'Unapologetically raw' debut by Kelowna author tells it like it is

Kelowna's Stefanie Giddens recently retired from her high-flying job in the world of marketing and settled down on a small farm in town.

The quiet, idyllic surroundings coupled with time, allowed her to compile a book that her publisher calls an unapologetically raw debut poetry collection exploring the complexities of womanhood, self-worth, and the search for love and healing.

"If I Were to Say Something About It: Even in the darkness, there's the light to keep going" is a series of vivid and heartfelt pieces that Giddens writes with an intensity that pulls readers into deeply personal reflections on pivotal moments in her life as a woman, honouring the strength, perseverance and love required to navigate life's challenges and truly find self-worth.

"I had been writing for years, " she told Kelowna10. " It was mostly for myself to just get the feelings out; reconcile whatever I was going through. And as I started to share my [dark, raw] pieces ...very gently, people would have very visceral reflections to the words and writing." They encouraged her to write a book.

Giddens describes the work as modern poetry, and stream of consciousness short stories that reflect her struggles as a young woman growing up with divorce, her mother's battle with cancer, and raising her two daughters as a single mom while at university.

Reflecting on her experience of being raised in a very formally religious family is also part of the work. As she got older, there are also elements in the book that highlight negotiating relationships, as a woman, at the corporate, boardroom level.

"I've had both men and women give me substantial feedback [on the book]. Some say it's gut-wrenching, and they can relate emotionally and learned a different perspective," she explained.

"I'm very proud of the book and I'm very pleased to share these experiences in the hope people can find their own pathway through these challenging times."