From Social Anxiety to Poetry Organizer: Haley Valenta on Writing, Self-Publishing & Hosting Events

Ever feel like your writing is too personal to share? In this episode of Paper Knives, we sit down with Kenosha-based confessional poet Haley Valenta to discuss how vulnerability, self-doubt, and mental health advocacy can become your greatest creative assets. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned creator, Haley offers a fresh perspective on why your internal struggles might actually be the key to your most honest work.

Haley Valenta is a confessional poet and the founder of the Rabbit Ear Poetry initiative. Based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, she is dedicated to fostering literary community through accessible events and helping writers bridge the gap between private drafts and professionally published collections. Learn more at rabbitearpoetry.com.

Throughout our conversation, Haley shares her approach to building poetry community, specifically advocating for the power of "read-ins" over traditional high-pressure open mics to build a more sustainable and inclusive literary community. She also outlines a professional roadmap for indie publishing, detailing the mechanics of Amazon KDP to ensure your work reaches readers while managing costs and royalties. By shifting your perspective on how you share your work—and treating your self-publishing projects with the same rigor as traditional presses—you can transform your writing practice from a solitary act into a vital connection with your community.

❓❓❓ Audience Question: Haley mentions challenging self-doubt when such thoughts arose. Do you view your self-doubt as a barrier to your writing, or as a tool for editing and truth-telling?

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👀 Check out our affiliate links below timestamps & show notes 👇

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

00:00:06 - Introduction and Episode Format

00:02:19 - Poetry Reading

00:09:36 - Poetry as a Tool for Overcoming Social Anxiety

00:10:39 - The Role of Doubt in the Writing Process

00:14:39 - Community Building & Rabbit Ear Poetry

00:21:28 - Innovative Event Planning: Read-ins vs. Open Mics

00:26:42 - Workshop Structure: Kenosha Writers Guild

00:31:41 - The Logistics of Indie Publishing and Amazon KDP

00:43:25 - Closing Poetry Reading

🔍 TRANSPARENCY & DISCLOSURE

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🔗 LINKS TO BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO

Rabbit Ear Poetry: https://rabbitearpoetry.com

Kenosha Writers Guild: https://kenoshawritersguild.org

Studio Moonfall: https://studiomoonfall.com

Blue House Books: https://bluehousebooks.com

East View Coffee: https://eastviewcoffee.com

Book Delair: https://bookdelair.com

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