Marie Prichard is a longtime writer and educator. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her wife, their two wiener dogs, and a Munchkin cat. She loves reading, writing, walking the beach, and filling her wife’s pockets with heart rocks.

How does being a poet inform your views on expressing emotions through writing?

I have always considered myself a writer. I love language and find the ability to put my thoughts on paper cathartic. Writing poetry is especially healing. Poetry helps me express the depth of my emotions and allows me to write my truth of pain and healing more expressively than writing the facts.

What does it mean to you to be part of something like SMITTEN and have your work alongside other women who love women?

I am proud to be included in a book that represents the way women can love other women: gently, passionately, and completely. I feel that books like Smitten will help lift those who are struggling to accept themselves. I am excited to be a part of this collection of feminine voices sharing their truths to the world.Woman Motivational Quote Facebook Post(10).png

Did you ever want to be a voice for the lesbian/bi community? If so, why?

I spent many years living in an abusive heterosexual marriage. I did not think of myself as a voice for anyone at that time. However, I do now; My Way Home is representative of how I felt when I met my wife and fell in love with her, but it also extends to how I feel as a part of the lesbian/bi community.

Your poem in SMITTEN was excellent, why did you choose this particular poem and what did you hope it would convey to readers?

I came out as a lesbian much later in life so I believe my story might be different from others. I chose this poem because it shares part of the trauma I experienced while living in an abusive marriage and the restoration of self that came after. I hope to convey to readers a sense of my true healing when I finally found happiness and love after meeting my wife.

What can a ‘tribe’ of women standing together accomplish to make things easier for lesbians and bi women coming up through the ranks?

My coming out story is different from many other lesbians or bi women in the fact that it was much later in life. However, I still had to face many of the same issues; acceptance of myself and sharing my truth with others while overcoming any hurt along the way.

I was lucky in that I found a ‘tribe’ of women who supported me. I want to be a part of that same ‘tribe’ of women for others who are at the point of discovering who they are, whatever age they may be. My wish is for all lesbian and bi women to be able to come to a place of acceptance and find love, and as they do, I stand ready to welcome them with open arms.

SMITTEN is coming out late October, 2019 via all good book stores. Published by Indie Blu(e) www.indieblu.net 

Please consider supporting this project of over 120+ talented poets and authors by purchasing a copy of SMITTEN for someone who appreciates beautiful poetry. https://www.facebook.com/SMITTENwomen/

 

 

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