Today, I am welcoming my new online friend and kindred spirit, Suzanne Cottrell, who shares my love of gardening, wildlife, and the North Carolina mountains. Please help me make her feel right at home as she tells you about her latest release. Suzanne, take it away!
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Thanks for having me today, Marcia.
Scarred Resilience is a collection of poems that will resonate with readers as they pause and reflect on their lives. All people deal with different challenges such as loss, medical condition, heartbreak, aging, bullying, abuse, or stress throughout the course of their lives. They can succumb and fall victim to a challenge, or they can choose to overcome it. They may bear emotional and/or physical scars. Most likely, they will empower themselves by gaining new knowledge, skill, confidence, and/or strength. A key message of Scarred Resilience is that individuals, despite their scars, can move forward.
Many of the poems like “Nature’s Solace,” “Enlightened Silence,” “Transformation,” and “Silent Stroll” address aspects of self-awareness. As a survivor of breast cancer and a lumpectomy, I chose to include “Altered Silhouette” and “Yet, We Laughed,” signifying that a change in one’s personal appearance does not alter one’s inner beauty. Accepting, adapting, and laughing can help one heal. “Sole Mate,” “Aged,” and “Waning Time” instill the notion that one should live life to its fullest.
REVIEWS
Suzanne Cottrell’s poems create verbal jewels inspired by the natural world. These poems offer a healing movement-of-spirit, reminding us of why we fell in love with poetry in the first place.
Marilyn Kallet, Knoxville Poet Laureate and author of How Our Bodies Learned, poems from Black Widow Press
Suzanne Cottrell’s poems, a synthesis of visual details, combine with her all-seeing eye for nuance and change. Her collection speaks of a life spent in the sciences where things are viewed through a microscope, often distilled as in a vintage snapshot that illustrates competition for resources, quick change in circumstances or the eternal struggle to survive. Her poem, “Transformation,” provides a clinical description of biological statistics and specimens. But, in “Silent Stroll,” the poet reveals the inner life of feelings and search for clarity. The poems are a delicate balance between micro-views and personal internal longings.
Lynda McKinney Lambert, Author of Star Signs: New & Selected Poems
An emotional spark subtly ignites from deep within Suzanne Cottrell’s measured words and counted lines. Gently, yet distinctly, the reader becomes aware of the joy, understanding and love for life and nature her words convey.
Maxine Reynolds Chauvaux, Co-founder of the Granville Writers’ Group and Creative Life-Long Learning Workshop Facilitator
Suzanne Cottrell’s third poetry chapbook chronicles life’s difficulties wrapping painful memory with the beauty of nature and offering the possibility to “pass through the darkness into the light to follow your dreams.” Her poems express resilience, finding strength in laughter during darker moments. In her poem, “Aged,” the narrator asks the question — “Have all their pages been written?” I hope for those who love poetry, the answer for Ms. Cottrell would be, “Oh, no. There’s so much more to come.”
Anne Anthony, Author and Editor, Flash Fiction for Flash
Buy Scarred Resilience on Amazon HERE
And on Kelsay Books HERE
Author Suzanne Cottrell
Suzanne Cottrell, a buckeye by birth, lives with her husband in rural Piedmont North Carolina. An outdoor enthusiast and retired history and special ed. teacher, her interests include reading, writing, knitting, hiking, Tai Chi, yoga, and Pilates. She enjoys researching history and culture and loves nature and its sensory stimuli. She particularly likes to write and experiment with poetry and flash fiction, as well as working on collaborative projects, especially with her daughter.
Her work has appeared in numerous online and print journals and anthologies, such as the Best Emerging Poets Series, The Avocet, Poetry Quarterly, Plum Tree Tavern, Parks and Points, The Pangolin Review, Burningword Literary Journal, Three Line Poetry, Inwood Indiana Press anthologies, Personal Story Publishing Project anthologies, Proverse Hong Kong Poetry Prize Mingled Voices anthologies, Nailpolish Stories, Quail Bell Magazine, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, and Flash Fiction Magazine. She is the author of three poetry chapbooks: Gifts of the Seasons, Autumn and Winter; Gifts of the Seasons, Spring and Summer; and Scarred Resilience, published by Kelsay Books. She was the recipient of the 2017 Rebecca Lard Award for Poetry Quarterly (Prolific Press).
