Exploring Love and Transformation: A Book of Poetry by D.C. Area Writer Liza Achilles
Maryland-based author Liza Achilles has written an intimate, often hilarious, always relatable debut. Two Novembers: A Memoir of Love ‘n’ Sex in Sonnets was published this month by the hyperlocal press Beltway Editions, which is based in Rockville, Maryland. Two Novembers is a collection of Shakespearean sonnets, but don’t let the form intimidate you. Achilles writes true Shakespearean sonnets, faithful to the Bard’s form. But her language and subject matter is modern, refreshingly of the moment, her grasp of the sonnet so good that her poetic lines sound like contemporary speech. And let’s not forget that this is a memoir in verse, telling the story of a woman in middle age who is transforming and reinventing herself. It’s raw, honest, sex-positive, and brave.
Achilles, who also writes fiction and nonfiction, thinks of herself as a literary/autobiographical author. She’s active in the D.C. area literary community, hosting a Silent Book Club chapter and a group called Writers Meet Writers. Silent Book Club is an international organization that encourages book lovers to gather, read, and chat about books, without the typical book club constraints. Writers Meet Writers emphasizes networking, friendship, and sharing tips of the trade. Achilles was kind enough to chat with me about her work, her passion for community, and why writing matters.
How did you start writing?
I have been an avid reader my whole life, but I didn’t start deliberately writing creatively until after a quarter-life crisis. At that time, I realized how much books meant to me, and I decided to give back (and recover my mental health) by writing a book myself. Little did I know how many years of practice it takes to develop creative writing skills!
Why do you think writing and creativity matter in today’s world?
Even if art were pure frivolity or entertainment—which I don’t believe is the case—that still has value. I am a mental health advocate, and one of the keys to mental health is taking time for self-care: time to relax, laugh, and enjoy life.
But of course, art is more than that. It is vitally important to look at our lives and the world from new and diverse perspectives. … Engaging in the arts is one of the best ways to avoid getting stuck in a rut and to explore all the world has to offer, if only we look for it.
Liza Achilles reads from Two Novembers at her recent book launch at independent bookstore People’s Book.
Can you tell our readers about the genesis of this project, and what you hope readers take away?
I unexpectedly fell in love with my physical therapist. This felt so taboo that I did not feel I could tell anyone, not even my closest friends. In desperation, I started writing poems addressed to him, in order to get my feelings out. Soon, I realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write about real feelings of passionate love. I kept writing for a year, to document what happened next.
I hope readers gain both entertainment and the benefit of memoir. Memoir offers new understanding about what real life is like, as opposed to the fantasies the media often feeds us. There’s nothing wrong with rom coms, but there’s immense benefit in being able to separate fantasy from reality, and one way you can do that is by reading memoir.
Why sonnets?
I fell in love with Shakespeare as a sophomore in college. (My high school studies did not feature Shakespeare.) As a science major, I took a course on Shakespeare as an elective. One day, I emerged from a chemistry lab feeling downtrodden and disheartened. I exited the building a different way than usual and ended up in Northwestern University’s Shakespeare Garden, which has plants Shakespeare mentions in his works. I felt that Shakespeare was calling to me, and I switched my major to English.
Ten years later, I read Shakespeare’s sonnets, and that has been my favorite book ever since.
A lot of people who are big readers haven’t read much poetry since high school and find it intimidating. What do you say to those readers?
Do you like popular music? If you do, you will probably like poetry with rhythm and rhyme. Do you like stories? If you do, you will probably like narrative poetry.
Most people like Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” which has these elements. Shakespeare’s sonnets (and mine) have these elements, too.
It’s important to remember that just as all music isn’t atonal, not all poetry is free verse. Readers who want to learn to appreciate the more difficult stuff can start with the more accessible stuff and go from there.
What’s important to you about the D.C. literary scene?
We are blessed with many literary organizations, events, and opportunities in the DC area. I try to stay involved as much as possible. I especially love the annual Washington Writers Conference, which is wonderful for learning about writing and publishing, networking with writers, and meeting with literary agents. Every time I meet someone new in the literary world, I learn something new about the literary world and also feel more socially connected in this isolated, individualistic society.
Do you have favorite writers you think our readers should check out?
William Shakespeare. No one else even comes close to the ballpark.
I preview intellectually and artistically great books on my blog. I enthusiastically recommend these books and post them on my Bookshop.org page.
What art are you reading and consuming now?
I’m currently reading a philosophy book, The Weirdness of the World by Eric Schwitzgebel (2024). I recently saw the Mark Rothko exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, which was amazing. I love going to the Comedy Loft of DC. I’m currently enjoying Succession. I’m a proud Swiftie. You have to see Hamilton for the comedy of the King alone . . . and Jefferson’s mic drop.
Do you have a new project we should look out for?
My current project is a literary/autobiographical novel about the intersection between philosophy and psychology.
Support local bookstores by finding your copy of Two Novembers at Bookshop.org or your favorite local independent bookstore.
Liza Achilles will be reading from and chatting about her new book at Busboys and Poets on July 14. This event is free, but you do need to RSVP. Check out https://lizaachilles.com/events for additional upcoming events and to learn more about the author. You can also subscribe to her blog here.
Norah Vawter is the Local Authors Editor for DCTRENDING. She’s a freelance writer, editor, and novelist, represented by Victress Literary. Norah lives in Virginia with her family. Follow her @norahvawter on Instagram and Twitter, where she shares words & works of D.C. area writers every Friday.