Ask the Author: Alicia Cook
Answered Questions (11)
Alicia Cook
Thank you so much! Track 77 means a lot to me, so I love that it’s one you connected with. It was actually originally written to be a spoken word component in a hip hop song in 2019.
I tend to use slashes or dashes when I want to keep the reader inside the moment rather than giving them a full stop or a clean breath. Line breaks can offer pause or reflection, but dashes let the thought keep racing forward. When I’m writing about mental health especially, that feels truer to the experience: the way thoughts collide, cut each other off, or spiral without warning. That's also why I love repetition too.
For me, those dashes mimic the internal pacing of anxiety or urgency. You don’t get to rest yet, because the speaker doesn’t either.
I’m really glad you noticed that choice, and even more glad the poem stayed with you. Thank you for reading so closely.
I tend to use slashes or dashes when I want to keep the reader inside the moment rather than giving them a full stop or a clean breath. Line breaks can offer pause or reflection, but dashes let the thought keep racing forward. When I’m writing about mental health especially, that feels truer to the experience: the way thoughts collide, cut each other off, or spiral without warning. That's also why I love repetition too.
For me, those dashes mimic the internal pacing of anxiety or urgency. You don’t get to rest yet, because the speaker doesn’t either.
I’m really glad you noticed that choice, and even more glad the poem stayed with you. Thank you for reading so closely.
Alicia Cook
In 2016, my self published book (first edition of Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately) was selling well on its own. A lit agent reached out to me, offered to represent me. We then sent a book proposal to my now-publisher. They re-published Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately and my 3 other poetry books.
Alicia Cook
Hello! Yes it's a series.
The third and final installment comes out in January!
The third and final installment comes out in January!
Alicia Cook
Hello! Yes. I actually have a short (fictional) story published in this anthology! https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/sho...
Alicia Cook
Yes! I do. Do you?
Alicia Cook
I am sorry I am just seeing this. I never got an alert!! My favorite book of all time is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Close second is the play OUR TOWN. If you are looking for more poetry though, check out JR Rogue or Sylvia Plath. They are my two fave poets :)
Alicia Cook
I am sorry I am just seeing this. I never got an alert!! I'm so glad you like the mixtape concept! It was so fun to execute!! My next one that comes out in June is designed like a vinyl record!
Alicia Cook
I wanted to do MORE in regards to the heroin epidemic. My articles had gained worldwide readership and I was helping people by connecting with them on an emotional level. But I wanted to do more. I had dinner with my aunt (her daughter, my cousin, died from a drug overdose) and she mentioned an organization that helped her and my uncle through the loss of their child to an overdose. The Willow Tree Center helps families where addiction is present at NO COST to them. They are a true NOT FOR PROFIT. So, I compiled prose I had been writing anyway (not related to addiction), and worked around the clock for two weeks and did a surprise release. I even drew my own cover. The mixtape theme just seemed like a natural fit because I love hip hop and music in general is so entwined in my writing style. It has sold beyond my wildest dreams honestly. And every penny is going to the Willow Tree Center.
Alicia Cook
Connecting to my readers. I have forged such great relationships with many of them. I write prose, yes, but my articles are focused on the heroin epidemic and its direct effect on the family unit. Because of the sensitive nature and rawness of my pieces, many people have reached out to me because they saw themselves in my words. To know I made even a small difference in someone's day, makes me week.
Alicia Cook
I don't write creatively when it doesn't flow naturally. yes, that can get frustrating BUT if I were to "force" my words, they would lose their sincerity - and that is what connects to my readers - the realness of what I am saying. To get the juices flowing I drive around and listen to MUSIC, a line or bass line will inspire me. There are times I am expected to deliver work though - for my full time job or a blog. When I am on a deadline and have to write something (vs. prose), I put on Christmas music - no matter the time of year - and I meet my deadline.
Alicia Cook
Currently, I am being filmed for the PBS documentary series Driving Jersey/Here's the Story. They are documenting my efforts to combat the heroin epidemic through my writing and networking. The episode is slated to air late 2016. I am also participating in a June writing prompt exercise and posting those pieces on my Instagram (@thealiciacook) account. And of course, I am always thinking about my next book. Plus, I work full time as Director of Communications for a college in NJ!
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