BOOK REVIEW
“Writing about us like a script was my therapy when I had no one to talk to.”
Elaine T. Stockdale’s debut poetry and prose collection Love and Let Go, stirs emotions while including thought provoking pieces on the highs and lows of a relationship.
In the first chapter, Love and Sunrise, it displays being young and lost in thought thinking love could figure everything out, then falling into the arms of a free soul. Realising this person feels like home then falling for and living for their words being a smooth talker. Following this journey, the writer documents her love situation sweetly penned with love and heartfelt emotions. Seeing them take giant leaps into their lives desiring the best and devoted to love, it’s a pure read as they find peace and harmony evolving past imperfection. . .leading to seeing how they drove each other away forgetting about why they were together in the first place, losing sight on what’s real, but the writer penned, “sick of life and love’s games”, showing this story has taken a turn for the worst. It’s a gripping read although it’s just the first chapter.
In chapter two, Sinking and High Tides, it moves the story along nicely introducing the confusion yet feeling grounded in a relationship when the lines are blurred. The writer penned she felt reassured but was drowning in doubts losing all value of life. Then seeing her partner abusing vices to numb pain watching them destroy themselves to then see the destruction of her going unnoticed. With their cynical beliefs reflecting on her, it’s hard to separate who she is to who they want her to be. When resentment submerged them to be left in the past, she felt remorse seeing their love running its course. Questioning if they knew they were all she knew, revolving her world around them to function, to feeling stuck in-between loving them as they become a fond memory. It’s a heart wrenching and thought provoking section that incredibly displays emotions from the well penned pieces that collectively bring the reader on an intense journey.
In chapter three, Realisations and Sunsets, there’s learning the lessons moment present while not forgetting the journey. Learning more about herself being with him than alone, speaks volumes and will resonate with a lot of readers. Moving on to rediscovering and discovering parts of her, it’s an embraceful read. She mentioned she felt like there was nothing left to give, knowing ahead there’s thousands of paths to take. . .knowing she lost herself to live up to his standards and expectations in-turn became her greatest lesson. It’s a mature ending seeing her fall in love, losing herself then finding clarity after the end of this relationship, it’s truly an exceptional read.
Following a story of the honeymoon period to the confusing lows, the downfall, and self-reflection, Love and Let Go, is full of intriguing poems and prose with themes exploring the emotions and feelings of an intimate relationship that many will resonate with. Including excellent imagery of the sun and ocean bringing the story to life from being in love to getting out, overall being an elegantly penned story.
Elaine Stockdale is an Australian writer and poet from Gippsland, Victoria. She released her first full length poetry collection ‘Love and Let Go’ in late 2020. Her current projects include writing her second full length collection, and the development of a print magazine - which aims to showcase and support the work of poets and artists of the Oceania region. She has had her poetry featured in numerous RDW Poetry 365 anthologies, and will have some of her poetry featured in the upcoming Sunday Mornings at the River Anthology and Wow magazine February issue. She lives with her kids and two dogs in the countryside, she has a love for poetry, music, cups of tea, films, sports and the seaside.
Words by Danielle Holian
INTERVIEW
Tell us a bit about your writing background.
I’ve always had a love for writing. When I was a little kid I would write stories for fun. Then in high school I would write rap songs for fun because I was obsessed with Eminem and hip hop music. After high school I did a degree in Journalism (Sport), I did some internships and freelance work. I only just started writing poetry over the past few years. But I guess you could say longer, seeing as songwriting is a part of poetry. I wrote a few folky, pop type songs as a hobby while I was completing my degree. So yeah, writing has always been a thing for me, but poetry only became my focus and passion this past year.
Who or what inspired you to start writing?
Most of my writing is inspired by my own personal feelings and life experiences. Other poets, writers and music are huge inspirations too. When I was little my grandpa had a love for poetry and occasionally would recite poems out loud in front of me. Maybe that influenced me in some way without me realising at the time. My parents have a big love for music, so music has always been a big part of my life. I think poetry and music go hand in hand.
What influenced your debut poetry collection?
The idea of falling in love, the struggles of relationships and the acceptance of letting go when things don’t work out. My previous relationships - in particular my last serious relationship was a big influence. It’s a lot of love poetry, but not all are inspired by personal feelings or experience, some poems I wrote just thinking about love and its complexities.
How has your life in general influenced your work?
My personal feelings and life experiences play a big part in my writing. I try to be real and straight forward with my poetry. I also aim to be honest and raw; I want readers to instantly connect when they read my words. I want my poetry to resonate with people in a way that they have taken a piece of my heart away with them after reading.
And how to find the balance between writing about your own personal experiences and exploring topics that may not necessarily be autobiographical, but still speak to many people.
I’m not sure. I don’t really plan much. I just write whatever flows and whatever inspiration leads me to feel and write. I find that most of what I write starts when I think of a line, word or feeling I think and feel, then it just goes from there.
What makes a piece of your writing right to post on your instagram, versus the ones that stay in the book only?
I started posting on Instagram a few months ago just to get feedback on my poetry. It’s a great place to experiment and get an insight to what people like and don’t like so much. I discovered poetry prompts after a month on Instagram and did a lot more prompts than posting poems from my book. Now it is a mix of prompt pieces, book pieces and new ideas. If I really love something I’ve newly written I’ll share it. It’s good to see if its loved or not by others, especially when you believe in it so much yourself.
And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Try to intentionally write something every day, even if you can only manage a few lines. It gets the creative juices flowing and can trigger feelings that bring out some good ideas. Experimenting with different forms of poetry I think is important for developing your writing too. Also, believe in yourself and be true to yourself. No matter what happens or where you go in life, there is always going to be someone critical of you, but there will be a hundred more who love what you do, cheering you on.
Grab your copy of Love and Let Go, here.
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