Navigating Crisis: A Conversation Between Poets Rebecca Rijsdijk and Talya Jacoby
In an era where uncertainty and upheaval dominate the headlines, poets Rebecca Rijsdijk and Talya Jacoby have created a collection that dives headfirst into the personal and collective challenges we face today. Their new book, On Crisis, explores everything from the cracks in healthcare systems to the slow degradation of the planet, offering raw, unflinching reflections on the state of our world. To celebrate the launch of the book, they sat down to interview each other about the process of creating it. And to make sure it reaches as many readers as possible, they’re offering a free digital copy of On Crisis for a limited time.
Talya, what inspired you to dive into the theme of crisis? Did a particular moment make you go, "Ah, this is the poetic goldmine I've been waiting for"?
Talya was quick to describe how inevitable the theme felt. "We live in a time of crisis—it’s impossible to avoid. It’s everywhere, and that’s why it makes sense to explore it in poetry. Most people are troubled by the same global issues, and I think that shared sense of frustration and anxiety is what connects us all. This collection felt like a way to connect through that shared experience."
Rebecca reflected on her own motivations for collaborating, admitting that collaboration is rare. "Normally, collaboration gives me headaches, tears, and maybe some light alcoholism," she joked. "But with Talya, it was different. Her talent was undeniable, and we had such a natural flow working together. It felt like a necessary step, even though stepping out of the usual solo bubble isn’t always easy."
Rebecca, for such a raging and busy boss, how come you’re so friendly and give the time and attention to collaborate with others?
"I usually don’t, haha. But you’re one of the most talented poets I’ve come across, and I wanted to be part of that," she responded. "Honestly, it’s rare to step out of a packed schedule and collaborate, but your voice was too powerful to ignore."
Talya, how did the collaboration shape the final collection? Did it feel like a poetic tango or more like a three-legged race?
"It was definitely a tango," Talya smiled. "We blended our voices in ways that gave the poems texture. Sometimes the lines between our writing blurred so much that I couldn’t even tell who wrote which part. Other times, our distinct voices really stood out. It was like throwing each other the ball and seeing what the other person would do with it."
Rebecca, in max 3 words, what do you get out of a collaboration?
Rebecca laughed. "Headache, tears, and alcoholism. But honestly, with Talya, it was also one of the most rewarding creative processes. It’s like we shared a brain and could pour our frustrations onto the page without it feeling forced."
Talya, what was the most challenging part of writing On Crisis? Did you ever think, "Why didn’t I just write about rainbows and puppies?"
"Isn’t it much harder to write about positive things?" Talya asked. "When everything is calm, you don’t have the urge to write as much. But when things are difficult—whether it’s something happening on a global scale or a personal struggle—writing becomes a way to process it. Crisis demands a creative outlet, sometimes as the only way to exhale. And, of course, there were moments when I thought, ‘Why didn’t I just stick to simpler subjects?’ But in the end, writing through the tough stuff is what makes the collection powerful."
Rebecca, how do you stay so professional when so many of the poems deal with subjects that could make one pull their hair out?
"I don’t think I’m professional at all," she responded candidly. "I bleed on the page. The collection isn’t about hiding anything—it’s about being raw and honest, facing these struggles head-on."
Talya, can you share a specific moment during the process when you thought, "Yes, we’ve nailed it!" or alternatively, "I need to get rid of Rebecca and go back to the drawing board"?
Talya laughed. "There was this stanza that ended in ‘rats,’ and I had no idea what Rebecca was trying to say. It was a total brain melt moment! But there were also moments, especially during our live co-edit sessions, when I thought, ‘We’ve got something special here.’ The playfulness and trust made the process feel easy, even when the subjects weren’t."
Rebecca, can you easily tell which parts were written by each of us?
"At first, yes. But as we worked more closely, it all started to blur into one big TalyaBecks symbiosis," she said. "Our voices merged so well that in some places it’s impossible to tell who wrote what. That blend created something unexpected but also really satisfying."
Now that On Crisis has launched, what do you hope readers take away from the collection?
"We hope people feel less alone when they read it," Talya answered. "There’s something in these poems that reflects the universal struggles of our time. We want readers to feel like they can reflect deeply but also laugh a little—it’s not all heavy."
Rebecca added, "It’s about pushing through the hard stuff, not shying away from it. Writing about crisis is about capturing the resilience and defiance that come with facing difficult times."
To celebrate the launch, the poets are offering a free digital copy of On Crisis for a limited time. "We want as many people as possible to get their hands on this collection," they shared. "It’s our way of inviting everyone to join the conversation."
The free giveaway runs from Monday, September 23, 2024, through Friday, September 27, 2024. "Grab your copy, dive into the collection, and let us know what you think," they encouraged. "If the poems resonate with you, leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or your favourite platform. Your feedback helps keep the conversation alive."
On Crisis offers reflections on mental health, inequality, and the cracks in society that are often overlooked. Each poem weaves together threads of resilience and resistance, inviting readers to engage with the world in new ways. On Crisis doesn’t shy away from the hard truths—it’s a call to confront them. Don’t miss the chance to claim it here and be part of the conversation. Get your (free) copy here.