Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Awad
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Long story short, I’ve been writing poetry since I was around 15 years old, so for about 17 years now. I wish I had some inspiring anecdote about the circumstances that drew me to poetry, but the truth is: I always wanted to be a writer, but I was decidedly bad at prose. In my adolescence, poetry gave me an outlet that prose didn’t—a way to write about myself and aspects of my life and experiences with as much or as little detail as I wanted. It gave me a sense of control over my own narrative, and it didn’t require the same patience or planning as prose. It also seemed to be judged more subjectively in general, which eased my adolescent anxiety around, “Is this any good?”
From a formal education perspective, in 2014 I earned a degree in English with a concentration in Writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
In 2017, after struggling for years with the sensation that I was only able to write on the rare occasion that inspiration divinely struck, I grew tired of being beholden to my muse’s mood and schedule and made a New Year’s resolution to write a poem a day for a year. It turned out to be easier than I expected. I started my poetry Instagram account @theconstantpoet as a way of holding myself accountable to that resolution, and I’ve been writing regularly ever since. Through my Instagram account, I also became immersed in a virtual community of incredible poets who I continue to learn from and be in awe of daily.
In 2021, I self-published my debut poetry collection, Soul Trash, Space Garbage. I also began organizing and hosting in-person poetry retreats in New Orleans, LA, where I live, and it has been an incredibly humbling and enriching experience.
I’m currently working on a number of new projects, including my second collection of poems which I’m hoping to publish within the next year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a poet is being my own worst critic. I think this is pretty common across the arts, for people who consider themselves creatives. Poetry demands a level of rawness and vulnerability that can make it hard to silence that critical inner voice. For years, I struggled with the idea that every poem needed to be perfect, capturing my emotions in the most profound way possible, or saying something wholly unique about the human experience. This mindset often led to creative paralysis, where I would second-guess every line to the point of editing the poem until it was a big pile of nothing, or simply abandoning the poem altogether.
Over time, I’ve learned to recognize that inner critic for what it was—fear disguised as perfectionism. It’s an ongoing battle, but the more I write (and the more regularly I write), the quieter that voice becomes. I’ve also accepted that not every poem needs to be a masterpiece; some are simply stepping stones to better work or building blocks of better poems. Writing consistently has helped me trust my process and see the value in every piece, even those I’m not fully satisfied with.
I’ll admit that sharing my work online has been a double-edged sword. The support from the poetry community has been invaluable, but it can also amplify my self-criticism, especially when I compare myself to others. Am I posting regularly enough? Am I producing good content? Why does this poem have more “likes” than another one? It’s a slippery slope. However, I’ve come to realize that the act of writing itself is what matters most, and being kinder to myself has been key to my growth as a poet. Besides, I typically reserve social media as my safe space for rough drafts, not polished work.
Another significant challenge has been the struggle of putting my private thoughts on display for the masses, especially when those thoughts directly involve or impact real people in my life. As I began sharing my work publicly, particularly on Instagram, I realized the importance of setting clear expectations with those around me who may be reading poems about themselves, no matter how veiled the references. I explain to loved ones early on in our relationships that poetry is my way of processing emotions—past and present—and that while the feelings in my poems are real, they often reflect mere moments rather than my overall perspective. They are a part of a larger tapestry but not the ultimate picture, but ultimately I think it comes down to treating your art and your loved ones with respect. With my current partner, for example, before I share anything that touches on our relationship, I always let him read it first. This practice not only helps avoid misunderstandings but also opens up healthy dialogue between us.
Writing about current relationships, especially when dealing with negative feelings, can be difficult, and I get asked often by other poets how I navigate the level of vulnerability it takes to be honest in the poems I share publicly, even if it might reflect negatively on people I care about. Interestingly, over the years of sharing poems on the internet, I’ve become a little desensitized to shame. By that I mean, once I share a poem publicly, it almost becomes less personal to me. Sharing my work with a broader audience allows me to see the work as art, something separate from my personal life, to divest myself from it in some small way. And often I find the poems I feel most vulnerable about sharing resonate the most with others, reminding me that my experiences are part of a larger human experience. Knowing that others find meaning in my words helps me let go of the fear of judgment and embrace the discomfort of being open.
This process of sharing my private thoughts has been both a struggle and a revelation. It’s taught me the importance of authenticity in my work and has deepened my connection with readers. Despite the challenges, I believe that vulnerability is at the heart of what makes poetry so powerful, and I try my best to embrace it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Whether I’m actively writing poetry, hosting retreats for other writers, or acting as a consultant for those just starting out, my work delves into themes of identity, relationships, and self-reflection, with a focus on crafting poetry that is both raw and relatable. I specialize in exploring deeply personal experiences through a lens that resonates universally, making my work accessible to a broad audience.
I’m most proud of my debut poetry collection, Soul Trash, Space Garbage, which allowed me to encapsulate years of introspection and growth into a cohesive body of work. Writing the book was me giving myself permission for the first time to see myself and my life as something cosmic and divine. It was a significant milestone in my career, representing not just a culmination of my poetic journey, but also a leap in sharing my voice with a wider audience. When I first started writing it, during COVID lockdown, the idea of eventually self-publishing was daunting. The process required a leap of faith, and it meant taking complete creative control of the work as whole. But the challenge was also empowering; it allowed me to bring my vision to life exactly as I imagined it, and seeing my book on shelves in local bookstore is a reward that never grows old. Self-publishing Soul Trash, Space Garbage taught me the importance of believing in my voice and the value of doing the thing that scares you.
What sets me apart is my willingness to be vulnerable and transparent in my writing. I’m not afraid to confront difficult emotions or topics, and I think this honesty resonates with readers who see themselves reflected in my work. Through my Instagram account, @theconstantpoet, I’ve helped build a community that values poetry as both an art form and a means of connection and healing. My hope is that my work is about more than just writing; it’s about creating spaces for others to explore their own creative potential and embrace their unique voices.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a nuanced role in my life and career, balancing both serendipitous opportunities and challenging setbacks. While I’d love to think I have complete control, I’ve learned that life is ultimately just a mix of hard work, circumstance, and chance. From the Instagram algorithm to disappointments that turned into blessings in disguise, I believe everything is influenced by a bit of luck. Sometimes you get rejected by that literary journal you submitted to; sometimes your poem goes viral for reasons beyond your comprehension. At the end of the day, it’s this blend of effort and unpredictability that shapes our paths, reminding me that luck, both good and bad, has been a key part of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theconstantpoet.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconstantpoet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconstantpoet1
- Other: https://linktr.ee/theconstantpoet
Image Credits
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