Reader Views is very excited to have the opportunity to talk with Kimberley Stokes, author of Expressions of a Reflective Soul, a new book of poetry that examines a wide array of emotions related to the human experience.

Juanita: Thank you for joining us today Kimberley. You have penned a very compelling book of poetry that goes straight to the heart of real life struggles and triumphs. Please tell your readers the underlying theme of your book.

Kimberley: One can overcome anything through spirituality, love, faith and hope

Juanita: What was your inspiration for writing Expressions of a Reflective Soul?

Kimberley: My goal in writing the book was to provide something that would serve as a resource for people who are trying to deal with adversity and the challenges of life, as well connect with the happiness and joy of successes.

Juanita: Is this your first book and how long was it in the making?

Kimberley: Yes, this is my first attempt at having a book published. I have been writing poetry for about 10 years and had one poem included in a coffee table book. I seriously thought about putting the poems in a book form about five years ago and it took about four years to actually put the book together.

Juanita: Tell us more of the variety of emotions you write about.

Kimberley:

Acceptance, Amusement, Anger, Anticipation, Apprehension, Awe

Bitterness, Boredom

Calmness, Comfort, Contentment, Confidence, Cool, Courage

Depression, Disappointment, Disgust, Desire, Delight

Elation or Euphoria, Embarrassment, Envy, Ecstasy

Fear, Friendship, Frustration,

Gratitude, Grief, Guilt, Glee, Gladness

Hate, Happiness, Honor, Hope, Humility

Joy, Jealousy,

Kindness

Loneliness, Love, Lust

Missing Someone, Modesty

Nervousness, Negativity, Nostalgia

Pain, Patience, Peace, Phobia, Pity, Pride

Rage, Remorse, Repentance, Rapture

Sadness, Shame, Shyness, Sorrow, Shock, Suffering, Surprise

Terror

Unhappiness

Vulnerability

Wonderment, Worry

Juanita: You really have addressed quite an impressive range. There really is something here for everyone. Why do you think reading poetry of such a deep emotional nature can touch us so profoundly?

Kimberley: Because it centers around a wide range of emotions and most can relate to the story being told.

Juanita: How important is it to be reflective, and then to have an outlet for expression?

Kimberley: Very good question. It is important to be reflective because you learn from yourself and gain a better understanding of your soul. Having an outlet to express yourself is always needed so you can release those emotions instead of holding them inside.

Juanita: Who should read your book?

Kimberley: The book is appropriate for people over 15, gender doesnt matter. I attempted to include a variety of poems so that any reader can relate to some, if not all of the poems.

Juanita: Please tell us the meaning behind the interesting cover of Expressions of a Reflective Soul.

Kimberley: The cover is actually a replication of my wedding invitation, along with the poem on page.. My husband provided the artwork and I provided the poem. The picture shows my husband and me as children with an image of us as husband and wife portrayed in the form of shadow. The poem explains the meaning in more detail.

Juanita: You have been writing for many years. Please share with your readers a little of your writing career.

Kimberley: I started writing when I was in high school as a way to help myself through difficult times, but that was very personal and not for sharing. When I was in college I had the opportunity to be the sports editor for the school newspaper, The Jambar, and found that I enjoyed writing. I continued in the field, working for a local weekly newspaper and later became the Managing Editor of the Jambar. By then I had changed my major to Marketing and Advertising Art in the College of Business.

Juanita: Your writing style has been characterized as expressive and to the point. Would you agree and can you elaborate?

Kimberley: Yes I describe a lot in a few words and keep you interested because I dont waste time with fluff

Juanita: You really have a strong voice when it comes to emotions that many people can not even pinpoint. Where does this clarity come from?

Kimberley: I am often inspired to write a poem when someone tells me about a situation or circumstance in their life. I react to the emotion I feel from what they say and what I sense from their body language and feel from their soul and am motivated to write about it. Sometimes it takes five minutes other times it might be days. The clarity that you speak of is what I consider to be a gift. I really cant explain how I am able to connect the emotions to words, it just happens.

Juanita: What do you hope your readers take away from reading your book?

Kimberley: That they are not alone and He will get you through anything if you believe.

Juanita: Thank you for talking with us today Kimberley. You truly have a gift for writing poetry. Please let your readers know how they can get in touch with you, and share any last thoughts you may have.

Kimberley: My personal website is still in production. I have a temporary website available using my permanent domain www.reflectivesoul.com

I would like to thank everyone for supporting me and remember to always believe in love, faith and hope.