new ways like any good painting would but through words.

Which poem by any other poet that you’ve read, do you relate to the most and why?

The first poem that captured me was A Road Less Traveled. I have the poem framed on my wall so I can enjoy it every day and appreciate that it can have a more layered meaning, and interpretations.

The Road Not Taken 

BY ROBERT FROST

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Which of your own poems is your favourite and why?

I have two from when I first started writing poetry.  So, these poems have a special place in my heart.

The Bearded Old Man

The bearded old man

Walks across the quiet desert,

His hooded white robe

Protecting and sheltering him

From the burning sky.

His feet are silent against the sand.

He walks day and night,

Going to a place that he knows exists.

He beckons strangers to join him

As he keeps walking toward…

That place he calls home.

Fingers of the Sea

The weightless world of the beach engulfs me

As the long, extended fingers of the sea

Gently

Stroke me—welcome me,

Enticing with its salty breath,

Satisfying my deep, hidden hunger.

Slowly

The fingers curl back

An invitation,

Beckoning toward the heart of the sea.

Beneath my gaze on the cold, wet world

Its subjects are sent out to tempt,

Screeching and scurrying

Above and below me,

All in a frenzied orchestrated rhythm.

The sea’s haunting song

Urgently

Seduces my soul.

All of my resistance floats away

Like the curling waves,

As I blissfully clutch

The fingers of the sea.

Is writing poetry easy for you compared to prose or do you do a lot of editing and revision of your poems?

Poetry does seem to come easily to me. I will usually write the poem by hand and then later put it on the computer. Editing comes later when I use the poem for my blog, a challenge, or a book. Each poem is different but when it feels and sounds right to me—it’s done. It is a different process for free verse over symbolic. In free verse I let the words flow naturally, while in symbolic poetry I need to make my words fit a pattern. I do enjoy writing both types of poetry and challenge myself to pen poetry in many different places. This includes the back of a Harley, underwater, or on a crowded plane. In writing prose, I need a quiet space and an idea to get me writing so it’s very different process from poetry.

What mode (blog, books, YouTube, podcasts) do you find the most effective for sharing your poems with poetry lovers and readers?

I share my poetry on my blogs, newsletters, and challenges. I also have a book, Just Her Poetry, and working on another one right now. I least like to read my poetry but will still do it.

My review of Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul (Poetry)

Picture caption: Cover of Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul by D.L. Finn. Features a wooded area with snow on the ground.

This book, packed with exquisite poems, is divided into two main sections, namely, Just her poetry about nature and the author’s experiences investigating sites of natural beauty from her seat behind the driver of a Harley and Seasons of a soul which includes a variety of passionate and evocative poems about the author’s emotional state during various experiences and circumstances she has faced during her life.

I was attracted particularly to the second section of poems and was captivated by the author’s depictions and descriptions of the states and stages of life. I selection of my favourite lines are as follows:

“I am alone
Yet the voices from my past sit with me.
They can haunt me – or comfort me.”
From Now

“It’s time to let go of the things I’ve collected.
Leaving room for my heart to shine through my smile.
Then my peace will be complete within my soul.”
From Simply Gone

And this extract from my favourite poem:
“I’m figuring out why I keep repeating the same issue over and over,
Like walking by a shoe in the middle of the room, tripping over it daily,
But not moving it or even taking another route so I don’t fall over that shoe.
Then it became guilt for me, always been there, while I kept tripping on it.”
From The Shoe.

This particular poem really spoke to me and I could relate to it completely. That, for me an avid reader of poetry, is a rare and wonderful thing.

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVZ7FPF

My review of In the Tree’s Shadow (short story collection)

Picture caption: Cover of In the Tree’s Shadow by D.L. Finn. Depicts a wood area with a misty background.

In the tree’s shadow is an entertaining collection of horror, paranormal and sci-fi short stories that is well worth reading. The stories all revolve around themes of self worth, love and relationships and use dark twists and turns to demonstrate the strength of love and its ability to overcome impossible seeming odds. The stories are of different lengths with some being quite long and detailed and others being 99-word flash fiction.

My favourite story was the first in the book called ‘End of the road’. The main character’s dismal life was well described and the reach of her grandmother’s love from beyond the grave was welcome and heart warming.

‘The Playdate’ and ‘A Man on the pier’ were both unexpectedly dark with most interesting twists that gave me quite a shock.

Another tale that I found particularly pleasing was ‘The Dolphin’. It was not dark, rather heart warming and unique.

All the stories are well written and the characters are nicely drawn.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Trees-Shadow-collection-stories-nightmares-ebook/dp/B0BWL7LX9K

About D.L. Finn

Picture caption: Author picture of D.L. Finn, peeping out form behind a tree and wearing a hat and a huge smile

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.

About Robbie Cheadle

Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published thirteen children’s book and two poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

The ten Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.

Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

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93 Comments on “Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author, D.L. Finn and a book review #TreasuringPoetry #bookreview #poetry”

  1. willowdot21's avatar willowdot21 says:
    June 21, 2023 at 1:08 am

    Hi Robbie and DL I love these insights Robbie and it great to read your thoughts DL.💜💜💜💜

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  2. robbiesinspiration's avatar robbiesinspiration says:
    June 21, 2023 at 1:19 am

    Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:

    Today, I am delighted to introduce poet and author, D.L. Finn, as my June Treasuring Poetry guest. Denise has shared some lovely reflections on poetry and I’ve shared two reviews of her poetry book and her latest collection of short stories. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. Chel Owens's avatar Chel Owens says:
    June 21, 2023 at 1:43 am

    I think I would like to try this poetry-writing from a Harley idea. 😉

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  4. Harmony Kent's avatar harmonykentonline says:
    June 21, 2023 at 3:14 am

    Wonderful interview and poetic excerpts, Denise and Robbie. I love all of Denise’s books. Thanks for sharing,Robbie. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  5. edwardky2's avatar edwardky2 says:
    June 21, 2023 at 3:33 am

    Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  6. coldhandboyack's avatar coldhandboyack says:
    June 21, 2023 at 5:31 am

    I’m currently reading In the Tree’s Shadow and enjoying it. I’m probably taking longer than I should, but I tend to do that with collections.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  7. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:05 am

    I love, “…when it feels and sounds right to me—it’s done.”

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  8. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:11 am

    Thank you so much, Robbie, for having me here today to share poetry thoughts. I’m honored to be a part of your poetry series. Your reviews have me smiling too! Xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Staci Troilo's avatar Staci Troilo says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:18 am

    Robbie, great review (and interview).

    Denise, lovely poetry. And I’m a Frost fan, too. I have his complete works sitting on one of my bookshelves.

    My best to you both.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:21 am

    Thank you, Staci 🙂 Perfect book to sit on a bookshelf. I have his collection on mine too. Xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. Joan Hall's avatar Joan Hall says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:30 am

    Great interview and review, Robbie. I enjoy Denise’s poetry. I’m also a Robert Frost fan.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  12. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:42 am

    Lovely to spend more time here with Denise! You can tell, she was born to write!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  13. Author Jan Sikes's avatar Jan Sikes says:
    June 21, 2023 at 8:07 am

    What a wonderful interview with Denise! I totally agree that poetry will always be relevant. It’s such a pure, honest form of expression from the deepest human emotions. Thank you for sharing, Robbie, and congratulations to Denise on a fabulous review!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  14. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author says:
    June 21, 2023 at 8:47 am

    Thank you, Jan 🙂 Poetry certainly is an honest and pure form of our deepest emotions, what a great way to put it. Xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. John W. Howell's avatar John W. Howell says:
    June 21, 2023 at 9:52 am

    A super interview with Denise. Thanks, Robbie, and congratulations Denise.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  16. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:
    June 21, 2023 at 10:24 am

    A fabulous interview with Denise. Poetry comes so naturally to some writers and I admire that. I love the delightful photo of Denise looking around the tree. Perfect!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  17. alexcraigie's avatar alexcraigie says:
    June 21, 2023 at 11:36 am

    I loved this! Intelligent, pertinent questions and deep and meaningful responses. Those lines from Simply Gone are beautiful, and that photo of Denise peeping round the tree reflects a warm and impish sense of humour! I have In the Tree’s Shadow waiting for me and I hope to be reading it soon. Thanks for hosting this, Kaye.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  18. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author says:
    June 21, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    Thank you for hosting this, Kaye. I really appreciate your hospitality! Xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Liz Gauffreau's avatar Liz Gauffreau says:
    June 21, 2023 at 4:27 pm

    A very engaging interview with Denise! I found her response to the question of why she writes poetry particularly interesting.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  20. equinoxio21's avatar equinoxio21 says:
    June 21, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Thank you. Despite what I said elsewhere, I do like poetry. And The road not taken is one of my personal “Monuments”.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  21. Resa's avatar Resa says:
    June 21, 2023 at 6:53 pm

    Congrats on the book, Denise!
    Robbie and Denise, a lovely interview.
    All in all a fab review, Robbie!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  22. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:
    June 21, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    I can identify with “The Shoe” as well–putting beautifully into words a persistent behavior I think many of us share.
    I can also see the influence of Frost in Denise’s poetry. (K)

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  23. Unknown's avatar Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author, D.L. Finn and a book review #TreasuringPoetry #bookreview #poetry – Patty's Worlds says:
    June 22, 2023 at 8:18 am

    […] https://writingtoberead.com/2023/06/21/treasuring-poetry-meet-poet-and-author-d-l-finn-and-a-book-re… […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Toni Pike's avatar Toni Pike says:
    June 23, 2023 at 5:29 am

    It was wonderful to read this lovely post about Denise – what a fantastic poet

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  25. olganm's avatar olganm says:
    June 23, 2023 at 9:45 am

    It was good to learn more about D.L. Finn and her thoughts on poetry. I’ve never written poetry, and I’m fascinated by people who feel at home writing it, as you do as well, Robbie. Thanks for sharing your reviews as well.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  26. dgkaye's avatar dgkaye says:
    June 23, 2023 at 9:17 pm

    It’s always fun learning more about our writing friends through q and a’s. I enjoyed learning more about Denise, and currently reading her latest. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  27. Carol Balawyder's avatar Carol Balawyder says:
    June 25, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    The Bearded Old Man – such a touching poem both in its meaning and simplicity. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  28. D. Wallace Peach's avatar D. Wallace Peach says:
    June 26, 2023 at 8:58 am

    A wonderful interview with Denise, Robbie. I enjoyed learning more about Denise’s process for writing poetry, as well as reading a couple of her early works. Of course, Frost is a favorite of many. Wonderful reviews of her latest books too, which I also enjoyed. Congrats to Denise on the lovely features and thanks for the interview, Robbie. Thanks to Kaye Lynne for hosting. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  29. Beem Weeks's avatar Beem Weeks says:
    June 26, 2023 at 10:18 am

    Denise truly is a treasure in the poetry/writing community. This is such a wonderful tribute to the poet and her work!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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