You can find Suzanne on social media here:
Website
LinkedIn
Email: cottrell_suzanne@yahoo.com
I only write poetry occasionally, but writing and blogging have been a godsend in the past less than two years ( seems like longer ) of Covid, being widowed and getting breast cancer. And of course knitting, gardening and living by the sea are great for relaxation. Turns out it’s nothing really losing a breast and hair, I’m still me, though it’s easier being older, there are people far worse off than me, younger or with far worse things happening.
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I understand this all too well – been there and done that – BC, and other life changing situations. Currently caring for my husband through the past 8 years of cancer and dementia. Writing and reading help tremendously – and Suzanne certainly has a message of HOPE in her writings. I am honored to know her as friend and colleague in Poetry and publication of books. This is such a good way to meet Suzanne and learn about her books and other writings. Thanks to Marcia and this feature on her blog, we can learn about Suzanne and others.
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Lynda,
I so appreciate your friendship, mentoring, and all your creative endeavors. You inspire me with your writing and artwork, positive attitude, and strong faith. Thank you for introducing me to Marcia and other writers. This experience has enhanced my writing journey in so many ways.
All the best,
Suzanne
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I’m sorry the last two years have been so hard for you, Janet. You’ve definitely had a lot thrown at you at one time, and I’m glad to know you are coping with at least some of it so well. Yep, there’s always someone far worse off than we are, and often with less ability to deal with it. Sending you huge hugs, and all the blessings of the season to bolster your days and help you get through this difficult time. And thanks so much for stopping by today and taking a moment to say hello! 😀 ❤
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Thanks Lynda, that is hard for you, being a carer.
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Thanks Marcia, yes things were pretty good, in fact very good up until recent years, but still good in many ways, thanks to family and friends and on line friends.
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Thank you for taking the time to respond. We share some common interests, like knitting, writing, and gardening, as well as having had breast cancer. I’ll be sure to check out your blog. I look forward to getting to know each other and our work better.
All the best,
Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne, good to meet you.
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Janet,
You’re welcome. Life is full of challenges, and you’ve certainly had your share. I’m glad to know that you have lots of love and support. You are strong and resilient. Take extra good care of yourself and please count me as another online friend.
Best wishes,
Suzanne
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Lovely to meet Suzanne and her poetry. Thanks for sharing, Marcia, and wishing you both all the best 💕🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed meeting Suzanne this morning, Harmony! It was a pleasure to have her as our guest for the day. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello, too! 😀 ❤
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Harmony,
Thank you for taking the time to send a message. I hope some of my poems will resonate with you, and I hope you’ll check out my website at http://www.suzanneswords.com. I look forward to reading some of your work too.
All the best,
Suzanne
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Following your site now, Suzanne, and wishing you all the best 💕🙂
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Wishing Suzanne all the best. She’s tackling some tough topics. How wonderful that we have writing as one of many outlets.
Thanks for the introduction, Marcia.
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It was, as always, a pleasure to have Suzanne here today, Staci! I’m glad you enjoyed her post, and appreciate your taking a moment to let us know. THANKS! 😀 ❤
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Staci,
Thank you for your message. Yes, writing can be a wonderful outlet, and it certainly has been and will continue to be for me. As we climb out of this pandemic, barring more variants like omicron, I’m looking forward to returning to my cheerier and more nature-based poetry and stories.
All the best,
Suzanne
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This is wonderful to see Suzanne featured here on The Write Stuff! I have enjoyed learning about so many other writers, Marcia. Thank you for your promotion of writers who are fascinating and inspiriting.
