Interview with Natalie Nascenzi, author of Out Of Chaos

1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hey there! I’m Natalie! I’m a poet, copywriter, and author living in Manhattan, New York City.

But I’m also a sunrise enthusiast, sunset chaser, word collector, ukulele player, and amateur astrophysicist. Oh, and a veggie lover, big-time science geek, and the neighborhood bird lady. (Team #feedthebirds !)

I’m a total word nerd. My love for alliteration, word play, and rhyming patterns is displayed loud and proud through my writing style. If you’re interested in “dancing with words” then you’ve found the right poet! I like to believe that a sentence is like a symphony…to which the words should dance; with each other, off of the page and around in your mind. 

My goal is to inspire others, promote hope, and deliver the message: No matter what you go through, you are not alone. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and a shoulder to lean on.

You can follow me on Instagram: @nncenzi
or reach me at nnascenzi147@gmail.com

2. What inspired you to start writing poems?

I’ve always been a writer. It’s in my bones. When I was younger I loved writing poems but somehow I fell away from it. My love for words led me to pursue a career in advertising as a copywriter, but I continued to write short stories and prose as a hobby.

Then, chaos happened. Poetry fell back in my lap. Through a series of wonderful chance encounters, I was inspired to continue writing poetry (but that whole story is in my book!) Here’s the main message everyone!! Fate always finds a way to bring you back to where you’re meant to be!!

3. What do you hope your readers take away from your book “Out Of Chaos”?

My greatest hope is that my readers are inspired to do the thing they’ve always been afraid to do. I hope they find that no matter what they go through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is always hope. Above all, they are not alone in any hardship they may face.

My goal is to connect with each and every reader on a personal level and deliver the message: Out of any chaos, there is change. There is hope. There is victory.

4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

You can usually spot me wandering the streets, making friends with strangers, or writing in random spots all over New York City.

OR, I’m seeing the sun somewhere, playing my ukulele, and learning about physics. Mostly, I find places to sit around the city to read and think. I love to lay in the park and watch the clouds pass.

5. Which is your favorite poem from your book and why?

Ahh!! I like all of them for different reasons. Usually, I’ll get a random poem stuck in my head (kinda like a song!) and that will be my favorite poem for like, a week.

Right now, I have two poems stuck in my head “The Inverted City” and “The Duality of Selves”

The Inverted City is very special to me! I consider it the turning point in my entire poetic journey. The story of this poem and it’s importance is in the back of my book! So, when you read it, you’ll find out!!
Hint: It was inspired by a painting 🙂

The Duality of Selves is just stuck in my head lately. Not sure why!

6. What is your favorite Quote?

“If you remain calm in the midst of great chaos, it is the surest guarantee that it will eventually subside”
-Julie Andrews

7. What are you working on next? Are you planning to release another book soon?

Another book?Hmmm…Maybe. Who knows what’s next!!

Other than that, I’m working on a few side projects with ii Publishing! They are currently accepting submissions so if you’re interested in becoming an author, hit them up on Instagram! @iipublishing

8. Who are your favorite living poets?

My favorite poets are the ones I’ve met throughout my poetic journey. They are all exceptional writers and people!! Here are a few: Tonii (@tonii2eyes), Donavan McNeil (@macadonbk), TJ McGowan (@theeverydaybite), Kira Stephens (@Words4food) and Dara Kalima (@kaliskamera)!

9. How do you come up with the cover of your book “Out Of Chaos”?

The cover is one of my favorite stories of making Out of Chaos! Tonii, founder of ii Publishing, and I were sitting at my favorite coffee shop brainstorming ideas for a cover.

I was throwing out the CRAZIEST ideas (all of which were definitely not possible). We were having a blast laughing at all my wild ideas. Then, Tonii opened his iPad to show me some of his ideas. His background caught my eye (it was an image very similar to the cover now.) He said it was his original artwork.

In that moment, we both KNEW it was perfect.

The cover is mean to be art. That’s why there is no title! The image is an abstract interpretation of the sun over the ocean and it represents duality. It’s colorful (like me!) but it demonstrates the juxtaposition of darkness and light. Not only is this cover extremely symbolic in many other ways, it’s downright… REALLY pretty!!! So, shoutout to Tonii for his amazing art!

10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish poetry?

This is my favorite thing to say to everyone:

Don’t be discouraged by the setbacks. Any challenges and obstacles that you face will make you stronger, but only if you refuse to let them hold you back or stop you from reaching your dreams. It sounds cliche’ but trust me when I say, absolutely anything and everything you put your mind to is POSSIBLE. 

ABOVE ALL, never stop writing.