The Journey of "Get Happy": An Insightful Conversation with the Poet
In the realm of poetry, the journey to self-discovery often intertwines with the art of writing. This is profoundly true for Emily Janneke, the poet behind "Get Happy." We delve into the heart and mind of the author, exploring the inspiration, challenges, and creative processes that culminated in this evocative collection.
Inspiration: The Quest for Happiness
"I was trying to get happy," Emily begins, her voice reflective yet resolute. The impetus for "Get Happy" was a personal quest. Writing, for her, is a medium to understand herself, a therapeutic exercise to untangle the thoughts lodged in her mind. Each poem is an attempt to express, comprehend, and ultimately navigate through these thoughts, striving to find a semblance of happiness.
Compiling the Collection: A Tapestry of Scraps
The journey of compiling her poems was an odyssey in itself. "I went looking for all my scraps of poetry," she recounts. Every Google Doc, notes app, notebook, and scrap of paper became a treasure trove. She meticulously organized these fragments into a cohesive narrative, discovering a through line that mirrored her personal journey over the years. This process was akin to piecing together a puzzle, revealing a messy yet profound journey from point A to B, with numerous detours.
Defining Happiness: A Pursuit of Absence
"Happiness, to me, is defined by the absence of unhappiness," she muses. This elusive definition has profoundly influenced her writing. Her poetry often reflects a destination unknown, driven by the clarity of what she was escaping rather than where she was headed. This paradoxical pursuit of happiness through the absence of pain is a recurring theme in her work, illustrating the complexity of the human condition.
Challenges: Writing as a Response
"For me, poetry is the answer to the challenge," she asserts. Life's challenges are the catalysts for her writing. When faced with turmoil, she writes to navigate her emotions. The act of writing itself is therapeutic, a way to make sense of her feelings. While writing can be challenging, it is never the writing that poses the challenge but the life events that compel her to write.
Special Significance: "Now What?"
Among her collection, "Now What?" holds a special place. "It was the beginning of my new life," she explains. This poem symbolizes a pivotal moment of realization and acceptance of life. It resonates with the song "De Bom Valt Nooit" by Herman van Veen, reflecting the sudden understanding of having a future. The poem, born from a migraine-induced dream, remains almost unchanged, marking it as a raw and unfiltered piece of her soul.
Hopes for Readers: A Bridge to Understanding
Her hope for readers is simple yet profound. "I hope they feel less alone," she shares. The book aims to break the vicious cycle of loneliness and unhappiness, offering a foothold for readers on their path to happiness. By sharing her journey, she aspires to create a sense of understanding and connection, helping others feel seen and less isolated in their struggles.
Creative Process: Capturing Fleeting Thoughts
Her creative process is organic, driven by moments of intense emotion. "It has to come to me," she states. When a thought or feeling demands expression, she retreats to a quiet space, furiously typing away on her phone. This raw, unedited burst of creativity is later refined with the benefit of hindsight, transforming the initial chaos into polished poetry.
Literary Influences: The Trinity of Origin, Shape, and Imagery
Her inspirations span three categories: Origin, Shape, and Imagery. Origin refers to the emotional foundation, influenced by the raw honesty of authors like Carrie Fisher and Lane Moore. Shape pertains to the structural and rhythmic elements, drawing from songwriters such as Kate Bush and Mitski. Imagery is inspired by fantasy literature, with authors like Naomi Novik feeding her imagination and helping her describe the intangible.
Themes and Future Projects: Confronting Misconceptions
Looking ahead, she is eager to explore the themes of misconceptions and faulty foundations in life. Her future work will likely delve into unpacking and reconstructing these notions, akin to chopping down a tree she once lived in. This introspective journey promises to be both challenging and enlightening, paving the way for new poetic expressions.
In "Get Happy," Emily Janneke offers a profound exploration of the human quest for happiness, drawing from personal experiences, literary influences, and an unyielding desire to connect with her readers. This collection stands as a testament to the transformative power of poetry, a beacon of hope and understanding in the intricate tapestry of life.
Discover "Get Happy": A Poetic Journey to Self-Discovery and Connection
Dive into "Get Happy," a captivating collection of poems that explores the complexities of happiness, self-understanding, and emotional resilience. Through raw honesty and lyrical beauty, Emily Janneke navigates the highs and lows of life, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into her journey. Each poem is a step towards understanding and overcoming personal challenges, making this collection a beacon of hope and connection. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the human condition, "Get Happy" is a must-read that promises to resonate and uplift.
Emily Janneke (she/they) is a poet and video-artist who uses poetry to navigate life as a queer disabled creative, attempting to understand where they fit in a world that is not built for them. Her work explores identity, mental illness, queerness and imagination. Through a combination of visuals and language, Emily attempts to puzzle together and express what is happening in her brain. Her lifetime of experience in hitting rock bottom and pulling themselves out of it, time and time again, eventually turned into a powerful expertise in getting happy. You can find their debut poetry collection, Get Happy, here.