Introduction
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Cirgnano, the author of “White Wine and Medical Marijuana.” Her book, “White Wine and Medical Marijuana,” is Julia’s first published collection of poetry.
In our conversation, we discussed how submitting to literary magazines helped build her brand and has helped shape it since. We also talked about her future goals, her writing process, and much more.
Read the interview below!
The Interview
Was there one defining moment that inspired you to become a writer?
There wasn’t a particular moment. I always enjoyed writing. When I was younger, I played guitar every day, so I started out by writing songs. I wrote songs for years, eventually majoring in creative writing with a music minor at Endicott College where I combined both of my passions.
Over the years, I stopped making music (although I occasionally pick up a guitar or play piano) and have focused on poetry. This wasn’t a conscious decision; just where my inspiration led me.
I think to be a creator in any form is all the same, in a way. My creativity has passed through painting, sketching, making music, and writing poetry, but it all feels the same.
I think to be a creator is to see the world in a certain way, and to use any given creative outlet to better understand life. I use my poetry to understand my life, and I also use my life to better understand my poetry.
My college thesis was a collection of poetry “White Wine & Medical Marijuana”, which I self-published after graduating. This 63-page collection of poetry was released in 2018 and was the best learning experience.
I had learned a bit about publishing at school, but a big part of the process in real life was self-taught. I learned a lot of about marketing and refining my brand through the process of self-publishing.
Have your literary magazine publications helped grow your brand?
Submitting and publishing my poetry to literary magazines has helped me discover my brand. I say “discover” because I believe everyone’s brand is within them, and we must learn how to bring that brand/vibe/personality into the physical world.
Sometimes when you’re stuck in your own world and your own writing, it’s hard to see a broader perspective and to understand how your writing stands out.
Researching different publications and reading poetry in general helped me to understand my own strengths and weaknesses, which helped me build my brand by leaning into my strengths.
The process of submitting my writing to literary magazines, chapbook contests, etc. is a vital skill to have in this industry. I learned so much about my writing, about marketing, and about shameless self-promotion through the tedious and often unforgiving world of submitting poetry.
I was the Managing Editor for Ibbetson Street Press for one issue a few years ago. This experience also gave me insight into the industry.
Would you say that your publications have served to define your brand?
I think publishing your work is important for many reasons. The process helped me solidify my brand, but I already have a general idea of my brand before I was ever published.
What types of imagery have inspired your current brand theme?
In the past, my poetry was inspired by darker feelings, cooler images, and ominous imagery but now my poetry is lighter and warmer. My writing still focuses on heavy/sad topics, but I think through my own growth, I’ve learned to give myself grace for my feelings.
For “White Wine & Medical Marijuana,” the cover and brand for the collection is dark and ominous. The cover is a black background with smoke. I also messed around with the imagery of my curly hair wild and unruly as the cover design.
Even though that cover didn’t make the cut, the concept and metaphor show up within the collection.
Where do you see your brand in the next 3 years?
It’s hard to answer that question because I don’t know who I will be in three years. I’m learning to honor who I am in the moment instead of reaching for a goal or trying to be something I’m not.
Since my brand feels so personal (and it must since my poetry is entirely about my experience) it’s always going to be ever changing and evolving as I do.
Following my authentic transformation is more important to me than keeping a consistent brand. The best way I can be authentic in my brand is to let it be what it needs to be in that moment, and evolving as gracefully as I can.
Another way I think about it, is that my audience is growing with me, so I’m not scared to lose them in my transformation.
If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be?
I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I try to stay grounded in this idea. In terms of my marketing, I learned a lot through trial and error, so I wouldn’t change that process.
It felt tedious at the time, and still does sometimes, but I wouldn’t be here without the knowledge I gained through my experiences.
In closing….
Julia Cirignano’s book, “White Wine and Medical Marijuana” is available on Amazon. You can check it out here. Also check out her Instagram here.
I can’t wait to see where Julia’s writing and brand goes from here. She is a very talented person and deserves the best.
Thanks for reading and Happy Writing!
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