Q&A: Transforming Emotion Into Poetry, Zane Frederick Talks Writing & More

☆ By SAACHI GUPTA ☆

WITH A STYLE PACKING AN EMOTIONAL PUNCH — 22-year-old Zane Frederick is a poet, writer, and Gemini born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. With two collections of poetry out in the world alongside stunning pieces shared on social media, Frederick has managed to build an adoring audience of thousands who connect with his words. His poetry captures themes of love, heartbreak, and growing up; it is powerful, hard-hitting, yet heart-wrenchingly sweet.

After recently joining Central Avenue Publishing, Frederick is set to release the second edition of i am tired of being a dandelion, his second collection of poetry. He is also working on the Left Unsaid Project with Makenzie Campbell, hoping to capture what people wish they had said to someone in the form of poetry.

Read on to find out about Frederick's writing style, his advice for fellow writers, and how he deals with the pressure to post regularly.

LUNA: How would you describe your writing style? How has it changed over the years?

FREDERICK: I would describe my writing style as confessional, maybe even free verse? Over the years, my poetry has always been incredibly honest, but at times I'll switch up how I express that transparency. Whether it be through rhyme schemes or free verse, my poetry is always a bit of a shout into the void.

LUNA: Who are some of your inspirations — poets/authors and otherwise?

FREDERICK: I've been inspired by several poets and authors, some including Nicola Yoon, Trista Mateer, Becky Albertalli, Richard Siken, Matthew Dickman and, of course, Taylor Swift. They all bring something to the table that inspires me and has helped shape my voice as a writer.

LUNA: Do you treat your writing as a form of escapism, or a way to ground yourself in reality/document your life?

FREDERICK: I treat my writing as a mix of both escapism and documenting my life. Throughout high school and college, there were certain emotional events that I coped with by escaping into my writing. At the time, I was just writing to make sense of my emotions and now, looking back, it's fascinating to see these snapshots of my life written down.

LUNA: How do you cope with the pressure to churn out content regularly?

FREDERICK: With the demand and pressure to remain "relevant" in social media nowadays, it can be exhausting churning out content when you don't feel inspired to do so. Some days I write a great line or powerful poem that I want to share, whereas other days I find myself almost forcing content just to have something to post. I try to remind myself that I am allowed to take creative breaks so I don't burn out. All creators in general should not be expected to deliver content 24/7, otherwise, down the line, some authenticity may be lost.

LUNA: What are some major differences between he(art). and i am tired of being a dandelion?

FREDERICK: Some major differences between (he)art. and i am tired of being a dandelion are within the way I once viewed love. With (he)art., it's a simple, emotional journey of unreciprocated love and learning how to deal with that pain and persevere. With i am tired of being a dandelion, it more so covers the inevitable hope when it comes to love and life. Sometimes we get rejected, or don't get the job, or don't pass the test, however we continue to push and move forward and always hold a little hope that things will work out in our favor.

LUNA: Tell us about the Left Unsaid Project! Where do you hope to go with it?

FREDERICK: Yes! The Left Unsaid Project is a collaboration with my friend and poet, Makenzie Campbell. Our goal is to allow people to say the words they once left unsaid and then write a poem inspired by their response. We've already received over one hundred submissions, so we plan to read through them all and sort through the ones we feel inspired by. We hope to make this into a self-published collection!

LUNA: Your poems are sweet, hard-hitting, and often revolve around the theme of love. How do you hope they make readers feel, and what is a message you hope to share through your platform?

FREDERICK: I hope my poems are a sense of comfort for readers. What was once written for me is now also for everyone else. I want readers to feel validated and reassured in their emotions. Through my platform, I aim to be honest in my work, being vulnerable and showcasing that the more open and transparent you are, the more people relate to that in their own unique way. It's a beautiful thing to find connection in the human experience.

LUNA: Do you have a favourite piece you've written?

FREDERICK: Yes and no. In i am tired of being a dandelion, there's a piece I wrote called "therapy in 7th," and I really do love that piece — it's a favorite of mine. However, my writing is always growing and changing, and I've learned to love the process and [I’m] always writing new favorites of mine.

LUNA: What is something you would tell upcoming writers and poets, especially in relation to finding an audience?

FREDERICK: Something I would tell upcoming writers and poets, especially in relation to finding their audience, is to write out the bad and be as honest as you're comfortable with. With social media, I feel as though there is pressure to constantly release content and "good" content at that. I've learned that not all a creator's work is going to be their best or their favorite, though it's still necessary to create it/write it. It helps you grow and helps you practice certain styles, formats, words, etc. Additionally, being honest and open with your audience helps connect you with them. Talk about your writing process and your experiences. Why did you write that poem? What inspired it? Of course no creator is required to completely open up if they aren't comfortable, but treating your audience almost like a friend will help grow your relationship with them!

LUNA: What are your intentions and goals for the near future?

FREDERICK: My intentions and goals for the near future is to continue writing and growing. I hope to release a third book in the next year or two. I hope to grow my social media and audience and simply reach as many people as I can. Another goal I hope to achieve is getting to experience moments that are out of my comfort zone. I hope to experience more love and more fear and more emotions that help in my character development.

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