Désirée Dunse, also known as daisys_poetry on Instagram, is a German writer who was born in 1997. As of January 4th, she’s turned 23, is currently studying marketing and working for a big media company in Munich!

We knew that she was a talented writer, but you’ll be happy to know that she also enjoys singing and drawing. Désirée’s favorite form of poetry is in the style of Haiku. Her collection includes her first and only book called Melancholy Magic which includes 83 poems divided into three chapters: Pain, Recovery, and Love. With strength behind her words, Désirée shares from her most personal experiences. Read the full interview below.

Instagram: daisys_poetry

Poetizer Account: desi_amelie

Where do you live and how does it influence your writing?

I’m living in southern Germany in the country-side but not too far from the next big city. That’s perfect for me, so I can have lots of people around if I want to, but can also find some recreational moments for writing.

When did you first become passionate about poetry and what attracted you to it?

My love for poetry started at a very young age, probably at 8 or 9, when my uncle told me about it.

He taught me that if I couldn’t speak about some feelings or situations in my life, sometimes it would be easier to write them down.

I remember sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table and writing tons and tons of poems. They were obviously not the best, but that’s when it all started.

What inspires you to write?

Nature, people, but mostly my own feelings. Whatever it is I’m going through in my life, I feel the need to write down HOW I feel. That can be moments where I’m extremely happy or depressive and sad.

Often the inspiration for writing poetry happens weeks after I experienced that feeling and sometimes I HAVE to write it down immediately. You could say that poetry is an outlet for me, and it strongly depends on what situation it is I’m trying to express.

Poetry provided by daisys_poetry — *Poetry provided by* daisys_poetry

Do you publish your poetry on any channels other than Instagram?

Until last year I hadn’t even thought about publishing my poetry. For me it has always been something very private.

Some deep thoughts I didn’t want anyone to look into. But last year in summer when I met someone in England who shared my love for words and poetry that changed.

He told me about an app called “Poetizer” which is basically a social media platform just for writers. So that is where I first published some of my poems.

When I realized there are actually a lot of people who love what I’m writing, I switched over to Instagram.

Find more here

Who is your favorite Insta-poet and why?

Patricia Kauthor (p.k. poetry) is one I really like out of so many poets on Instagram. I love her imagination and style. Also there are lots of poems and quotes I can identify myself with.

Amazing. We checked her out, she has a beautiful form. Tell us about your new book or project?

My first and to this date only book is called “Melancholy Magic” which includes 83 poems in the style of Haikus, which is a Japanese poetry form. (My favorite poetry form by the way, it’s short, but has so much to tell).

It is about how I lost faith in myself and others, healed and gained back my confidence, and was able to love again. That is why the three chapters are called Pain, Recovery and Love.

The first copies were gifts to my family and friends, but I’m planning on selling my book very soon. I’ll keep you updated!

Please do! We’d love to share it on instagram and I’m sure our community would love it. Can you tell us a little about your writing process?

How do you come up with poems and how do you edit them? My writing process usually starts with some feeling related words pop up in my head.

Often that happens at night time, when I’m starting to think a lot about things that happened during that day or recently. (That is why I always have a pen and a piece of paper nearby, haha).

So I write those words down and most of the time I’m creating a poem out of them the next day. After it is finished I edit it with a few apps and programs, VSCO, Snapseed, Photoshop for example.

Sometimes I just leave it unedited, sometimes I decorate it with flowers from my mum’s garden. It really depends on what the poem is about.

You write immediately, I think that’s one of the best tips you’ve shared. Do you support yourself through writing financially, or do you have a day job and what is it?

No, I don’t. And I don’t know if I truly wanted to. For me, writing poetry is something very natural. Something I can’t and don’t want to force. If I had to write poetry everyday, I don’t know if I could keep my passion for it.

Right now I’m studying marketing and working part-time for an international media company.

Yes, it can be truly terrifying. How many hours do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?

That is really hard to tell. There are days when I don’t feel the need to write anything at all, and on others I just can’t stop writing poetry.

I guess you could say about 6-14 hours a week, although I have to say often it’s more thinking about what I could write and rearranging some words than actually writing loads of poems.

A calming atmosphere, mostly in the evening I’m getting into a writing mood. Cuddled up on the sofa with some good Jazz music and a hot chocolate or a glass of wine is when there is often a natural writing flow.

And what’s the best moment you’ve had with your poetry so far?

For me, it’s not THE best moment, but plenty of them. Those are the moments, I’ve read my poetry out loud to some people and they had to smile or even shed a tear.

I think there is nothing more beautiful than noticing that your poems can transport real emotions to others.

How do you respond to writer’s block or not knowing what to write?

Most of the times I’m just writing when I feel like it. So when I can’t think of anything to write, I just leave it until the words come by themselves. It may sound weird to some people, but that’s what it is like.

I agree. Sometimes trying to force the words causes more delay. What are you working on next?

Right now I’m trying to improve my Instagram Account. I’ve just started out, so there is still a lot to learn. Besides that, trying to get to sell my poetry book and improving my English are definitely on the list.

Maybe I’m also working on a second book as well, who knows?

Where would you like to see yourself in three years time.

I would love to be living in London, having my Bachelor of Arts, a good job in marketing and a successful Poetry Account on Instagram that is able to bring people with the same love for poetry together.

Until then I’m extremely happy and grateful for what I have achieved in my life so far.

What is your strategy to grow your audience?

At this point there is not really a strategy besides doing what I love and getting in touch with lots of people who feel the same way.

I really love chatting with people from all over the world and hearing stories. But I promise, when I found the perfect strategy, I’ll let you know!

What advice would you give poets just starting out?

Write about what and as much as you are comfortable with. It is very hard to not compare yourself with others, especially in times of tons of social media account.

But always keep in mind that the words coming from your heart are always enough!

Just don’t force it, be authentic and the most important thing: Have fun!

Do you think poetry has a greater purpose?

I believe that poetry has the power to support or even heal people emotionally. Sometimes when feeling alone and disconnected in life, it can help reading poetry to make you feel that you are not alone with how you feel.

Actually right now in times of the Coronavirus, where so many people are desperate and alone, poetry can help us feel less isolated. We all share the same feelings, why not share love spilled on paper?

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you for sharing. JP.

Désirée (@daisys_poetry) thank you so much for your patience and contribution. Coronavirus and the recent movements have greatly impacted us all, but as you put it - poetry can heal all.

From A Writers Business, I thank you again.

Please let us know as soon as your book is open for purchase so that we can share. This was a great interview and we were glad to have you.

We will continue to support you in your journey from the U.S. to Munich and wherever your journey takes you after!

If you are a poet that would like promotion for your work please join our community and send some samples of your work.

Poet Interview: Désirée Dunse