Zia Marshall is an inspiring author with a story to tell. With a doctorate in English Literature and two decades of experience as a Learning Designer and Communication Specialist, Zia has always loved writing. After creating a popular course on Time Management for Productivity on Udemy, she decided to focus on poetry. Her first collection, From Breaking to Blooming, released in 2023, touches on important themes of trauma, vulnerability, and strength, throwing light on the good and bad sides of life.
The Inspiration Behind the Book
Dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS) sparked the creation of Zia’s poetry collection. Living with MS means facing physical challenges that test her mind and spirit every day. Zia talks about how this condition brings fear and uncertainty, often making her feel powerless. But through this struggle, she found strength she didn’t know she had. Zia attributes much of her strength and resilience to the spiritual guidance she received from her guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, and his Kriya Yoga teachings. Her experiences with both kind people and the harsh realities of life helped shape her work.
However, Zia’s poems are not about coping with MS. Instead she takes her personal experiences and weaves them into universal themes that many people can relate to when facing tough times. Her words remind us that it’s possible to grow even when life feels broken.
Themes of Strength and Growth
The central idea in From Breaking to Blooming is the importance of embracing beauty in chaos. Zia believes that while life can be very hard, these challenges can help us find strength we didn’t realize we had. Her poems encourage us to accept our vulnerabilities and imperfections, which she sees as crucial to growing as a person.
As Zia says, “Blooming isn’t about being perfect; it’s about finding grace and growth through the struggle.” Her words resonate deeply with readers, inviting them to think about their own experiences and recognize their inner strength.
A Look at Zia’s Writing Process
Writing has always been part of Zia’s life. She published several short stories in literary journals, but crafting poems is what truly resonates with her. Most of the poems in her book were written in the quiet early hours of the morning, around 4 or 5 AM, when the world was still asleep. These peaceful moments allowed her to dig into her feelings, letting her experiences flow onto the page.
Zia describes her writing process as a blend of exploring the layers of her individual subconscious as well as tapping into the universal subconscious of the world at large. This dedication shines through in her work, offering readers a glimpse into her heart.
Nature’s Influence on Her Work
Zia’s bond with nature plays a major role in her poetry. She explores the profound connections between the natural world and human experience. In her poems, she often includes images from nature, creating a rich backdrop for her inner struggles and victories. This connection with nature adds a lovely layer to her poetry, helping readers relate to both universal emotions and the environment.
Engaging with Readers
Zia’s poetry has appeared in various literary journals and anthologies such as Spillwords and Auroras and Blossoms, and she regularly contributes to Metverse Muse. Early readers have shared how her work has touched them, offering comfort and encouragement during difficult times. The way she captures shared human experiences makes her poetry relatable and meaningful. She regularly posts her micro verses on her Instagram account @zenrainbows_ and actively engages with the poetry community on this platform.
What’s Next for Zia
Zia Marshall has been working on her second poetry collection, Petals in the Breeze, which will further explore the links between nature and human feelings. The book is scheduled to be released in November 2024. As she continues along her path as a poet, there’s no doubt her words will keep inspiring and healing those who read them.
From Breaking to Blooming is more than just a book of poems; it’s a heartfelt look at growth and strength. Zia Marshall’s story reminds us that even in hard times, we can find beauty and strength. Her poetry invites us to face our challenges and turn them into something meaningful. If you are seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of life’s struggles, Zia’s work is a must-read.
You can connect with Zia on Instagram at @zenrainbows_ or LinkedIn at Zia Marshall to follow her journey and learn more about her writing.