By: Elowen Gray
Catherine’s poetic journey has been shaped by her ongoing exploration of self-awareness and authenticity. Her series of books, which begins with Better Look, continues with Better Looking, and will culminate with Seeing, offers readers an opportunity to join her on a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In this interview, Catherine reflects on her work and the thought-provoking messages within her poetry.
What inspired you to take this poetic journey?
I began this journey after realizing that I had been focused on my external life—how I appeared in the mirror, what was in my closet, and what my business card said—while neglecting my internal and spiritual self. As I pursued a more spiritual path, I discovered that many women, including myself, weren’t living authentically. My first book, Better Look, explores truly examining myself. Better Looking delves deeper into self-awareness, and my final book, Seeing, reflects on the shift from looking at myself to truly seeing who I am.
How do the first two books connect? What journey do they take readers on?
Better Look focuses on challenging superficial aspects of my life and encourages readers to look beyond physical appearances, societal labels, and external achievements. It invites readers to ask, “Who are you, really?” In my second book, Better Looking, I go deeper, exploring the trauma I’ve experienced and how I’ve worked to transform pain into spiritual growth. Both books offer readers a chance to examine their own lives and reflect on their true selves. A key element in both books is that they include a journal for readers to document their own journeys of self-discovery inspired by reading these books.
What was the most challenging part of writing these books?
The hardest part was being brutally honest with myself. There are personal revelations about trauma and superficiality that forced me to confront my own vulnerabilities. Transitioning from a corporate perspective to a poetic one—or, as I like to refer to it, “living life poetically”—required me to let go of societal expectations and embrace who I truly am. It’s a painful yet transformative journey—one that requires deep self-honesty. For me, embracing the truth of who I am was the hardest and most rewarding part of writing these books.
How does this poetry reflect your personal journey?
My poetry is deeply rooted in the need for self-disclosure. I aim to create a visceral experience for readers, one that is both spiritual and visual. My poems are designed to be accessible; readers can close their eyes, listen to the words, and perhaps feel my journey. When I perform my spoken word pieces on my album, Better Look, on SoundCloud, I hope listeners connect emotionally to my process of growth.
How do the poems help readers reflect on their own lives?
The honesty with which I address my experiences may allow readers to reflect on their own lives. My poetry isn’t just about revealing my pain—it’s about growth and transformation. I hope readers can recognize their own struggles and find the courage to face them. For example, in one of my poems, I describe waking up feeling unfulfilled, bingeing on work, coffee, and consumerism. These are the things I had to move beyond. The poems suggest a path from superficiality to authenticity, and I believe readers might see their own potential for change.
What does authenticity mean to you, and how do these books explore it?
Authenticity is about peeling away the distortions, whether it’s a false persona or self-deprecation. It is about moving toward the truth of who you are at the core and becoming comfortable with making meaningful life changes that align with that truth. In a fast-paced world, we often neglect our true selves in favor of meeting external expectations or turning to compulsions. Authenticity is a painful yet liberating process. These books explore the journey from living life according to imposed norms to embracing your true self, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable but often brings peace.
What can readers expect from the final book, Seeing?
The final book in this trilogy aims to complete the journey of self-reflection. While my first two books focus on looking at and understanding myself, Seeing is about truly coming to see who I am. In Better Look and Better Looking, I shed the layers of externality and begin to embrace my authentic self. In Seeing, I am no longer looking for myself but am exploring what it means to see and know who I am. I have grown more comfortable with living. The book’s cover symbolizes this process: the first book shows me preparing for work at age 34, the second at age 55, and the third reveals my eyes, first with makeup and then without, symbolizing the stripping away of layers to reveal my true self.
What do you hope readers feel after reading Better Look and Better Looking?
I hope readers feel a sense of relief in realizing that they have options. These books are intended to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin—literally and figuratively. I want readers to understand that they don’t have to conform to societal ideals of beauty or success; they can explore ways to be themselves. The covers, which show me in various states of undress, unretouched, emphasize that I hope to model for women a sense of acceptance that was not always modeled for me.
What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received as an author?
The most rewarding feedback has been from readers who describe my poetry as accessible. Many people find poetry intimidating, but my writing seems to resonate with them. It’s clear, emotional, and relatable. I’ve heard that readers appreciate how my work draws vivid pictures with words, allowing them to not only visualize but also feel the journey of self-discovery.
How do you plan to share this trilogy with the world?
I initially chose to self-publish to have the freedom to disclose my journey authentically and without compromise. My hope is to reach a wide audience, especially women, and help them understand that they can be true to themselves. This trilogy is about living life truthfully and finding peace in that truth. I plan to expand my reach through spoken word, performances, and further publications.
Do you have plans to explore new themes in your writing?
Yes! In addition to writing poetry, I’m working on books of prose, including one titled Humble Food, which explores our relationships with food and broader food for thought. I’m also developing a book based on my meditation practice, Meditations from the Stone Soup Sangha, which will reflect on my work helping others find their authentic selves through meditation and creative expression. I’m also collaborating with an artist to create a children’s book about love and connection, titled Need Love.
Catherine’s work demonstrates the power of poetry to help us understand and embrace our true selves. Her books not only invite readers into her personal journey but also provide tools for readers to embark on their own paths of self-discovery. With a focus on spirituality, authenticity, growth, and emotional transparency, Catherine’s poetic life continues to inspire and empower those seeking to live authentically. Catherine’s books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. For more information on Catherine and her art, please visit her website a-poetic-life.com. Her social media on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube is all under the handle Catherine’s Poetic Life.
Published by Stephanie M.
