Interview with Donna Solitario Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to interview Donna M. Solitario, who is here to discuss her new book “Coming Home to My Heart; for Inner Peace.” Donna M. Solitario is a survivor of child abuse who ministers to others with insight and awareness on many issues. The author has many accomplishments; she is published in six anthology books, and has won six Editor’s Choice Awards. Donna has a Bachelor of Science in Human Service, a Certificate in Special Education, a Substance Abuse Certificate, and training in Domestic Violence. Donna Solitario taught special education for eight years. She is currently a GED Instructor for substance abusers through the court system in a treatment facility. She is featured in the new inspiring book “Dream Reachers” Authors Journalist Betty Dravis and Author and Mentor for The Student Operated Press, Chase Von. This book consists of celebrities and average people who have worked hard to make their dreams come true. The interviews consist of Icons such as: Clint Eastwood, Jane Russell, Ann Southern, Tanya Tucker, Ted Kennedy and several new and rising celebrities, authors, and poets. Donna is a Christian and lives a spiritual life. She has two grown children and four grandchildren. She ministers inspirations to her students and adults while being a good role model. Donna is a Poetry Ambassador and is listed in “Who’s Who in Literature.” She is the author of “Embrace the Light; a Woman’s Story Through Poetry to Touch Your Heart” and is currently writing her third collection of poetry, but today she is here to talk about her new second book, “Coming Home to My Heart; for Inner Peace.” Tyler: Welcome, Donna. I’m happy you could join me today. To begin, I understand “Coming Home to My Heart” offers a wide variety of poems about faith, hope, healing, family and many other topics. What would you say is the overall theme or purpose that holds these poems together?
Tyler: What inspired you to write “Coming Home to My Heart”? Donna: It was always in the back of my mind to write about my abusive childhood story. When I was a child and being abused, I was full of shame and anger. I really felt like the world let me down. As a youth and young adult, I turned to substances and relationships to fill the void inside my heart and soul. I wished for parents who loved and accepted me. When I became an adult, I got involved with unhealthy abusive relationships. This is because that was all I ever knew and really thought that it was normal to be treated that way. I healed through God’s grace and have forgiveness for my parents, and myself for the mistakes I made in my life as well. I wanted to help others either by being an example from the mistakes that I made, and/or to educate them so that they could gain insight and make healthy choices for themselves. I truly believe that it was my destiny to write my book to inspire others who suffered from child abuse and other adversities. For in forgiving others, we are forgiven and then relationships can heal. This brings inner peace to one’s heart and soul. I believe that God put that heart inside of us, and one day we will all come home to our hearts and be with our loved ones once more and God forever. Tyler: Why did you decide to write the book as a poetry collection rather than as short essays or an autobiography or some other genre? Why is poetry the best way to express the ideas? Donna: I had all the intentions of writing my book as an autobiography when I accidentally realized through my young adult students that I had a gift to write poetry. One day I passed a poem out to one of my at risk students who was feeling down. The next day I came to class, he showed me that he had made a beautiful card out of it. I was so surprised and happy to see it cheered him up. The next day I had several students at my classroom door asking me to write them poems. I began to write poems for them. Then I began to write poems about my life. This was something I always dreamed of. The students began to tell me that I had a gift to write as well as my colleagues. The feeling I got from this was wonderful. My students told me that they were very touched by my poems. Some of the students wanted to quit school because of issues they endured. Many of them graduated and thanked me for inspiring them. I was so touched that all I could think about was to touch every youth and adult that I possibly could with my poems. This is what brought me to write my first book “Embrace the Light; a Woman’s Story Through Poetry to Touch Your Heart.” It is an inspirational poetry book for youth and adults. This in fact brought me to my second book. I believe that it is God’s will for me to touch the hearts of others, so that they can recover and heal. I was amazed at how writing in verse and prose came so natural to me. Tyler: Will you share a passage or two from your poems with us so readers can get a taste for your writing? Donna: I would be happy to! “One Child Waits” A child waits
