Creating Untethered: The Book
- Rebecca Rudd
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
My debut book is now out on Amazon but how did it all begin?
Untethered: The Poetry and Photography Collection (the e-book) is now out on Amazon! The paperback is scheduled to follow shortly...
Committing to publishing a book and putting it out there has been a dream for a very long time! But how did this idea originate and come to be?
In this blog post, I will share with you the following: how it all began; how it changed along the way; and finally, how it ended up!
I will share with you a few snippets from the book along with some secrets from the next collection (due out in 2026!).
Thank you for following this journey- enjoy!
How did it all begin?
I think I already knew in my mind that I wanted to create a poetry collection so there was always this notion in my mind that I needed to begin working on a catalogue of work as oppose to just isolated works. A long time ago, somebody used the word 'untethered' to describe me and for some reason it just seemed to stick; I think because it aptly described how I often felt in life. There wasn't a negative or positive connotation attached to it as I think that, often in life, there are pros and cons to all situations and experiences. But my imagination spiralled from there, even though I hadn't begun writing yet.
Then two years ago (as stated in my previous blog) I began writing poems. I wanted them to capture my emotions, thoughts and life experiences. I wanted it to be an outlet for, not only creative expression, but also for my feelings, frustrations and disappointments in order to process and release.
Once I started, I just made the decision to be disciplined: writing at any possible opportunity but also actively making space for it. I think like with any habits, once it sticks, it's stuck! Of course, sometimes it was more difficult to find time, but for me I just learnt when was good for me and this was usually the mornings. However, with poetry, I can sometimes write at night before bed.
The Blog:
After about a year of writing poetry in private, I felt ready for another challenge. I'm naturally introverted so I enjoy the privacy of writing that it gives me. However, I was aware that- at some point in the future- I would need to begin sharing my work (if I was to eventually release a book).
I was really nervous and apprehensive about starting a blog. I'm not great with computers and tech and to be honest, I just wanted any excuse to not put my writing out there! However, after some time and a little boredom (always a great catalyst for creativity), I succumbed to the technological ways of the 21st century...
I've always loved travel, taking photos and the idea of personal development. From this 'Untethered Journeys' was born and it meant that I could combine the idea of both physical and metaphorical journeys together. I've enjoyed keeping this blog and in all honesty, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be!
How it changed along the way:
In the last two years, I have now written approximately eighty poems so some made it into Untethered but some have been set aside for the next poetry collection: Coming Home. There is a sneak preview of this poem at the end of Untethered.
Furthermore, Untethered was initially going to be just poetry but I changed this to including photography as well. Part of this was because I wanted to share my photographs but also from reading lots of other books (mainly nonfiction) that incorporate images and I felt that it really enhanced the reading experience. So from this the idea of combining the two came about.
How did it end up?
Well I guess that's for you to decide! I would love to hear from you and I welcome all reviews: the positive, the negative, the constructive, the unsure, or even just complete indifference!
But if you are wondering what topics and themes are explored, here are just a few:
mental health struggles;
abusive and turbulent relationships;
the harmful effects of toxic masculinity;
the issues of patriarchal systems;
societal and political frustrations;
lifestyle and personal choices;
toxic beauty standards;
our connection to nature;
and finally, the personal and empowering discovery of self.
Due to the sensitive subject material explored within the collection, I always like to be fully transparent about the range of topics discussed in order to provide clear trigger warnings for any potential readers.
In regards to the photography used, there is a range: sunsets, seas, skies, landscapes, plants and much much more! I'll let you see for yourselves :)
Where do I go from here?
Well now is the time where I need to market, advertise and promote the book! Although the introverted writer in me wants to retreat to the privacy of my writing world where I can get lost in another poem, story, script or blog!
I've attended many writing events with many inspiring and incredible writers and they often say that: "yes it is hard to start, write and finish a book but the most difficult thing is getting it into the hands of readers!"
Am I ready to put myself out there? Am I ready to promote myself? Am I ready to face some rejection? Am I ready? Well I guess I've already made a start on this journey, so I may as well keep exploring!
Untethered: A Collection of Poems and Photography
By Becca Jane Rudd
Is now available to buy as an e-book on Amazon
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