Episode #2
Branching Outward to Community (with Riley Danvers)
In this episode, we talk with poet and author Riley Danvers about writing, identity, and Riley’s new poetry collection, Arborism of Branching: Sonnets for Post-Divorce Photosynthesis. Riley shares how reading and nature inspire their work, beginning with a childhood love of haiku, and explains how the book’s sonnets chronicle a year after leaving an abusive marriage, moving through seasons as metaphors for shedding, searching, and self-actualization. We discuss the vulnerability of writing trauma, the importance of grounding through reading and community, and poetry recommendations. Riley urges artists to create as an act of resistance, sharing work widely. Riley’s Books Arborism of Branching Even the Air, Too Heavy Other Books Mentioned No Language is Neutral by Dionne Brand Fierce Departures by Dionne Brand Surge by Etel Adnan Night by Etel Adnan Revelated by Matt Hart Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul by Nikita Gill Hekate: The Witch by Nikita Gill Styx: The River by Nikita Gill Where to Find Riley Instagram Threads www.writingasajourney.com Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:45 Riley’s Writing Origins 03:16 Arborism of Branching Overview 04:40 Seasons of Healing 06:24 Identity After Abuse 09:49 Staying Grounded as a Writer 12:22 Recent Reads and Poetry Recs 14:51 What’s Next Feminist Rage Manuscript 17:50 Advice Artists as Resistance 20:44 Where to Find Riley Closing Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
