Marist Association member, Clare Locke, recently self-published a book containing a collection of her own writings, titled, “Inside a blessing: Prayers, Poems and Reflections”. The book is 85 pages and was published through IngramSpark.
ChristLife Connect spoke with Clare, who is Campus Minister at Marist College Ashgrove, to delve into what inspired her, and how she produced the book.
Q: Is this the first book you have had published?
Yes, it's the first book I've published. I'd previously printed some copies of an earlier version which I'd shared with a few friends and family members. I chose to publish after working on a book design for a client who had decided to self-publish. I was curious to do the same, but not with a goal to sell lots of copies, just to 'put something out there'. I felt there was value in the collection, since I'd shared many of the poems and prayers in different contexts, and they'd been well received.
Q: How long did it take to create this collection of poems?
The poems and prayers were written over the course of a couple of years, the earliest from COVID times. I wrote them as I had the inclination. Often that would be while sitting out in my patio on a Saturday morning with a cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes when I was going for a walk (I'd stop walking!), or had a few minutes waiting in my car to pick up one of my kids from an activity. By the way, when I say 'write', I use my phone to type into an app. But they are definitely my own words!
Q: What was the inspiration for this project?
It's probably to do with being an introvert, but I have times where I just like to sit and think, and writing is a way for me to give expression to those thoughts and feelings. The poems often come from a place of gratitude and wonder, and often in response to a fairly immediate experience. I've also found it helpful to write in response to what I'm reading for my theological studies. There are some big ideas in those books and articles, but if I can distil something in a few lines, it helps my understanding! Overall, when and what I write is a kind of prayer. For me, seeking transcendence (God) is deeply connected to my creative life and imagination. A person who has inspired me most is Andrew Hamilton, the Jesuit priest. Throughout the COVID period, Andy invited me to be part of group that met online to share writings and other creative talents. It was a wonderfully supportive and inspiring experience. I acknowledged Andy in my book, as well as my parents, who have always been so encouraging.
“For me, seeking transcendence (God) is deeply connected to my creative life
and imagination.”
Q: When do you find the time to write poetry?
I'm not the most disciplined writer! I have periods where I won't write for a while - life is too hectic or I feel disconnected and empty. But I try to make the time to write and I notice I feel more a peace when I do.
Q: Which is your favourite poem, and why?
I don't exactly have a favourite, but I would say "Breath child" has a message I still need to remember.
Breathe child
Let it be a seed
Small works, small deeds
Not all will flow
But move slow
Love is in noticing
Q: How does this collection reflect your spirituality?
My book is called 'Inside a Blessing', which comes from one of the poems of the same name. I wrote that poem from my back patio while observing life going on in my suburb. I was sensing things from a place of gratitude, and simply by naming and noticing, this was my prayer. I think that conveys what grounds my spirituality and my hope to explore language that creates space for others to explore where God meets them in their lives.
Recently, Clare’s book was reviewed in the Jesuit publication, Madonna Magazine, who said, ‘The thread that holds them together is the experience of blessing into which the reader is invited.’
