A.ZOVIC
INTRODUCING A.ZOVIC
The Official Site
WHEN THE SUN RAINS
| I N T R O D U C T I O N |
‘When the Sun Rains.’ is a collection of poems composed to unmask
experiences that are often silenced. This collection highlights
the dangers of believing that life is exclusive to a single-story. It
reminds us that strength is not attained without weakness, pleasure
is not felt without pain, light is not known without darkness, and we
all have a little rain.
A GLIMPSE
the journey that carried me
A.ZOVIC
My last name, Zovic, means "to call" or "to speak". My grandfather, Casmir Zovic, whom I affectionately call "Popeye", has been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. I take pride in knowing the stories, tribulations, and love that are embedded in this name.
In 2019, I had the privilege of visiting Popeye's hometown in Istria, Croatia. During my visit, I got to meet his old neighbors, cousins, and siblings, and even stepped foot in the barn where he was born. The stories he shared throughout my childhood finally came to life for me. Since then, I have had a deeper appreciation for the land that nurtured his childhood, for family, the power of storytelling, speaking your truth, and the sense of belonging that can come with sharing a name.
BOOK CRITIQUE
In 2021, I submitted the manuscript for my first poetry book titled "When the Sun Rains" and was accepted into the Humber College Creative Writing Graduate program. I was fortunate enough to have Jamacian-Canadian author Olive Senior as my mentor for one year during which we worked on refining my manuscript (which at the time was only 50 pages). However, the more opportunities I was given the harder my writer's block hit me. Despite the setback, I returned to my book years later with a fresh perspective, new learnings, and so much clarity.
HERE & NOW
I once received advice from an old teacher of mine who suggested that I should seek work that ignites my passion, rather than trying to turn my passions into work. This advice hit a massive *pause* button and brought me back down to earth, kindly popping the bubble of who I thought I was supposed to be; Instead of being a hopeless romantic English major who runs away to the mountains to write heart-wrenching novels, I discovered poetry in channelling my most authentic self. Now, I have a job that makes me feel alive and present and encourages my creative spirit.
So thank you, Sir, your advice worked out well, no mountains required.
Today I take that piece of mine back.
Today I get back my peace of mind.