Interview with Rebecca Collins

Published in Issue No. 3, Pulsus Litterae.

In October 2022, Rebecca Collins wrote in Italian and published her first book, Tre raccolte poetiche (Midgard Editrice). It was born in Perugia, Italia, where she lived on and off for almost one year. Since September 2023 she has lived in Sakartvelo (the country of Georgia), where she came to and has been transformed by Christ. She has two works in progress: Journey on my knees, another free-form book; and Oneness of Love, poetic wisdom in the feel of Kahlil Gibran. Additionally, she wrote the Christian song "I Know" along with her Testimony, which is in Heart of Flesh. Individual poems are in Cosmic Daffodil Journal, Trampoline: A Journal of Poetry, Everscribe, and ZVONA i NARI. She also has four poems forthcoming in Spirit Fire Review. Rebecca is Founder and Editor of Outside the Box Poetry (OtB).

Interview published in Issue No. 9, Animus Opus, June 3rd, 2025.

What inspired you to write the piece(s) that was published in Everscribe? Can you share the story behind it?

"Crayon" was me pondering humanity's creativity using a simple childhood tool, then pointing at how we trade that creativity (which is behind constructive relationships) for separateness (symbolized by the black and white in the poem) and the shading of reality (symbolized by the gray), not properly seeing or honoring the bright beauty that we all are. "Endangered Species" was a reaction to people constantly talking and smoking in Tbilisi's Botanical Gardens, which is supposed to be a peaceful, fresh-air sanctuary. "The inked side of my hand" was inspired by the common side-effect of writing. "Fig" is a reflection on how we can only absorb (and transform) our past, not erase it. "Synthetic" is a commentary on how, with the selfie generations, self-worth has gotten lost to "looking good" for superficial likes on social media.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

Everything comes from the same source - whatever people believe that source is - and we have one world in which to learn to live together. I want people to value themselves, others, and the planet. There has been too much destruction regarding each of these due to an unhealthy level of self-centeredness (which is the opposite of self-value); that said, I am also guilty: though less often since having come to Christ, I have self-centered moments, and it is always a work in progress. Regarding the struggles we all have, I want people to feel my compassion, to know they are not alone.

How has your writing evolved since you started? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?

My writing has evolved since my first poetry assignment (third grade), though I had written a beautiful poem back then and remember it to this day. One constant is that I still prefer free-form, but one major difference is that since I came to Christ, my poetry has flourished within my faith. I used to let rejections and my own self-criticism (not healthy) determine my value and the value I placed on my poetry. Now I understand that any talent or skill I have comes from God (He gets all the glory), and because of His guidance in my writing, what I write is always meaningful to me. I do value others’ thoughts regarding my poems, but I am so much more secure in my writing.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

Write from your soul, and let your writing grow with you and vice versa, recognizing that you’ll likely try more than one method and path before you find the right ones for you. If you do this, others will relate to you and your work on a level they otherwise couldn't, even if they have different backgrounds and views.

Are there any upcoming projects or works in progress that you’re particularly excited about?

I have two works in progress: Journey on my knees, another free-form book; and Oneness of Love, poetic wisdom in the feel of Kahlil Gibran. I am taking my time with them, letting the insights and poems come to me. I look forward to the day when they are ready to be published and hopefully move others to God.

How can readers find you and see more of your work?

Individual poems are in Cosmic Daffodil Journal, Trampoline: A Journal of Poetry, Everscribe, and ZVONA i NARI, with four forthcoming in Spirit Fire Review. Additionally, I wrote the Christian song "I Know" (not published; the music is being worked on) along with my Testimony, which is in Heart of Flesh. I am Founder and Editor of Outside the Box Poetry (OtB: https://www.outsidetheboxpoetry.com/).