We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sady Sparks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sady below.

Sady, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

A few years ago, I decided to take a trip to New Zealand to visit a good friend of mine. I’d never been and didn’t know anything about the laws. I brought my typewriter with a FRAGILE sticker plastered to the case and figured I’d write a few poems while I was there. I had recently started doing this typewriter poetry thing where you write strangers poems on the spot, and wanted to keep the momentum going. Between googling busking laws in Auckland and convincing myself it’d be too awkward to set up, I decided to go for it. I found a vegan burger place on a popular street and set up my station (which consisted of a blue typewriter balanced on a rickety TV tray table paired with an overzealous smile). The days I spent busking were bright and awkward. People were charming, kind, and receptive, even if they had no clue what I was doing there. One girl full-on convinced me to create my Instagram page! :) A month later, I took a bus to Wellington and met the former Poet Laureate of New Zealand at a literary festival. The day after that, I saw her on the street with my typewriter, and we ended up writing each other poems! Then she invited me to give a talk to her class at the University of Auckland. It was wild and electric. So yes, I took a risk by dragging my typewriter to a random country and setting up a poetry station, got in no trouble, and met incredibly kind people.

Sady, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began this lifelong love story with words when I was a teenager. First, it was through rap music, then it was through the intensely personal poet, Sylvia Plath.

My professional career as a writer began when I was selected to serve as Olympia, Washington’s Poet Laureate in 2019. My job was to connect citizens to poetry through community projects and classes. I also got to do cool things like read poems at City Council meetings, plan art festival activities, and even paint the sidewalks with poetic phrases (which are still there, btw). This role showed me that I love talking about and teaching poetry just as much as I love to write it.

Now I live in Austin, Texas where I continue to write people personalized poems for all occasions (heart break, weddings, life transitions, and love), teach writing workshops (all ages), coach people through their wedding vows, and collaborate with locals.

As I approach 30 years old, my poetry legacy is more important than ever. Although I still love experimenting with ideas, I’ve grown certain of a few things I want to create and leave for generations to come. In 2023, I designed a little free library filled with hundreds of anonymous love letters written from strangers to strangers that was open to the public in various art exhibits. I’m grateful for the funding I received through the City of Austin and Austin Public Library, and am eager to develop the project further. I’d love to open an interactive literary arts museum in the coming years that’s akin to Meow Wolf, but entirely focused on words and books.

What I teach people is that writing can be FUN when they get into the flow state. I use games, audacious writing prompts, and connection to bring people to the land of silly comfort and intriguing poems.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had a poisonous childhood in many ways, and resiliency is the silver lining. I earnestly believe that my worst days are behind me. That makes the overall trajectory of my adulthood feel like a downhill journey, but I still have uphill seasons. Anyone who’s suffered in family dynamics knows the stain it leaves. Living in our purpose is a way to suck the poison out. Do what you love, be of service, and hold on. <3

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My advice is this: first figure out why you are on this Earth and what your gifts are. If you are in alignment with your purpose, you will prosper. Clients will naturally want to work with you. People will see the shine in your eyes. Continuously work to improve your craft. Always have someone you admire in your field (dead or alive). Work on your emotions and attitude. Develop a meditation practice. Arrive on time. Stick to your word. Ask for feedback. Develop yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poeticvows.com
• Instagram: @sadysparks
• Other: I love connecting!! Feel free to email me: [email protected]