Valeria Eden on Writing, Vulnerability, and the Power of Poetry in Tender Teeth

Valeria Eden

Valeria Eden’s upcoming poetry collection Tender Teeth is set to be released on February 6th. The book explores the raw and intimate emotions surrounding grief, identity, and survival, inviting readers to delve deep into the author’s personal experience with vulnerability and healing. Through her unflinching language, Eden creates a poetic world where readers can confront their own truths and connect to the complexities of the human condition.

Tender Teeth cover

Eden’s journey into writing began in her early years, spurred by her experiences with therapy after the death of her father. While journaling was recommended by various therapists as a way to process her emotions, it wasn’t until she began writing poetry that she truly found her voice. Initially, her writing served as a personal release, but over time, it transformed into something more profound. “Eventually, my word vomit resembled something like a poem, and I ran with it,” Eden shared, reflecting on how her writing evolved into a passion.

While she initially saw writing as a hobby while pursuing a psychology degree, a turning point came when a professor encouraged her to apply for an MFA program. This belief in her work inspired Eden to take the leap into a more serious pursuit of writing. She credits the encouragement she received as a pivotal moment that helped her believe in herself.

Despite her strong connection to writing, Eden’s creative process is anything but structured. While she acknowledges the potential benefits of a writing routine, she finds that inspiration comes when it is least expected. Often, the creative spark strikes late at night, and she follows it without the pressure of adhering to a specific schedule. “I truly wish I did [have a routine], and I think my ADHD brain could certainly benefit from it, but alas. It’s all chaos,” she explained.

When writer’s block strikes, Eden steps away from her work, giving herself space to breathe and clear her mind. A walk with her dogs or a visit to a coffee shop often helps her reconnect with the flow of ideas. “Anything I can be present in has always helped take the pressure off,” she shared. This flexible approach allows her to return to her writing with fresh perspective when the time feels right.

As for her future writing goals, Eden is excited about the prospect of writing a fantasy novel. Though she’s never written long-form fiction before, the process has been both challenging and exhilarating. “I’m excited to see their story unravel, however long it takes,” she said about the characters who have been living in her mind for some time.

Eden’s love of fantasy literature is apparent in her admiration for Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone and Strange the Dreamer. Both books deeply moved her, particularly for their emotional depth and exploration of love. These works inspired Eden to think about the kind of impact she hopes her own writing will have. “I want readers to feel moved, to feel changed,” she shared.

Eden’s writing environment is not confined to a specific place, as she finds inspiration wherever she feels most comfortable. Whether it’s writing at the dining table, in a coffee shop, or outdoors, she follows the creative flow of the moment. “But whenever I sit down at my own desk, properly in my chair, nothing comes of it,” she laughed, emphasizing the fluid nature of her writing space.

Her advice for aspiring writers is rooted in her own journey of experimentation. “Try your hand at different types of poems, and see what resonates with you,” Eden advises. This willingness to explore different forms and styles is what helped her develop her unique poetic voice.

Feedback from others has played a significant role in shaping Eden’s work. She values constructive criticism, as it helps her strengthen her writing, but she also knows when to stand her ground. “Having other sets of eyes on my writing not only makes it stronger but helps me to believe in myself too,” she explained.

Eden has always been drawn to free verse poetry for its creative freedom. She also enjoys playing with the spacing and formatting of her poems, giving her even more room to experiment. On occasion, she challenges herself by experimenting with structured forms like cinquains—a five-line form—though free verse remains her preferred mode of expression.

For Eden, poetry is a form of activism, a tool for social change. She believes that poetry has the power to raise awareness of important issues, particularly those faced by marginalized groups. “Poetry is political, is a form of resistance,” she said, recognizing the ways in which poetry has been used to resist oppression throughout history.

Through her poetry, Eden hopes to connect with readers who need to feel seen and understood. She believes in the power of vulnerability and aims to inspire others to create art that resonates with them on a deeply personal level. “I hope my poetry finds the people who need it, and that it makes them feel seen,” she shared.

When asked who Eden dreams of collaborating with, living or deceased, literary icons like Virginia Woolf or Sylvia Plath come to mind. Both writers have deeply influenced her work. “I would love to pick their brains, listen to their stories, learn from them, and just give them both a hug,” she laughed.

If Tender Teeth is any indication, Valeria Eden’s work will continue to challenge and inspire readers. Her fearless approach to writing, her deep emotional resonance, and her commitment to honesty make her a poet to watch as she navigates the worlds of both poetry and fiction.

With her debut collection set to be released on February 6th, Tender Teeth promises to leave a lasting impact on anyone who experiences its powerful voice.