The cover of “Unexpected Alchemy,” a collection of poems by author Skye Nicholson. She will have a book signing at Fallen Leaf Books, 45 S. Jefferson St., on March 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
This weekend, an author with local ties to Brown County will have a signing for a book of poetry based on her personal experiences and past struggles with addiction.
Skye Nicholson, the author of “Unexpected Alchemy: Poems of Addiction and Awakening,” will have a book signing at Fallen Leaf Books, 45 S. Jefferson St., on March 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Nicholson will also be the April featured poet at the Brown County Playhouse Boneyard Word Revival Open Mic Poetry Night on April 4 at 7 p.m. She will also be signing copies of “Unexpected Alchemy” at the Soul’s Truth Coaching booth at the Columbus Women’s Expo on March 31.
Ahead of the events, Nicholson shared the inspiration behind her poetry and more about her connection to the county.
Q: In 25 words or less, what’s this book about?
A: These poems showcase my journey of recovery and empowerment, illuminating how decades of addiction and shame can dissolve through vulnerability, compassion and self-love.
Q: What inspired you to write it?
A: After finding freedom from alcohol in 2018, poetry was the catalyst that shook the dust out of my shadows and aired my newly open soul in the sunlight. My hope is that my words may settle themselves into someone else’s soul and make them feel less alone. By sharing these poems, I offer permission to my readers to shine light upon their own shadows and evaporate shame.
Q: Have you written any other books?
A: This is my first book, however, I have a guided journal due out in the fall that is partially funded by a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.
Q: What’s your day job?
A: In 2021, I became a certified coach through This Naked Mind Institute and formed Soul’s Truth Coaching, an empowerment coaching service for women. I help women change their relationship with alcohol through one-on-one and group coaching. My next program is Alcohol-Free April, a 30-Day guided ‘break’ from alcohol starting April 1. People can visit soulstruthcoaching.com for more information.
Q: What are your connections to Brown County?
A: My parents live here in Brown County and are very involved in the community. My husband and I moved to Columbus with our two children from Chicago about seven years ago.
Q: What’s your writing ritual? In what environment do you work best?
A: Many of my poems seem to have come from an energetic or physical place rather than my mind. There are two poems in the book, “Camp at Arcosanti” and “A Man Never Comes Hot to Me,” that were born in the middle of the night. The words were rolling around in my head and woke me up, so I had to get out of my bed and type up the poem. Often poems are also conceived while I’m walking through the woods or sitting on my front porch watching the birds.
Q: What’s the last book you read? Do you have a favorite?
A: The last book I read was “Sainted in Error” by Columbus author Glenda Winders. It’s too hard for me to pick a “favorite” book, but one of my poet heroes is Mary Oliver.
Q: Where can people buy this book, and for how much?
A: “Unexpected Alchemy” is $11.99 on Amazon and is also available locally at Fallen Leaf Books and the Wise Woman Shoppe, 145 N. Van Buren St.
