Just American News recently got a chance to interview Alexis Levine in regard to her book Tears and Roses. We got insights into her writing process, her poems and much more!
Q1. Welcome! How are you doing?
I’m doing quite well! Thanks for asking.
Q2. Please tell our readers about your new poetry collection Tears And Roses. The title itself is wonderful!
Thank you! The title was actually made to reflect the interplay between sadness and love and the bittersweet nature of human emotions. This collection is a deeply personal one that explores themes of grief, mental health, love, and heartbreak. My goal with this collection is to connect with readers on an emotional level, offering them a sense of understanding and hope amidst their own struggles.
Q3. Any favorite poetry of yours that you would like to share with our readers? Also, who are your favorite poets?
My favourite poem by myself is one of my unpublished ones that I wrote for my soul dog:
I paint your picture in my memory, hoping it will never fade away
I wish to see you full of life, with a wagging tail and your big round eyes once more
But all I can do is sit at your grave, think of where you are
Your paws left prints on my heart, a bond that time cannot erase
In the quiet moments, I hear your bark, a ghostly echo of better days
Your playful spirit, your loving gaze, now only memories in a frame
I remember the way you’d curl beside me, a comfort like no other
The way you’d greet me at the door, as if we’d been apart forever
Now there’s an emptiness, a silent space where your joy used to be
I light a candle at your grave, whispering to the wind
Hoping somehow you can hear, my love that has no end
In dreams, you come to me, vibrant and free, but morning takes you away
Though you’re gone from this world, you’ll live on in my heart
Your spirit running wild and free, in a place where we won’t part
Until we meet again, my friend, I’ll hold you close, in memory, you’ll stay
and my favourite poet is probably Yung Pueblo.
Q4. Any writing mantra or daily ritual that you follow in order to stay creative?
I believe in staying true to my emotions when writing, my mantra is “write what you feel, not just what you know,” because genuine emotions resonate most with readers. To stay creative I like to look at alternative storylines for my books and try to focus more on character building.
Q5. What’s next? Which book or project are you working on now?
Right now, I’ve completed about seven more books and am working on plans to publish them. My next project is a poetry collection titled Melancholy of Souls, which I hope to release next year. It delves even deeper into themes of human emotion, exploring mental illness,grief and the quiet strength found in vulnerability. I also aim to publish a few other books next year and continue sharing my work with readers in the years to come.
Q6. Finally, as we ask all our guests on Jukebox Mind, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
My closing thought is this: Your mental health matters, no matter your age, race, or gender. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Be kind to yourself—you’re worth it.
About the author: Alexis Levine is a passionate author who began writing in 2022. With a growing portfolio of 10 books and over 200 poems, Alexis explores themes of mental health, love, and heartbreak. Her debut poetry collection, Tears and Roses, published recently, delves into the raw and complex emotions of grief, healing, and relationships.
Order your copy from Amazon now: Tears and Roses
