Tia Haynes

1. How did you get started with haiku?

One day while I was at the library with my kids I saw a listing for a haiku study group that met there. It had been a trying few years for me as a young mom having suffered from postpartum depression both times. I was looking for some way to reconnect with myself and this haiku group sounded like fun. When I showed up that next Saturday I didn’t know that I would be walking into a new creative life that has helped me heal, given me wonderful friendships, and a beautiful artistic community. That was in early 2017 and here I am! My Ohaio-Ku Study Group continues to inspire and challenge me and I am very fortunate to have had Julie Warther and Joe McKeon as my haiku guides.

2. Tell us more about yourself.

I live in the lovely city of Lakewood, Ohio, and am full-time at home with my two daughters. My biggest passion outside of haiku is cooking and baking. Since I am a vegan it gives me the opportunity to make all sorts of interesting and delicious things that I’m always trying out on my family and friends. My latest favorite is triple-berry chia seed jam! In July of 2019, my first chapbook, Leftover Ribbon, was released through Velvet Dusk Publishing (also available on Amazon). It is my journey of becoming and being a mother told through haiku, senryu, haibun, and cherita. You can follow my work at www.adaliahaiku.com.

3. What does NaHaiWriMo mean to you?

Each year the official NaHaiWriMo in February has been a blast within my Ohio haiku community. We share our haiku every day in our Facebook group, whether from the official prompts or not, and enjoy the act of creating together. It’s a month full of energy and excitement. Outside of that, I love going to the daily prompts for inspiration, fresh ideas, and for helping me get out of those dry spells we all have!

4. What one piece of advice would you offer to those who are new to writing haiku?

Read, read, read! The way I learned was from reading haiku. The work of your peers is a fantastic place to start. Once you begin to figure out what draws you in to a certain haiku it is easier to replicate that same technique or style. Understanding comes first from a place of enjoyment!

5. Please share three of your favourite or best haiku.

godless . . .

enough just to see

the sunrise

morning cartoons

I shake out

the last pill

after packing

our quiet

embrace