Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Morgan.
Hi Kirsten, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I think that the best way to introduce myself is to share about the things I love: my family and friends, spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and writing. Writing is something that I have always done to help me process the big and small things in my life. As a child, that looked like fictional stories written by my best friend. As I grew, the writings changed and, after a while, they were less like stories and more like poems. It was after surviving an abusive relationship, though, that writing became an outlet for me to search for healing.
I believe so much in the power of words, both written and spoken. The words of other authors, poets, and creatives were hugely impactful on me and my healing journey. On my worst days, I’d cling to the words of others as little mantras for the day.
Now, on the other side of healing, my hope is that my words and poems may act as a source of encouragement to others that are still navigating their dark seasons. It was with that in mind that my first poetry collection, “Words Like Water,” was born.
As a self-published author with no social media presence, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I published. My hope was sole that my words would reach the people that needed to read them.
It’s been just under a year now since “Words Like Water” was released and I have been absolutely blown away by the response it has received. There are so many emotions that I’ve navigated after having such a positive response to my poetry, but being thankful is at the top of the list.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the primary challenge that I have had to face is in finding a balance. I would love to write new poetry each day, but the reality is that I work a full-time job in addition to writing and creating content for social media.
To work in healthcare 40 hours a week, give 100% there, come home and take care of my responsibilities here, prioritize creating and writing, be engaged online, find time for a social life, spend time with my family, and take time to prioritize my mental health is very challenging.
I know that finding a balance is not unique to me. It’s something that we all navigate in some capacity, but that’s probably been my biggest challenge. I want to be productive, but I also have to let my mind and body rest.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a poet. I published my first collection of poetry, “Words Like Water” which journeys through Falling, Crashing, Rising, and Growing in October of 2021. Prior to publishing, I created a TikTok account, @kirstenmorgan.poetry, where I would read poems from my book and my page quickly began to grow. In addition to sharing my poetry, I shared the “why” behind my words. Sharing the story of the traumatic event that prompted me to write as a healing practice gained more attention than I ever dreamed it would.
After I quit crying about having 14 million people hear about the darkest season of my life, I realized what a unique opportunity that gave me. The heart behind sharing my poetry is that it would be like water to others, replenishing them on their journey towards healing. After sharing my story, I began receiving message after message about other people who had survived abusive relationships and how they felt less alone after hearing my story and after reading my poems.
It was then that I knew I was (and am) exactly where I need to be and I’m doing exactly what I am meant to do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t have a mentor and had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I first decided to publish. My advice would be to write down your goals, do your research, be consistent, and be genuine. I have so much room for growth in this industry so I won’t pretend to have all the answers. What I do know to be true, though, is that kindness matters.
I know very little about networking and social media algorithms, but I do know that I want the people that support me and my poetry to know how appreciated they are. This world is full of incredibly talented people so I don’t take it for granted that there are people who have chosen me to support them. Someone recently tagged me in a post that I’m her favorite author and I just don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
Pricing:
- $12.99 – Words Like Water via Amazon, B&N
- $19.00 – Words Like Water signed copy via Etsy
- $3.00 – Words Like Water bookmarks via Etsy
- $6.00 – Words Like Water print via Etsy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KirstenMorganPoetry
- Instagram: instagram.com/kirstenmorgan.poetry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kirstenmorgan.poetry
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirstenmorgan.poetry
Image Credits
Anna Duncan
