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DOUBLE HAPPINESS: POETRY BOOK WITH ART, AND 100% DONATION TO WAR CHILD.
The Girl Who Didn’t is the debut creative non-fiction book by Paloma Gaskin. It’s a genre-defying self-help memoir presented as a poem, where each line begins with the same four words of the title. It unpacks the complexity of relationships and situations, we will all meet in life, with sincere truth. Paloma Gaskin is also the artist of 22 black and white line drawings, accompanying the poetic storylines. Nurturing art makes The Girl Who Didn’t stand out! The paperback and ebook are both newly launched, and 100% of sales proceeds are being donated to the children’s charity War Child.
What is the reason for using repetition in the poem and how effective is it for storytelling?
I don’t often use repetition in my writing, but it’s apt for the self-enquiry I’m encouraging in the reader (through it’s usage). Repetition is quite effective for emphasis and clarity. I could almost hear a song that started with The Girl Who Didn’t and going round in a circle, a different person answers. The act of celebration, in acknowledging repeated resilience, revolves around these four words.
What was your process for defining the art collection? It’s next-level creative non-fiction.
Creativity is the life force. It’s expansive, and the energy that makes everything vibrant. I played around with a few ideas, but in the end, the only style that could take me to the finish line made itself clear. I mean, 22 separate but cohesive works of art, is a big ask for any artist! In the most chaotic situations, I find black and white art to be instantly soothing. I love being in the zone.
What are the central themes of The Girl Who Didn’t and how do all they relate to the art?
I don’t know how it is for others, but a recurring motif that shocked me was around the lack of acknowledgement I gave myself. I rarely if ever, gave myself credit for significant achievements, especially when judged by perceived societal standards. It’s great not to take oneself seriously, which is my MO, except there are landmark times when it’s of vital importance to recognise and reinforce the benefits of personal resilience. It’s become a buzzword but resilience is an inner fortification, we build up through growth from life challenges. Art can convey a thousand words.
What did you learn while writing the book, and were there any surprises?
The biggest surprise was when I was able to refine multiple stories of lived experience into a single line of poetry. I struggled to write stories like I used to, due to cognitive degeneration after ‘that virus’ caught me a couple of weeks before the first national lockdown. I actually stopped being able to create even artwork physically, which I find easier than writing. But my mind kept creating, defiantly. It was an amazing experience, despite the hallucinations of infection. The first book I envisioned, is still waiting. The poem jumped the queue because it was relatively easier to create.
What inspired you to donate all your book sales proceeds to War Child?
I was born during curfew in the midst of civil war. My father had guns aimed at him at several checkpoints, simply trying to get my mother in labour, to the hospital in time to deliver me. So, no wonder I’m a born pacifist. My heart goes out to all children caught in the crossfire of conflicts.
Thanks to Paloma Gaskin for an intriguing conversation. If you want to know more, or make contact and, follow her for updates and offers, don’t hesitate to do it. Buy The Girl Who Didn’t on Amazon worldwide now, and leave reviews so others will make a beeline to be doubly happy too!!
Amazon Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Didnt-paloma-gaskin/product-reviews/B0CPWXR7KT
Goodreads Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/review/new/203581455-the-girl-who-didn-t
Book Website: https://gaskinpaloma.wixsite.com/tgwd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paloma.gaskin
