BOOK REVIEW
“Deal with it before it deals you the life you never wanted”
The Remains of Burning, is a heartfelt read of a story told through poetry written by Lauren Lott.
Throughout the book, it’s clear to see in writing each piece the intention was to bring forth that which heals. She offers words for when you thought something would never happen, happened; words for when you feel all you have is the remains of burning.
The Snatch of Flame shows the burnout with topics of losing a loved one, death of a dream, and the line between the before and after.
The Conling of Coals has an awakening moment in the absence of flames.
The Value of Ashes understands everything is of value, with courage that greif folds into gratefulness.
There’s thought-provoking wordplay engaging storytelling resonating pieces that bring pain alive in a safe manner. The emotional depth of certain poems makes this book an outstanding read with powerful pieces that trigger feelings to arise; although there’s no poem titles, the poems run on a story acting like a complete story told through poetry.
The poetry is purposefully placed to align an incredible collection to create this masterful book. Profoundly personal, the intimate poetry explores destructive situations to weave survival while the endearing sentiment is front and centre.
Going from pain to growth and everything in-between, this is a fantastic progression with a steady read on empowering, courageous, and reflective poetry with a lot of growth. It’s an emotional roller-coaster of a read from beginning to end, but a worthwhile read.
She notes, “this version of me would not have arrived any other way,” showing growth and understanding on a journey documented effortlessly throughout, The Remains of Burning.
Words by Danielle Holian
INTERVIEW
Tell us a bit about your writing background.
I was one of those kids who journaled a lot. I didn't know it at the time, but daily journal writing was what helped me to make sense of the world and myself. I used to love reading the lyrics to songs from the inserts of Cd's, and took to songwriting (only attempting it) until I fell into Children's fiction. Having written two 'yet to be published' manuscripts, I gravitated towards poetry. I love the way it takes on many forms and is perfect for sharing with others.
What, or who, inspired you to start writing?
For me writing is an impulse. Inspiration comes from many places (books, films, nature,songs, experiences). There are two many authors and creators that have inspired me to name.
And what influenced your poetry book The Remains of Burning?
'The Remains of Burning' was written in reflection of a difficult time in my life. My family suffered when a significant relationship broke down. This event was totally unforeseen and impacted every facet of our lives (financial, social, planned future). Whilst dealing with intense emotional and psychological distress, poetry is the only thing I could read, and write that helped process the pain. Some of the poems in the book were written during this time.
Your new project 'A Strong and Fragile Thing' was announced and is coming soon, what can you tell us about that?
A collection created to revive, ‘A Strong and Fragile Thing,’ musings in reflection of the wisdom and wonder found in the natural world, is divided into 4 sections: sky winks, earth bodies, water faces and weather voices, that explores the beauty and diversity in and beyond our planet.
What makes a piece of your writing right to post on your Instagram, versus the ones that stay in the book only?
The poems I share on Instagram are often ones that need little context. When I am writing to a certain theme, it is sometimes hard to understand the meaning of an individual poem as a stand alone piece. I also steer clear of sharing long form poetry on social media.
And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A few things. 1) You don't need anyone's permission to write and publish. 2) All writers are aspiring writers. Aspiring means 'eagerly and ambitiously aiming for something'. I am always aiming to hone my craft and learn as much as I can about writing/publishing. 3) There will be times when you will be discouraged and some days your writing will suck, keep going regardless. 4) Writing is brave work, write brave words.