Ipoh-based Amazon bestselling author, Michelle Ayon Navajas is set to unveil her next poetry book titled, “It Ain’t Winning If Without You” worldwide on August 15.
The upcoming release marks the 7th poetry book to her name after “After-Rain Skies: A Million Stars” (2019), “What If Snowflakes Don’t Fall In Winter” (2020), “Oh, Dear One!” (2021), “I Would Fly To Where You Are” (2021), “I Will Love You Forever, Too” (2021), and “After Rain Skies – Second Edition” (2022).
Ipoh Echo caught up with the amiable Filipino writer, blogger, educator and mother of four to get an exclusive sneak peek of her latest work.
To start with, she explained the significance of the book title: “This poetry collection is a testament to the challenges and difficulties we encounter daily and overcoming them with grace and composure. Living the life of our dreams and achieving our goals are sweeter and better when shared with our loved ones; it isn’t really winning without them.”
Thus, the main message that she would like to convey via this release is gratitude.
“Since this book is about gratitude, I am sharing the space and featuring a few of my poet friends’ works and some budding poets. This is something I haven’t done in my previous collection. It is my way of saying thank you to all my loyal readers and followers over the years; after all, it ain’t really winning without them,” she shared with Ipoh Echo.
“A part of this book is also dedicated to my father, who was my most significant influence in creative writing. I lost him many years ago and even before I got to publish my first book,” she continued.
Ideal for readers of all ages, it will be made available worldwide on August 15 via Amazon and Kobo on all platforms (ebook, kindle file, paperback and hardcover copies) with price ranges from 3 USD to 13 USD.
Michelle has penned 7 books in just 3 years – no mean feat.
“I’ve always been writing ever since childhood. Even when I wasn’t in the publishing industry, I’ve always kept writing one poem a day. I write anywhere, anytime. Now that I am into publication, I write more daily. And before I realise it, another poetry collection is on the way,” she enthused.
Reflecting on her journey in poetry writing, she recalled her father introducing her to the works of Shakespeare, Browning, Poe and other notable poets/authors.
“That sparked my love for literature, eventually leading me to a degree in journalism. Although I pursued a career in academia, having taught in different schools and colleges, my area of specialisation still revolves around creative writing, journalism and the like.
One of her past publications, “I Will Love You Forever, Too” seized the number 1 spot on Amazon and Kobo in less than 24 hours of its release.
“I Would Fly To Where You Are” and “After Rain Skies – Second Edition” also emerged as Amazon’s best-selling poetry books.
Along the way, her poems have been published in international literary folios such as Spillwords NYC and Masticadores USA, just to name a few.
Recently, the inspiring poet became a part of the ensemble of award-winning authors of the anthology, “Wounds I Healed: Poetry of Strong Women” by Gabriela Marie Milton, which is ranking number 1 on Amazon at the moment.
Here is her advice for budding poetry writers who are just starting out: “Never limit your imagination to your experiences. Go beyond. Write beyond what your eyes can see, beyond what your hands can touch, beyond what your ears can hear, beyond what your heart can feel, beyond what your mind can perceive and beyond what your soul can fathom.”
For more updates, check out her social media handles as follows:
Amazon Author Page: Michelle-Ayon-Navajas
Blog: michnavs – poetry by Mich
Instagram: @poetrybymich
Facebook: Poetry by Mich
Goodreads: Goodreads author Michelle_Ayon_Navajas
YouTube: Poetry by Mich
by Tan Mei Kuan
