A Map of My Existence

by Elle Blackwood

Some truths don't travel well. Some of them die along the way and others stray from the flock. These are a few who survived the journey.

In A Map of My Existence, Elle Wonders' unique narrative voice weaves stories into poems. With vivid, tangible imagery, she explores the world through a lens of truth and vulnerability as she creates the map of her existence. Whether it's free verse or prose poetry, she navigates the close relationship between self-awareness and emotional connection while building a bridge between the two.

150 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2018

About the author

Elle Blackwood has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and English literature. As a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, she infuses folklore into her prose, creating dark woodlands, lochs, rugged moors, and thatched cottages that serve as central characters. Elle is co-editor and contributing author of Beyond the Latch and Lever: Speculative Short Stories, and author of A Map of My Existence, an autobiographical poetry collection. Elle lives in a small Victorian river town with her husband, son, and a big black poodle with a penchant for solving mysteries. When she's not writing, she's painting, reading, and traipsing through old graveyards in search of lost stories.

Reviews

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The restlessness of the travel bug, the pain of heartbreak and loss, the many faces of love—this poetry collection is raw and real as it explores these themes and more.

[Carlos Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great narrative poetry. Well written. Elle Wonders writes poems based on her life experiences and this makes them even more interesting.

[Edward Vidaurre · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a richness in each poem. Beautiful language and scope. A collection I'll keep on my desk for some time.

[Jeannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be transformed to another place and time.

This writer has the ability to put you in the moment that she writes about and have you feeling like a spectator of an event you have never seen before. Enjoy the journey right down to the wanting more. J. C.

[David Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Wonders poetry is a wonderful combination of the more traditional and the prosaic, covering her travels and life. For me, the most beautiful section is on her dying alcoholic father; poignant, sad, and funny.