Conversations with Rachel Clift

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Clift

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It has taken eight years to find my way to where and who I am today. It all began by taking a poetry class on a whim as an elective during my last year of college at UTK. My professor, the late Arthur Smith, redefined poetry for me. It ended up being the missing puzzle piece to my life and now I couldn’t imagine who I would be without it. I’ve now published eight of my own poetry books, hosted two successful artist retreats to Europe, and worked with over seventy individual authors to design their own poetry books and mentor them through the indie-publishing process. When I first began writing for that class, I never thought it would lead me to be a full-time book designer, mentor, travel host, and published author— but that just goes to show— everything happens for a reason.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles are inevitable! I didn’t start out as a full-time artist. I balanced a myriad of 9-5 jobs while I dedicated my off hours to building my own business. There were times when I wondered if it would be worth it— but I was determined to build a life that felt meaningful and fulfilling. I had to be my own biggest supporter and believe in what I was doing even when those around me asked why I was going through all the trouble. It has helped shape me into who I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My day-to-day work is primarily as a poetry book designer. I also design novels, guided journals, and coffee table photography books, and I can design just about anything— but poetry books are my specialty. I design the interiors and the covers based on my client’s vision! I’m also a self-publishing mentor. This combination of skills is what sets me apart from other freelance designers. As a poet myself, I understand the nature of my client and their work. As a designer, I’m able to bring their vision to life— no matter how unique— whereas a traditional publisher may take more creative control away from the author. As a self-publishing mentor, I teach my authors how to be their own publishers. I’m not a small press, nor am I a publisher for anyone other than my personal poetry books and anthologies. My authors retain all rights to their work and the distribution of it. I am there to guide them through the process and take the stress out of it to make it an enjoyable experience. As far as I am aware, no one else does this exact work in our author community, so it is a very niche specialty.

What makes you happy?
When I wake up and I’m not in pain. Summer rain and the first day you feel a crispness in the air before autumn comes. Snowdrops and crocus blooming in late winter. Cold coffee and hot coffee and any coffee, to be honest. Spending hours with my closest friends just talking, making each other laugh, telling the same stories over and over. Giving gifts. Taking photos of people and showing them how beautiful they are. The way you hold on tighter to the armrest when an airplane lands. Hearing a language I don’t understand. Eye contact. Checking off my to-do list. Befriending a stray cat. Writing a poem that leaves me breathless. Reading a poem that makes me gasp and shut the book. Sending handwritten letters even though I don’t as much as I’d like to, and I keep buying stamps. Leather heeled boots. Wearing lots and lots of rings that clink when I pick up a glass. Helping an artist believe in themselves. Being backstage in a theatre. Meeting strangers. Trying a new recipe, and it actually turning out well. Reading fantasy novels. Swimming in warm water. A flock of birds flying overhead. Singing alone. The list goes on and to answer your question of why? These are tiny things that make me feel more alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rcliftpoetry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.cliftpoetry?igsh=MTd6a3Ribm9sdHFheQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr