About

I wrote, illustrated, and self-published this poetry collection, Hideaways, and I am so proud of it.

From start to finish, the entire collection was written over the course of a few months in 2023. At the time, I was experiencing a depressive episode. This feeling was not unfamiliar to me, this darkness. This time though, new creation bloomed. I felt this beckoning to let out it all out. Everything I’ve experienced in life so far. Everything that made me feel alive, everything that destroyed me, and all the moments in between. It was like the dam had burst and everything came pouring out of me. I ripped through old journals, poetry folders, sketch pads, all of it. I combined all of my past creativity and experiences and combined it with the feelings I had in the now. The end result is something I can cherish forever: setting myself free.

I had the feeling that sharing this would help others not to feel so alone. I learned that especially after the birth of my son. Motherhood can feel very isolating, and I felt now more than ever, if I can help even one person feel not so alone in their journey, that’ll be enough for me. After years of rejection or no response at all, I thought that if I believe in this, maybe others will too. So while this creation itself was, in essence, a lifetime coming and at the same time a quick “birth,” it’s been something I’ve worked on for years now. I decided to go for it and self publish instead.

Therefore, if you’ve made it this far getting to know me, I feel that I already know you too. Thank you!

Xx,

M.J.