Today I’m happy to introduce you to my writing friend, Jamie Trunnel. We met at She Speaks 2017, then again in 2018 for a one-on-one meeting in St. Louis, MO. I love Jamie’s heart for God and people. She is a talented writer, photographer, poet and blogger from Iowa.
Author Interview: Jamie Trunnel
Jamie, please tell us about your books.
There are two books in the Gift4Today poetry series: Gift4Today: Poetry Out of the Ordinary (vol. 1) and Simple Wishes (vol. 2). Each poem includes the full color photograph which inspired it. Also available is A Cup of Tea, featuring a sample of poems from the larger volumes and black and white photos.
What is the poetry series about?
The Gift4Today poetry series is about encouraging a slower pace, mindfulness, and gratitude. Distractions and difficulties in life often cause us to overlook the little blessings right front of us. The photos and poems in these books remind us not to rush past the ordinary. They help us appreciate our present moments and connect meaning to what we see. By deliberately looking for gifts in each day we can heighten our sense of gratitude and joy.
What led you to write the books?
I did not intentionally set out to write poetry. My youngest child had just started college, and I was adjusting to a newly empty nest. In order to remind myself of all the things I had to be grateful for, I started taking photos of blessings or gifts I saw during the day. Many of these I discovered on my walks through the woods. Others I found on outings around town, in our home, or on trips we took.
One day on a walk, I photographed a tree trunk someone had cut into the shape of a chair. I watched as a mother sat her child on the “chair” to pose for a photo. As I marveled at the creativity and kindness someone showed by cutting the tree trunk this way instead of just straight across, the words of a poem formed in my mind. Connecting the blessing of this tree trunk with a poem made me smile, so my gratitude practice evolved to include poetry whenever it presented itself.
How would you describe your poetry and its audience?
Some of my poems are reflective and serious, and others are whimsical and funny. Some inspire and others empathize. There are poems about animals, surprises, sunrises, birthdays, flowers, childhood, church bells, cities, sculptures, coffee houses, people, and so many other things.
My readers tell me they like my poetry because they can understand it and relate to it. Often, while reading my books, people discover poems they know will touch a friend so they purchase another copy and bookmark those pages with a message. Other people use the books as get well gifts because people can read a little bit at a time and feel encouraged. A nurse once purchased them for her co-workers as Christmas gifts.
All the profits from the sale of my books are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with gratitude for the work they do.
My Review of Jamie Trunnel’s Books
I love writing and reading poetry, and Jamie’s poetry is wonderful. It’s a treat to have a picture with every poem. You can look at the image, pause and place yourself in it, and then link the words to the picture. This creates a soothing, meditative feeling. You can escape your troubles for a moment and focus on an uplifting or encouraging thought.
Gift4Today is a charming collection of poems and images. Jamie studies nature and draws simple, applicable lessons from her observations. She helps you become wiser with a wink and a smile. Several poems literally made me smile as I read them. The book has beautiful perspectives on slowing down and enjoying your life in everyday moments. The poems are fun and uplifting. My favorite one is “Garden Friends,” in which Iris and Hydrangea have an interesting conversation.
Simple Wishes holds inspiration on every page. I especially liked the poems “Quiet,” “Water” and “Whole.” They are short poems written in approachable, everyday language. Even people who are wary of poetry will find encouragement in this book. The poems are whimsical, tinged with nostalgia, and full of references to nature.
You can find more about Jamie Trunnel’s books and blog posts on her beautiful website, A Scriptured Life.
Jamie Trunnel also has a thriving Twitter page with lovely graphics. She also posts regularly on Instagram. I encourage you to follow her at both places and on her Facebook page as well!
Author Interview: Jamie Trunnel of @ascripturedlife. She's a talented poet, photographer and blogger. #amwriting #christianauthor #indieauthor #poetry Click To Tweet
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