BOOK REVIEW
“I must make a prayer of poetics, the language that does not have words that cannot be used.”
Em(body)ment of Wonder, retraces the path Tanya Sangpun Thamkruphat has travelled with notes on what she learned along the way.
Opening the book with ‘Depression is a Foreign Word’ describing how her mother tongue has a word for this but does not speak it for it is taboo to leave her lips, it’s a thought-provoking masterpiece introducing the reader on what will be an excellent journey.
There’s a mix of short and long form pieces, it’s an engaging quick read that will leave the reader inspired while showcasing a season of growth.
Although there’s a lot of weight to the reading, there’s many points in the book that lighten the suffocating feeling many will resonate with knowing it’s not as isolating as the trauma makes it out to be.
There’s truly a comfort felt throughout the book. With a sense of purpose alongside the depression discussions, during the poem ‘Freedom’, it’s an inspiring read when read as an affirmation, including lines of, “freedom is writing your own definitions.”
From the beginning to the end of reading, Em(body)ment of Wonder, it feels like a breath of fresh air full of healthy reminders in self-care and self-love that a lot of will need from time to time. There’s a lot of empathy, grace, maturity, kindness, and open-mindness present that makes the entire book a pleasurable read.
Tanya Sangpun Thamkruphat has been a writer of many facilities for over a decade. From entertainment journalism to technical writing, her journey as a writer has found a new path in poetry and personal essays. Between penning new work and adoring Hello Kitty, she still manages to find time to dye her hair hues as varied as a sunset.
Words by Danielle Holian
INTERVIEW
Tell us a bit about your writing background.
I became interested in creative writing around sixth grade. My first real experience with poetry was at that time. I entered a Mother's Day poetry contest, which was sponsored by a local jewelry store and won second place. After that, oddly, I didn't enter into any more poetry contests, but I did enter essay contests throughout high school (winning a couple of them) but I didn't steadily write until well after college. In 2004, I started freelance writing as an art, culture, and entertainment writer. I wrote for publications like Bangkok Post, Fah Thai Magazine, The Orange County Register, the now-defunct OC Weekly, and Asiance Magazine. In 2010, I decided to try my hand at personal essays and had one published, front cover, of The Orange County Register, and then went on to have a couple more published in anthologies. Around that time, I entered into technical writing and that's what I currently do today as my day job. Around 2015, I returned to my first love: poetry. I've written a lot of poetry since then. In 2018, I was one of the winners of Button Poetry's first Short Form Poetry Contest. Fast forward to the present day, EM(BODY)MENT of WONDER, my poetry chapbook, will soon be released! Writing, creative or technical, has been a huge part of my life.
What, or who, inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired at a young age, after reading Shel Silverstein's books I borrowed from the school library. I was floored by his writing, his humor, and how he was able to weave together words and create miniature worlds and stories. It was fantastic and inspiring. Also, the Thai language inspired me. At a young age, my mom taught me how to read, write, and speak Thai, my mother tongue. A lot of the words and phrases in the Thai language are very much poetic and sing-songy; whenever I think of the Thai language, I want to write poetry, essays, and stories that capture that essence.
And what influenced your poetry book EM(BODY)MENT OF WONDER?
The poems were heavily influenced by personal life events. They were written mostly to gently remind me of what I experienced, who I was, who I am, and who I could become.
How do you find the balance between writing about your own personal experiences and exploring topics that may not necessarily be autobiographical, but still speak to so many people?
A very difficult task at times, for sure! As anyone who writes knows, you always grow as a writer, so I am still learning to find that balance. Usually, I ask myself, after I have written a poem, whether it would be relatable to readers. Is the experience too specific that it becomes lost on the reader? One thing I have learned is that, yes, there may be experiences that a reader can relate to, but it's the emotions, reactions, and thoughts about the experience that truly connects the writer and the reader.
What makes a piece of your writing right to post on your Instagram, versus the ones that stay in the book only?
Another good question! I don't have personal guidelines on how I choose poems to post on Instagram versus what I leave in the book, to be honest. With that said, I post poems that resonate the most with me and, I hope, with readers/followers.
And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
The most important thing is to first and foremost write for yourself. Write because YOU are your number one fan. Also, remember that inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere. Enjoy life. Participate in other hobbies or activities, like listening to podcasts, reading, taking long walks and listening to music, taking road trips, running, doing yoga, etc. You cannot write stories if you don't experience life outside of writing, even if it's just a routine and hermit life, like mine! You never when one day in your daily routine something interesting might happen or you might come up with a great story or poem idea. Lastly, if you start to burn out, take a break from your writing. It will always be there. Your mental, physical, and emotional health are more important.
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