Book Interview: In the Dream I Jump From a Great Height and Land Safely by Julie Stenton
Julie Stenton is a writer, poet, and artist agent based in Sydney, Australia. She is the author of the poetry collection, In the Dream I Jump From a Great Height and Land Safely, published by us, Sunday Mornings at the River.
In her work, Julie often tackles themes of identity and belonging, and is known for her emotive and thought-provoking writing. She enjoys sandwiches (chicken), birds (oystercatchers), and shapes (triangles). In a sense, she is already long gone and forgotten, which frees her up a great deal for being alive.
Can you tell us a bit about the book you just published with Sunday Mornings at the River?
Yes! Let’s begin with the cover artwork – a piece by one of my favourite Australian artists, Ileigh Hellier. I wrote so much of the book in and about the natural world so I thought, why not wrap it in nature! More specifically an (albeit whimsical) Australian landscape. It has a dreamlike quality to it, don’t you think? I love it so much!
On the pages between the front and back cover you’ll find a bunch of words that, for ease of categorisation, we’re calling ‘poetry’ but is more accurately a collection of poems, vignettes, character studies, conversations, stories, ideas, and a fair whack of nonsense.
What inspired you to write this book?
At no point during the writing process was I aware that I was writing a book! What began as a simple, fun, consistent practice of sharing thoughts and experiences on Instagram, over the course of a couple of years, became a body of work. No one is more surprised than me that there is a book!
What does the title mean, and why did you pick it?
I can think of two good reasons why In the Dream I Jump From a Great Height and Land Safely is the title of the book (although the book seemed to name itself if I’m being honest):
It’s the title of a poem in the collection in which the reader becomes a character in my dream. And I’m pretty sure that’s what the book is – a place (real or imagined – TBC) where the reader and I can meet and hang out.
It speaks to faith (and I don’t mean religion) – I’ve always had a deep, unshakable faith that, ultimately, everything is going to be alright. So why not write the poetry. And show it to people. And jump.
Who are some of your literary or artistic crushes, and did they influence you at all while writing this book?
When I’m writing consistently I barely read – aside from my fellow writers on Instagram – I do love to participate in that world. Having said that, of course I have crushes – Etgar Keret, an Israeli writer known for his short stories – being top of the list.
When I first read “Fatso” from his collection, The Nimrod Flipout, I kinda flipped out. His way of combining the real and the unreal is incredibly exciting to me, and he does so in a style that is succinct and poignant and sweet and funny. I can only hope that his writing has shaped mine, even a small amount.
While writing the poems in the book my biggest influences were the Ram Dass Here and Now podcast, the odd psychedelic adventure, and the wondrous goings-on in my immediate surroundings.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?
That I have a lot more to say than I thought I did.
What is the key theme and/or message in the book?
There’s no message (unless you think there is in which case there definitely is), but the key themes include but are not limited to: the pursuit of meaning, love, sandwiches, and the beauty in the small, perfect moments of life.
Do you take poetry classes or read books on poetry?
No ma’am – I’m winging it.
Do your family and "real life" friends read your work?
When I first thought about posting my writing in a public forum, I spent days trying to think of a moniker that I liked (and was available as an Instagram handle, lol). And then I thought, why not just be me. Turns out @julie.stenton was ripe for the picking!
It’s been really wonderful to have friends and family read my work – especially my mum. I’ve learned a lot about her because of her willingness to share prompted by my willingness to share, and I think part of claiming your unique you-ness is standing alongside your creations and saying, “I’m not sure how this happened but apparently I made this!” – and not just to strangers on the Internet.
What does "good poetry" mean to you?
Goosebumps, a feeling of remembering, writing that inspires me to try something new.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Something’s gone horribly wrong mate – you should be in high-level English not Maths!
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
$5.86 on a large oat cappuccino at Balmoral Beach every morning – this is where the watching and the listening happens.
What does literary success look like to you?
It looks a lot like a cute, clever poetry press offering to publish my work. It also looks like every time an idea finds its way out of my head and into the world.
If you're interested in getting your hands on Julie Stenton's poetry collection, "In the Dream I Jump From a Great Height and Land Safely," it's available for purchase here. The collection is a unique blend of poetry, vignettes, character studies, conversations, stories, ideas, and a bit of nonsense, all wrapped up in a whimsical Australian landscape. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys emotive, thought-provoking writing that tackles themes of identity and belonging. Find Julie on Instagram.