✨ The Weekly MAsh Presents: Emily Authement — Tired; Tender

Genre: Poetry
Author Vibe: Raw, tender, and reflective ✨

1. Congratulations on your upcoming publication! Can you tell us a little about Tired; Tender?

Thank you! Tired; Tender is a collection of poems that explores the raw, intimate moments of motherhood, exhaustion, and self-discovery. It’s about the simultaneous vulnerability and strength we experience in those quiet, in-between moments—the nights we feel completely drained, yet also completely alive.

2. What inspired you to write these poems?

The inspiration came from my own experiences with motherhood and the intense, often contradictory emotions that go with it.

3. How would you describe your writing process?

I usually start with a feeling or a small moment that sticks with me, and I write freely from there. Then I shape the words and rhythm until the poem feels true to that experience.

4. Motherhood is such a central theme in your book. How do you approach writing about the tender and challenging moments authentically?

Motherhood is full of contradictions, the exhaustion and the joy, the frustration and the wonder—and I try to capture both sides. I draw from my own experiences. Writing about them authentically means allowing myself to feel fully in those moments, and then translating that into words that other people can recognize in their own lives."

5. What’s one line or poem in Tired; Tender that you secretly love and hope readers connect with?

“we survived the blur”, I love this because it acknowledges the chaotic, exhausting stretches of life while also celebrating that we made it through, together.

6. Every poet has sources of inspiration, music, art, memories. What helps you get into the headspace to write?

Music helps me get into the right headspace, and I let my emotions guide the words.

7. Your book deals with raw, honest emotions. Was there a moment while writing that surprised you or made you pause?

Yes, there were moments when I realized how much I was holding back in my own life, and writing it down made me confront feelings I hadn’t fully acknowledged. Sometimes a line would surprise me with its honesty, and I’d pause, realizing that the poem was saying something I needed to hear myself. It’s both humbling and freeing to see your own vulnerability reflected through your words.

8. If readers could take one feeling or message away from Tired; Tender, what would you want it to be?

I want the book to remind people that vulnerability and strength can coexist, and that being tender with yourself is just as important as caring for others.

9. Where can readers find your work and connect with you online?

Tired; Tender is available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon! If you want to connect with me personally, my Instagram is @emily.authement 

10. Finally, complete the sentence: Readers will love Tired; Tender if they crave ________.

Raw, unfiltered emotion 

 

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⚡ Rapid-Fire Round

Tea or coffee?

Coffee

Morning writing or late-night inspiration?

Late night

Journaling or typing on a laptop?

Typing on a laptop

Favorite poem to read aloud?

The World Kept Turning - by me

Notebook or digital notes?

Notebook

Calm reflection or chaotic burst of emotion when writing?

Chaotic burst of emotion

One word to describe motherhood?

Gratfulness

One word to describe your poetry style?

Freestyle

Any “must-have” writing ritual or item?

My writing playlist on Spotify

Favorite way to celebrate finishing a poem?

Writing another one