Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Guintu
Hi Clare, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, writing has always been a source of creativity and comfort for me. I still cherish my first diary in 2001, a pink Tweety Bird with a ruptured lock, which I wrote occasionally in. In elementary school, I enjoyed crafting fantasy stories and participating in writing contests. My love for poetry blossomed in middle school. I was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, whose words transported me to another realm. It was through Tumblr that I discovered Lang Leav; I’ll never forget the impact of her book, Love and Misadventures, which captivated me deeply.
Writing has been my outlet for releasing emotions—whether it’s pain, sadness, relationship experiences, love, happiness, or my appreciation for nature. It has also allowed me to explore themes of self-love and personal growth. In 2019, I created an Instagram page dedicated to my poetry, which opened doors to connect with incredible writers and artists who support and appreciate my work.
The writing community is filled with supportive creators, and I find joy in immersing myself in their poetry and artwork. It’s a pleasure to connect with fellow creatives who share the same passion and to exchange our creations. I am grateful to have my poetry included in two anthologies, published by Cozy Ink Press, and to have had the opportunity to share my work at an Open Mic event in Los Angeles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my journey, I faced challenges in finding my voice and overcoming self-limiting beliefs that held me back from seizing opportunities. For a long time, I believed I “wasn’t good enough” and had a fear of showing this side of myself to others, which kept my poetry hidden away, only shared with a select few of loved ones. I continuously drowned myself in the “what ifs” of all the negative things that could happen to me instead of the positives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Filipina-American writer and artist, and I self-published my debut poetry collection, Stain of Hues, in April 2023 on Amazon. This collection explores themes of love, lust, heartbreak, and personal growth — incorporating small pieces of my artwork and photography throughout its pages.
My work is also featured in two poetry anthology books by Cozy Ink Press. The first is titled Poets: Straight from the Notes App, which was released in April 2024. The second is titled Musing Around at Midnight, set to be published in November 2024.
Currently, I’m working on my second poetry collection, scheduled for release in Spring 2025. This new book will be a larger compilation, blending my creations of poetry, prose, quotes, photography, and original artwork.
I began writing without the intention of sharing my work, unaware that others might resonate with my words and art. I’ve come to understand the importance of sharing creativity, as it can inspire those who struggle to articulate meaning through their feelings and help others discover their own beauty and authenticity, along with appreciating the endless beauty that surrounds them. My inner child is truly thriving as I continue to create and pursue my passion. I’m proud of myself for finally embracing this journey, collaborating with talented individuals, and connecting with a vibrant community of creatives.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is to stay true to yourself, no matter how difficult things may become. Ultimately, all you have is you. It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them and hold yourself accountable for how your choices shape your life. We all have our own battles in life that we go through. No matter how hard things get, don’t lose hope and the kindness in your heart. Life’s tough, but you’re tougher with a dash of love and sprinkles of light.
It’s often true that we can be our own worst enemy, stifling our talents and authenticity for the sake of others’ comfort. I want to encourage anyone grappling with this fear to continue shining brightly. Remember, your story is what makes you unique!
I firmly believe in the principle of reciprocity—what goes around comes around. That’s why I make it a priority to show kindness to others. I encourage everyone to be kind to themselves and to practice self-love, and to share that love with the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clareguintu/
