Interview: Shannon Lynette Talks Poetry, Lady Chaos Press
*This review originally appeared in our February 2025 issue*
“We all struggle in one way or another and poetry is a door that allows you to open up and relate to something without judgement.”
Recently I had the opportunity to interview a local, well known indie poet who I've known for years. Shannon Lynette has been a writer and poet publishing her work these days mostly on social media but who has been a great influence on many other poets trying to get their work out there to the masses. Poetry these days isn't just about live readings but also promoting your work through the internet and reaching out to others everywhere.
R.M. Englehardt: First of all , tell us why do you write poetry?
Shannon Lynette: I started writing poetry very young. I remember at about age 10 or 11, I would write in journals and these words and phrases would just come to me. I saw and felt things differently than anyone else and it had become a coping mechanism throughout the rest of my adolescent and teenage years. Now as an adult, it’s not only a coping mechanism, it’s just who I am. I can’t imagine who I would be if I didn’t write poetry.
RE: I've heard you've started a new small indie poetry press. Can you tell us a little bit more about that and your new book of poetry?
SL: I started my small poetry press back in 2013 with the idea of helping other poets get their writing out in the world. I started not knowing what to do or how to do it and with the knowledge I picked up along the way; that’s how Lady Chaos Press was born. After publishing a few anthologies, I had to, at the time, be considerate of things that were happening in my home life. Because of that, LCP went on hiatus for a long time. This past fall, I decided it was time to get back doing what I love and that’s helping other poets. So, Lady Chaos Press has been officially relaunched and with that, we have a new anthology that was just released in December titled Other Side of August, which is a collection of poems of various subjects from some amazing poets. You can find Other Side of August and all our anthologies on Amazon.
RE: What or who inspired you to become a poet? And do you think we need more female poets in these times?
SL: I am heavily inspired by anyone I come across. I observe and listen, and take the time to really absorb someone’s emotions and energy. Each one of us has a story to tell and a lot of my writing comes from looking through someone else’s eyes. I also have some favorite poets that influence my writing. Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Nicole Blackman, and Daphne Gottlieb to name a few. Female poets really resonate with me. I feel like we can relate to each other with our journeys through our struggles and healing process. We certainly can use more female influence in the poetry world. Our voices are so important to inspire others to not be afraid of our thoughts and feelings, and it’s ok to be who you are.
RE: Do you think poetry can make a difference in people's lives? Create positive change?
SL: Whether you’re a poet or you just like reading poetry, it’s a powerful outlet for your mind. We all struggle in one way or another and poetry is a door that allows you to open up and relate to something without judgement. It’s a therapeutic tool that helps a lot of people get through their pain, grief, or even trauma. It can most definitely make a positive difference in someone’s life, I know it has for me.
RE: Do you have any projects in the works? Any readings or poetry events coming up in the capital district?
SL: I do have a few projects I’m working on. I’m currently putting together a book of love poems that I challenged myself to write since it’s not my general style. I hope to have it published sometime this year. I’m also working on a new collection of poems with a goal of being released next year. I will also have a couple of things going on related to Lady Chaos Press, another anthology and a couple of contests and events. As of right now, I have no readings scheduled as my two day jobs have made my time very limited. But I do hope I will be able to get some time freed up in the future to attend some local poetry events. If anyone is looking to be inspired, I highly recommend going to a poetry reading. There are some very talented poets in our community for you to discover.
Shannon Lynette is a poetess who resides in Albany, New York. Her poetry is edgy, razor sharp, and sprinkled with some feminine flair. Shannon is the author of the titles A Place with No Name (2003), Lady on a Wire (2012), Awkward Years (2022), A Place of No Name, Re/Versed (2023), and I’m Not Dead (2024). Ms. Lynette is also the owner/founder of Lady Chaos Press. Her latest book can be found at https://www.amazon.com/author/shannonlynette