“Grasping Destiny” Take flight leave Tyler: Thanks, Donna. You paint a very clear picture of how children need love. Do you have a special fondness for children particularly in your poetry, and if so, why? Because you’re a teacher and parent? Donna: Thank you, Tyler, for acknowledging my strong beliefs of how our children need love. I think for me loving children made me want to be a parent and teacher. This is because of the joy and unconditional love children have always brought close to my heart. Yes! I am very fond of children. I believe that this comes from God. I was always close to Jesus and Mother Mary even as a young child. I had a dream when I was a child that Mother Mary came to me. I was crying from being abused and she told me not to cry. She went on to say that God had special plans for me, and that I would help many children in the world. She said that I was very special and I never forgot this. Even as a child, I would take care of my sisters since my parents were emotionally and at times physically unavailable. I spent time with a child with disabilities who lived on our street. I played school with my friend Dale and just loved it! I began working in the schools as a Substitute Teacher and loved working with the kids. I was so happy to give them support and love. It seemed that God put me with the children who had been abused in one way or another. My supervisor said to me once, you are the only substitute who will go to any school and work with any child or youth. I was only happy to give them extra love and support. I had such a great rapport with them. They loved my poems and I felt very blessed that I could inspire them with more love. To answer your question, Tyler, I believe again, that it comes from God. There are some things in life you just can’t explain; they just are. Such as “It is what it is” LOL. Thank you so much for asking that question though as it has brought back so many fond memories to me. I do miss working with the children. I love my job now too. It is with youth and adults and is also very rewarding to read poems especially to those who are in pain, struggling, and want to change their lives around. I would love to write a book for children on spirituality, acceptance, and love. I love my children very much and my four grandchildren I am so very blessed! I am there for my family, and I believe this is what the world needs today. To forgive those who hurt you and move on with love in your heart. Forgiveness and love I believe are the greatest healers that we can bring to one another. When you give acceptance and love you get so much more back. I believe this is God’s will for all of us and will lead us to eternity. Tyler: Donna, I’m always curious about how people write a poetry book. Did you write all the poems with the intention of including them in the book, or did you just really “collect” the poems together for the book? I guess I’m asking how the book is organized and how the idea for it began? Donna: The idea came to me a long time ago and it is such a dream for me to have accomplished writing it. I wanted to give a message of hope and love to my readers and everyone in the world, so that they can find happiness and freedom through the grace of God’s love. It is amazing how it all came together when I think about it. I began with asking God to guide me while writing my life story, so that it could inspire others. The rest seemed to follow. It was like building a house if you will. I needed a foundation and it could only start at the beginning. I began writing poems of memories of being an abused child. After that came the forgiveness for my family. I elaborated on the absolute importance of how children need a healthy loving home, and what a healthy home consists of. In addition I proceeded to write about my own life and the adversities I endured, such as: Repeating the cycle of addictions, including alcoholism and substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships. The poems just flowed from my heart to pen and paper. I went on with inspirations of how having God in my life made every difference in the world for inner peace. I also wrote inspirations about friends who were supportive. It showed the positive impact it had on my life. I wanted to show my readers, how each one of these friends touched me in a special way. I cannot say enough about the importance of a positive attitude and having a good support system. I added some collected poems I had written during this year such as: Motivational and Inspirational. I believe that each one was meant to be in my book. One of the spiritual poems is called “Mother Mary.” I put this up on my space and The Mother of Sorrows asked my permission to use it as a prayer for others at the Mother of Sorrows in Portugal. I felt very touched by this. I was also asked to be a mentor for abused women in a poetry forum. I wrote a few poems to inspire them. This is a project in memory of Nicole Brown Simpson. I was very honored to be a small part of this. I would have to say all of these things I was involved with this year added much light and love to my book, “Coming Home To My Heart.” I have been blessed to be able to be there for my children and grandchildren. This has brought much joy and happiness to my life. I wrote special poems for them in my book. I am grateful that they will be able to remember me by the beautiful poems I wrote for them. I also included beautiful love poems to honor healthy