#035 - How to Write Surrealist Poetry with Aakriti Kuntal

What does it take to write surreal poetry — and how can illness, mythology, and the unconscious become the raw material of a poetry collection?In this episode of The Poetry Vessel, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus, Nathan Hassall, sits down with contemporary Indian poet Aakriti Kuntal to explore the "waking dream" of her latest collection, "Night Breaks Apart, like pomegranate seeds in my palm."This deep dive into surreal poetry and dark academic themes examines how Kuntal transmutates personal experiences with chronic illness and mortality into visceral, alchemical verse. Aakriti shares her most powerful poetry writing tips and creative writing tips, including using music to induce a trance-like state and the "Inverted Tree" method for generating metaphors. Plus this episode is packed with poetry, and includes an exclusive reading of eight poems from Aakriti's book. 📚 BUY AAKRITI'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3O9zqqs👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup🙏 SUPPORT US ON PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePoetryVessel📜 SUBMIT YOUR POETRY:https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN COURSE (LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT):https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrainEVERYTHING ELSE: 📚 Recommended Reading: https://shorturl.at/SOYRP👉 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall📸 Nathan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanhassallpoetry/🌀 The Poetry Vessel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetryvessel📧 Business inquiries: [email protected]🎥Our Film Gear: https://shorturl.at/j9MTW🙏 How to Support TPV: https://thepoetryvessel.com/donate/🕰️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00:00 – How to Write Surreal Poetry with Aakriti Kuntal0:01:20 – The Moment She Knew She Was a Poet0:03:07 – Using Music as a Writing Tool0:07:29 – Poetry Reading: "On Nightmares" 0:11:23 – Poetry Reading:"The City of Droplets"0:16:12 – Writing Through Illness, Mortality & the Body0:23:51 – Poetry Reading:"The Serpent" 0:27:43 – Poetry Reading: "The Sea"0:31:32 – The "Inverted Tree" Method for Surrealist Writing0:33:24 – Poetry Reading: "Artery" — When Anxiety Becomes Art0:44:00 – Poetry Reading: "Vines" — Paradox & Metaphor at Work0:48:00 – Poetry Reading: "Hide and Seek"0:56:30 – Poetry Reading: "The-Tongue-is-a-Pink-Cello"1:00:47 – The One Thing Every Poet Needs to Let Go OfPODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!