The Bones in the Garden (and other things found there) received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Elizabeth Michaud.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of my book is The Bones in the Garden (and other things found there). The paperback version was published first on Sept 5, 2024, and then followed by the e-version on Sept 10, 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
The first line of the book is: “An ancient witch stirs darkened brew….”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
This is a book of poetry that speaks to the passions of my heart: black history and social injustice, the celebration of love and the heartache of loss, and all the little things in between that constitute the reflections of a life—the random things we ponder, the things that scare us, the things that make us laugh and smile and feel alive.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
This collection has a strong focus on black history and culture. Too often I have felt that our story is not so much overlooked, but underfelt. I wanted to take an opportunity to breathe emotion in to the stories that we have talked about but that perhaps others do not feel or understand as intimately as black people do. Additionally, I feel that given the current climate where our history is trying to be dismissed, poetry is an important vehicle to make sure our stories are told and immortalized.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I like to use poetry as a vehicle to express art through words. If someone is a lover of poetry and words as art, this is the book for them. I express myself using both rhyme and free verse, and the joy of the storytelling comes from the creative use of language to express rich ideas or emotions. My intent with the verses I share is to evoke strong emotions that will linger with the reader long after they are done reading the book.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is my second collection of poetry. My first, Five Dreams, is also an award winner, and broaches a myriad of subjects as well.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a high school French teacher, though in the past I have also taught Spanish. I love teaching world language; it’s an opportunity for students to learn about the world around them without having to leave the classroom and engage with words and language different from their own.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie author is the complete and total control that you have over your work. My work is my vision, and I am able to share it as I see fit. The hardest part of being an indie author is that you are solely responsible for the success of your work, so that means you have to be willing to put in the work. Sometimes I do feel bogged down by the enormity of it all; however, I am thankful for this experience. I am more social because I am trying to sell my books, and I meeting tons of new people and making new friends. It has been well-worth it.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
I think the most important piece of advice is to just keep at it, especially if you are new and just starting out. This is an experience filled with highs and lows, so it is imperative to take the good with the bad and keep on striving to meet your goals.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
The idea of legacy is very motivating for me. I would like to leave a legacy for my children, one that they can be proud of and hopefully, provide some additional financial support as they need it as they go on with their lives.