love relationships. I learned about the red flags of unhealthy relationships seven years ago and portrayed that vision for my readers. The end of my book, “Coming Home To My Heart; for Inner Peace” consists of inspirations with spirituality. I also included motivational poems to inspire youth and adults. I did this with the hope that they too can make their dreams come true, while fostering self-love and empowering themselves to come home to their hearts. Tyler: Donna, I’ve often heard that poets are born, not made. Do you think that’s true? Do you just have a natural poetic inclination? Donna: I often made up songs and poems in my cellar as a child. I believe that God gave me a gift that I am very grateful for. I think that one is born a poet. My grandparents were opera singers and my mother was a pianist and a singer. Tyler: Despite your obviously having grown up in a dysfunctional home then, would you say that their artistic talents influenced you? Although they were musicians, since poetry has rhythm, does it seem like a natural connection to music? Donna: Thank you for asking that question Tyler, I am sure that my musical upbringing had something to do with the gift of writing poetry. I remember how my grandparents sang in the church choir harmonizing beautifully together. They were wonderful people. I loved them dearly. They sang at weddings and society functions. My mother sang, taught, and played the piano. My three sisters and I would dress up in pretty dresses for guests and do the Cha-Cha, as Mom would play the piano. I would have to agree with you, Tyler, that music rhythm and poetry go very much together. I love to dance too and have a great love and appreciation for music. I thank my family for this. My Aunt Amanda who has passed since, wrote two hundred poems for children that I would love to publish in her honor some day. Tyler: Will you tell us about your writing process? How do you come up with your ideas and what is the journey from the idea to the final poem that is printed in a book? Donna: First, I get a feeling about something; then, I have a strong desire to put a meaning and inspiration to it. I like to end my poems with a positive note to foster faith, hope, love and encouragement. I like to write about many topics because I believe that poetry is life. I believe that writing poetry is a wonderful thing. I encourage my students to write poems. I get a special feeling before I write a poem, and I let it flow from there. When I write a poem for a friend, family member, or student I try to bring the best out in them. It is a great feeling to watch their eyes light up when they’re inspired. I follow my heart when I write my poems. I am very blessed that my poems come naturally to me. In response to your question Tyler, Yes! I believe that my musical upbringing has enhanced a natural connection for writing my poetry. Tyler: Will you tell us more about your students and poetry? What do you think are the benefits for your students of writing poetry? Donna: I would be happy to tell you more about my students and poetry and what I think the benefits are for my students writing poetry. First, I truly am blessed each time one of my students is inspired by one of my poems. I always try to bring out the positive things about my students to enhance their self-esteem. This enables them to see the world through different eyes. I think that many children and youth are reaching out for this. This is what I have been witnessing. Since God has been basically taken out of the classroom, many of the students tell me, that they wish he were put back into the classroom. They love the poems and just cannot seem to get enough of them. Our children and youth are very smart and realize the world needs to put spirituality back into the lives for all of us. To see students enter my classroom who are down, with many of the many issues they face today, they need something to hold onto for hope, faith, and love. Poetry seems to bring love and light back into their hearts again. This is extremely inspiring and rewarding as a teacher to see happen. Watching them grow and mature into happy individuals is a blessing to say the least. Many of the students want to write poetry, when they see the positive affects it has on me and the other students. I have saved the poems they have written and when I look at them it puts a smile on my face. I recently had a student who is trying very hard to stay off drugs and turn her life around say to me, “Ms. S. could you please help me write a poetry book?” She goes on to say, “Maybe I too can be a somebody.” This brought tears to my eyes. Currently I am working with her to put her collection of poems together. I am blessed every day, especially when one of my students is touched by the poetry we share together. I tell them about the triumphs, as well as the dedication it takes to write poetry books. I also show them my heart, and this is what really seems to make a memorable impression on them. Meaning they too can show their hearts and be who God intended them to be, successful and happy. The poetry has such a positive impact on them and to see them change from walking in the dark to embracing life in the light is like being in heaven. Tyler: I