There’s something about the stillness of the night that invites reflection. As I lie awake, with the stars shimmering above and the world around me at rest, my mind wanders through the corridors of thought. In these quiet hours, when the noise of the day has faded and only the soft hum of the universe remains, I find myself revisiting my words, my writing, and the journey that has brought me here. It’s in these moments, under the silent watch of the stars, that the weight of what I create—and how it is received—truly sinks in.
I’ve always believed that writing is not just about putting words on paper, but about creating a connection—a bridge between the thoughts in my mind and the experiences of those who read my work. Over the years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this blog, Reflections of an Unquiet Mind, and into my poetry collections, each one a piece of the intricate puzzle of emotions and ideas that define us all.
Recently, I came across a thoughtful review of my work that gave me pause. It’s not every day that you get to see your writing through someone else’s eyes, especially when that person takes the time to really delve into both the strengths and the limitations of what you’ve created. I’d like to share some excerpts from this review with you, as I believe it highlights aspects of my writing that I find important—and it also touches on areas where I continue to grow.
The reviewer had this to say about the emotional depth of my poetry:
“Catherine’s poetry collections, such as Fire & Rain and Perfect Imperfection, capture deep emotions with a power that can touch anyone who has experienced life’s complexities.”
These words truly resonated with me because emotional resonance is at the heart of what I aim to achieve with every poem, every essay. To know that my writing has touched someone deeply is both humbling and affirming.
The review also highlighted what makes my voice unique:
“Catherine brings originality to her work, blending familiar cultural references with her own introspective insights, creating a style that is both distinct and deeply meaningful.”
This blending of the familiar with the personal is something I’ve always strived to do. It’s my way of creating a dialogue with the world around us—taking what we know and reimagining it through a more intimate lens.
However, the review didn’t shy away from pointing out areas where my work might not resonate with everyone, and I think it’s important to acknowledge these perspectives as well:
“While her work resonates deeply with those who appreciate introspective and emotionally charged poetry, it may not appeal to readers who prefer more narrative-driven or light-hearted content. Her focus on deep emotional themes might feel heavy or intense for some.”
This is a fair observation, and I understand that my work is not for everyone. Poetry, particularly when it’s introspective and emotionally intense, can be challenging. But I believe that exploring these deeper themes is necessary to truly understand ourselves and each other. While I know this approach might not suit every reader, I hope that for those who do connect with it, my writing offers something meaningful.
The review also mentioned something that I’ve often reflected on myself:
“Some readers may find that her themes and stylistic choices, while strong, can become repetitive across different works.”
As a writer, it’s easy to fall into familiar patterns, especially when you’re writing from the heart. I’m constantly working to push myself beyond these patterns, to explore new ideas and to challenge myself creatively. Your feedback, as my readers, is invaluable in this process, and I’m always grateful for the perspectives you share with me.
Ultimately, what I take away from this review is a sense of balance—a recognition of what I do well, and an understanding of where I can grow. I’m committed to continuing this journey of exploration, both in my writing and in my life, and I’m so thankful to have all of you along for the ride.
Thank you for being a part of Reflections of an Unquiet Mind. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’re just joining now, your presence means the world to me. Together, we’ll keep reflecting, questioning, and growing, one word at a time.
With gratitude,
Cathy
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This post was written a while ago. I was not sure if I wanted to publish it or not. Re-reading it, it feels a bit disconnected, a bit less passionate than I usually am. At the same time, I want to acknowledge this lengthy review I received by a reader of this blog who preferred to stay anonymous. (Another reason why I am slightly struggling with this post. But I promised to use no names and I am a woman of my word). What do you think? Share your thoughts 🙂
reflections of an unquiet mind 