Love is experienced in the deepest ways, and through the exploration of the soul, life can be breathed into the hearts and minds of others. As one heart slumbers, the other is awake and aware of the enormous sensation and satisfaction of realizing that a soul mate exists.

 

This is Amarra Handsome, author of the poetry collection Âme Soeur.

 

We spoke with Amarra about her writing process, the four pillars which she outlines her work and how they impact her life directly, and about her lead inspiration – poet Rupi Kaur – and how her work has helped her through her struggles.

 

 


 

 

As a first-time author, debuting with such a personal and emotionally complex book, how did you approach the writing process? Did you find finishing the work difficult or did you have to hold yourself back from writing too much?

 

At times, finishing the work was difficult, especially when delving into some of the more painful or raw aspects of my narrative. There were moments when I had to step back emotionally to maintain my own well-being, but also because I wanted to make sure I wasn't overwhelming the reader or losing the clarity of the message. I had to learn when to push forward and when to pause for reflection.

 

 

You’ve described the writing of this book as “finding the healthy balance of adulthood, womanhood, forgiveness and growth.” Could you breakdown the importance of these four pillars in your life and why you think balancing them is a necessity?

 

The four pillars of adulthood, womanhood, forgiveness, and growth are deeply intertwined in my life, and finding a balance between them has been crucial to my personal journey. Each of these elements represents a different aspect of who I am and how I navigate the world, and each one brings its own set of challenges, lessons, and rewards.

 

 

Inspiration for your book has been derived from Rupi Kaur’s poetic works, with the style of Âme Soeur mirroring Kaur’s approach. What is it about Rupi’s writing that has encouraged you to produce a poetry collection of your own?

 

Rupi Kaur’s writing has been a profound source of inspiration for me, particularly because of the way she combines simplicity with emotional depth. What I admire most about her work is how she conveys powerful, universal themes such as love, pain, healing, and self-empowerment through accessible, minimalist language. She creates a raw intimacy that makes her poetry feel like a personal conversation with the reader, a quality I wanted to capture in my own collection.

 

 

For those of us struggling to process trauma and grapple with our rawest emotions, turning to art is often the best way to help us overcome our complications. For you, are there any works – literary or others – that have helped you in your life?

 

Yes, there have been several works—both literary and artistic—that have been instrumental in helping me process trauma and grapple with my emotions. Art, in all its forms, has always been a refuge for me, a way to make sense of what feels unspeakable or overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s through others’ words or creations that I find the courage to face my own emotions.

 

Another literary influence has been "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. Though not directly about trauma, Gibran’s meditations on life, love, pain, and joy have been a source of comfort and wisdom for me. His writing helped me understand that suffering is a natural part of the human experience, and it doesn’t define us—it teaches us. His words have encouraged me to view my emotions, including my pain, with compassion, seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than burdens to bear.

 

 

Âme Soeur is an assured and confident debut collection but our real question is when can we expect your follow up title? Do you have plans to continue writing poetry?

 

Thank you for your kind words about Âme Soeur! The reception of my debut collection has definitely played a role in shaping my hesitation about jumping straight into a follow-up title. Writing Âme Soeur was a deeply personal and vulnerable journey, and while I’m proud of what it represents, I also want to be thoughtful about how I approach my next project.

 

I do have plans to continue writing poetry, but I find myself in a bit of a reflective space right now, unsure of what direction to take next. A lot of my hesitation comes from wanting to see how my first collection resonates with readers. If it connects and offers something meaningful, I’d love to continue exploring themes of healing, growth, and emotional complexity. But at the same time, I want to make sure I’m not rushing into a new project for the sake of it.

 

So, while I’m excited about the future of my writing, I also want to ensure that any follow-up feels just as true and authentic as my debut. That balance between confidence and hesitation is a part of the process, and I think it will shape whatever comes next.

 

 

Âme Soeur is available now in paperback.