Meet Jamie Louise Madigan
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
I was born in Dublin, Ireland, but moved to Canada when I was six years old and have lived in Calgary ever since.
I’ve often felt the only thing I’ll ever be truly great at in life is writing too honestly. Loving too loudly. Like my heart will always be a 3AM noise complaint with the neighbours shoving their brooms up into the ceiling of their apartment telling me to keep it the hell down.
That’s the most terrifying part about being an artist. Exposing the most vulnerable, painful pieces of yourself for an audience to dissect like a biology project. But we wouldn’t have some of the world’s greatest masterpieces if artists decided to stay quiet. These are the fresh cups of coffee on a crisp autumn morning. These are the lipstick stains smeared on white collars.
When did you start writing and what got you into writing poetry specifically?
I have loved creative writing my entire life. I was in journalism in high school writing for the school newspaper, and always excelled in English class. I never planned to write a book, but when I went through the most devastating heartbreak of my life, I had so much anger and pain pent up inside me, that the poems started flowing out of me. The relationship I had been in was abusive, and I felt like I never had a voice or was not allowed to express myself freely. Writing poetry was the vessel I used to take off the muzzle and share exactly how I felt, while challenging myself to layer in metaphors and vocabulary I don’t typically use in day-to-day sentences.
What made you decide to finally publish your poems?
During the pandemic, I realized I had enough poems to turn it into a work of art. I felt I was ready to talk about what had happened to me and wanted to have my message reach anyone who had also experienced abuse to show they are not alone. During the time at home I decided to print all of my poems out and lay them on the kitchen counter. I then took sticky notes and organized them in chronological order based on the emotions I felt. This was honestly the most fun part. I wanted my book to flow as if it’s telling a complex story through each poem. Transitioning from darkness into light. I reached out to an illustrator, cover designer, and printing company and we all collaborated on it. Having a passion project was a great way to stay sane amidst the madness happening at the time.
What’s it like having your most personal stories and feelings on display?
It made me feel like my heart was on a silver platter with a fork and knife for the world to dig into. At first, it felt incredibly jarring and terrifying. But as time has progressed, it feels empowering to know I went through something horrific but can now look at the situation from a bird's eye view, instead of still suffering in the trenches.
Could you break down the title of this poetry collection, Lipstick Stains and Coffee Cups?
The title, Lipstick Stains and Coffee Cups, is a metaphorical reflection of the book broken down into two parts. The first half of the book covers the severity and immense psychological distress I experienced after being involved with an abusive and manipulative partner. A lipstick stain is symbolic of this – how a tumultuous relationship leaves a lasting impression. The second half of the book displays a ground-breaking shift in perspective. A euphoric sense of comfort and warmth towards the eccentricities of life. The triumph of the human spirit. The adrenaline rush of new beginnings – like a piping hot cup of coffee.
A decade ago, my heart cracked open. These are the remnants.
Do you have a writing routine? Any favorite places to write or creative rituals?
I have no writing routine. Sometimes this scares me, because I will go through dry spells of no inspiration for months, sometimes years. But the beautiful thing about life is it always ebbs and flows. Happiness is never permanent, and neither is pain. So throughout those grey periods, while coasting through peaks and valleys – that’s where the magic is. Those are the times when I get inspired. I find I am mostly inspired by people. I am deeply enthralled with human dynamics and psychology and the way we interact with one another. I have a poem in the book talking about how walking into a bar scattered with strangers often feels like a room full of walking literature waiting to be written.
Who are your biggest influences? Who is your favorite writer?
Absolutely 100% Taylor Swift. In my opinion, she is one of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Her talent is impeccable. Her ability to tell stories and evoke emotion through writing and music will never cease to amaze me. I am so thankful to be fully immersed in all the sparkling Swiftie lore.
How do you market your work? What seems to be working for you and what hasn’t worked so well?
I market my work on all my social platforms, and in-person market events. I find market events and book signings are most effective to meet readers and hear their stories face-to-face!
What role does social media play in building a community of readers?
Social media is vital for book marketing these days. I feel we are living in an era where to build trust, people like to see the face behind the book and get to know your unique personality.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes, I am currently working on my second poetry book!
How can readers find you?
I am most active on Instagram, so readers can follow along there @jamielouisemadigan. I also have all the information about my book on my website www.jamielouisemadigan.com.
Jamie was kind enough to share one of her poems with us!
Lipstick stains and coffee cups
Burnt lungs caked in black
And ex-girlfriends
Who promise you death
How she danced for you
In her bedroom
In pretty black lace
And your rose red eyes
Dripped like a faucet
You couldn’t turn off
Pretending she won’t kill you
As if smearing lust
Across undeserving peripherals
Makes you feel more like a man
Of expensive taste
You know exactly how her lips bleed honey
In unfamiliar places
How she is crawling to your front door
When she forgets what her name is
And when she dangles candlesticks
Around your throat
And slices your arms open
With razor blades
Don't you dare ask her
If she is still starving for you
When you know damn well
A magician never reveals her tricks
Woah!
Get your copy of Lipstick Stains and Coffee Cups!