understand “Coming Home to My Heart” is a largely autobiographical poetry collection. Why did you feel the need to tell your own story rather than disguise yourself in the poetry? Donna: I wanted to tell my story to inspire others to find hope in their hearts so that they could find inner peace. Tyler: Donna, did you feel fear or reluctance to publish your poetry since it is self-revealing about your life and emotions, and if so, how did you overcome that fear? Donna: Yes! I was concerned and had some fear to reveal everything about my life, especially by revealing my parents. I never wanted to do anything that would make them feel uncomfortable about my childhood. I believe in my heart that others out there need to read my book so that they too can find love, peace, and healing. My mother is supportive of my book. I think that it takes away some of the guilt she has for the abuse. My father was a little more reserved; he told me if I have to do it then go ahead. So I prayed to God, and I got my answer. I believe that there is no room for fear, with faith in your heart and love for others in your soul. I reached out to others in the process of writing my book. I joined poetry forums with other poets who became my friends and they too supported my cause to write my book. I also joined myspace and made over six hundred friends. Many of them have supported me as well. My two grown children have also supported me as well as colleagues at work. Again, I truly believe that my book was meant to be… Tyler: One comment our reviewer William Phenn at Reader Views made was that your book was “wholesome and family-oriented” and didn’t resort to adult content or being graphic. Was that intentional on your part? Donna: When I wrote my book it came straight from my heart. I did not feel the need to add any adult content or to be graphic. My heart led the way, and God’s grace guided me through the entire writing process. Tyler: Donna, in terms of autobiographical poetry, I think of confessional poetry or works that are more graphic such as Sylvia Plath, but your work seems to take a less angry or explicit turn. Have any other poets influenced you? Donna: I have worked through the hurt and anger through counseling, Twelve-Step meetings, church, writing, and most of all God. When I realized that my parents were sick with a disease that could not give, all I could feel for them was empathy and love. I forgave them for myself. I believe that when we hang onto resentments from the people who have hurt us in our lives, we only hurt ourselves with it. Anger is toxic and you cannot love anyone with anger in your heart. I am very blessed but for the grace of God. The poets I have met online, who became friends of mine, have truly influenced me and I feel very grateful to know them. I enjoy sharing poems with them; we learn and grow together; it is such a blessing to know such wonderful people. Tyler: What would you say is the message or understanding you hope your readers will come away with after completing “Coming Home to My Heart”? Donna: To know that abuse is unacceptable and they have a right to a happy serene life. I would hope that my readers would know that it is their right to use their voices. To also know that if they need help to seek it either by: spiritual, professional, educational or self-help programs, and writing. To know that it is okay to feel their feelings, and that we are all human, and we all have a right to be here. The importance of forgiving others by turning to a higher power whether it is God, nature, self-love and others, to enable them to come home to their hearts for inner peace. Tyler: Donna, I understand “Coming Home to My Heart” is your second book of poetry. Will you tell us a little about your first book? I understand it has won awards and been quite successful. Donna: My first book “Embrace the Light; a Woman’s Story Through Poetry to Touch Your Heart” is a poetry book on inspirational poems, relationships, adversities, friendships, and love poems. Both my books have inspired children, youth, and adults. I believe that is a blessing from God. Tyler: Will you tell us about your plans for any future books, and do you plan to continue focusing solely on poetry, or will you write other types of books as well? Donna: At present I plan to write more poetry books. I have begun my third book and have collected thirty poems I recently wrote. I love poetry and write in a traditional manner so that my readers can understand my messages of empowerment, faith, hope, and love. I would love to write a book for children on love and faith. Another book I would like to write is for young adults for motivation and inspiration. Tyler: Thank you, Donna, for taking the time for me to interview you today. Before we go, will you tell us where our readers can go online to purchase a copy of “Coming Home to My Heart: for Inner Peace”? Donna: You’re welcome, Tyler! Thank you very much for having me here today. It was a real pleasure to meet you. My readers can go directly to my website: http://outskirtspress.com/DonnaSolitario Tyler: Thank you again, Donna, and best of luck with your poetry. I’m sure you’ll continue to inspire people.
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