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You’re very welcome. Lynda! I really enjoy helping writers get the word out about themselves and their work (you included), and I’m glad you enjoyed Suzanne’s post today! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to let us know. 😀 ❤
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This sounds like an inspiring and life-affirming collection and that cover is brilliant! Anything that helps deal with those ‘down’ moments is literary gold in my opinion. Thanks for sharing this, Marcia, and I hope your long covid symptoms are easing. ❤
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Alex,
Thank you for your kind words. The cover photograph is extra special because my daughter took it. I was delighted when Kelsay Books decided to use it. I hope some of my poems, of which most were written during the pandemic, will resonate with you. Hope is always within reach.
All the best,
Suzanne
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Good to see you here today, Trish! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I agree with you about the cover. It’s a “bloom where you’re planted” moment, isn’t it? Lovely and I have a feeling it fits this book to perfection! Especially now that I know Suzanne’s daughter took the picture! Very cool! 😀
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How wonderful to meet Suzanne. She is a new author to me and I am off to check out her work! Thanks, Marcia!
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Jan,
I’m so appreciative of the opportunity to meet new writers and readers, so a huge thanks to Lynda Lambert and Marcia Meara. Most of the poems in my third poetry chapbook, Scarred Resilience, were written during the pandemic. I hope some will resonate with you. I look forward to getting to know you.
All the best,
Suzanne
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HI Marcia, it is always nice to meet a new poet. Suzanne’s poetry book sounds like it tackles topical issues.
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Roberta,
Thank you for your message. Most of my poetry focuses on nature and wildlife encounters. During the pandemic, my writing became more reflective and therapeutic thus my third poetry chapbook, Scarred Resilience. I hope you find one or more poems that resonate with you.
All the best,
Suzanne
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Glad you enjoyed meeting Suzanne, Robbie! It was a treat to have her here today, and I hope you’ll check out her work when you get a chance. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello! 😀 ❤
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Thanks for the introduction to Suzanne, Marcia. Her poems sound lovely—all the best to her.
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John,
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to connect with other writers and readers and appreciate Marcia featuring my third poetry chapbook, Scarred Resilience, today.
Wishing you the best too,
Suzanne
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You’re very welcome, John! I was happy to have Suzanne here today, and glad you enjoyed her post. Thanks for taking a moment to stop by and let us know. 😀
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Thank you for introducing Suzanne. I’m intrigued by her work, Marcia, and will definitely stop at Amazon for a further peek. 💗
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Gwen,
Thank you for your interest in my work. I write primarily free verse poetry, flash fiction, and personal narratives that frequently focus on nature. I hope you’ll check out both my Amazon author’s page and my website. I look forward to getting to know you and your work too.
All the best,
Suzanne
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It was a pleasure to introduce Suzanne today, Gwen, and I hope you’ll discover a new poet you admire. I’m sure Suzanne will enjoy your work, as well. Thanks so much for stopping by today and taking a moment to say hello! It’s greatly appreciated! 😀 ❤
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I love the resilience and hope I hear in the Suzanne’s words. It sounds like an incredibly inspiring book. Thanks for sharing it with us, Marcia! 🙂
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Yvette,
Thank you for the message and for following me on my writing journey. Hopefully, my poems in Scarred Resilience will provide hope and resiliency for readers. Writing has certainly helped renew my spirit during the Covid pandemic.
Congratulations on your newly released book, Hype. I look forward to reading some of your writing. I’m particularly interested in reading your short stories, Breathless and The Chosen One. I write some flash fiction, but I’d like to try my hand at writing some longer stories.
All the best,
Suzanne
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I agree, Suzanne. Writing comforted me during the isolation of the pandemic. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on whichever short story you read. The Chosen One is almost novella length and leads to the Chronicles of the Diasodz series. Breathless is a true short story and will lead to a standalone novel (whenever I get around to writing it…lol!). Happy reading!! 🙂
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