Creating a Chapbook. Initial ideas.

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Today, I will brainstorm initial ideas before starting to write my chapbook.

                                          


Why is it called a chapbook?
Chapbooks were small, handy editions of books sold by peddlers known as chapmen. The name "chap" may have come from the Old English word for "trade" or "book dealer." Chapmen would carry boxes of these editions with them, selling them either in towns on street corners or while traveling through the countryside.

To determine the style for my future book, I decided to observe the two most popular Chapbooks from each style. For my observation, I chose "Milk and Honey" and "The Complete Stories."

1. "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur
milk and honey – Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur is a Canadian poet, writer, and illustrator who gained popularity through sharing her work on social media platforms. Her success eventually led to the publication of her book "Milk and Honey" in 2014. The book is divided into four parts, each telling a story about different emotions and experiences, such as love, heartbreak, strength, and self-discovery. Many of the poems touch on topics like dealing with bad relationships and overcoming difficult times.

"Milk and Honey" has played a significant role in popularizing contemporary poetry and attracting a new generation of readers to the genre. I personally loved the format of the stories and the deep themes presented in them. They give a clear image of who the author is, what she is thinking about, and how intelligent she is. The stories are available on her website in two different formats: pictures and a full book, as well as in an audio book, making it more accessible to readers of any generation.
2. "The Complete Stories" by Franz Kafka
Kafka's works are renowned for their complexity, leaving readers with open-ended interpretations. His writing style and themes have had a lasting impact on literature, influencing many writers and thinkers.

Franz Kafka "The completed stories"

"The Complete Stories" is a compilation of Kafka's short stories, which includes a whole collection of his works such as "The Metamorphosis", "In the Penal Colony", "The Hunger Artist", and "The Trial". Personally, I got to know this writer during my school years when I read one of his most famous stories, "The Metamorphosis". This novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who woke up one day and found himself transformed into a giant insect. "He lay on his armor-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections. His once skin-covered back has now been transformed" (Franz Kafka, 1915). I really enjoy Kafka's style of writing, and I might even use it in my own Chapbook.


In conclusion, Kafka's "The Complete Stories" is a magnificent collection of his works, with "The Metamorphosis" being his most famous novella. Kafka's unique style of writing, with its enigmatic and surreal elements, has captured the imagination of readers for generations. His writing has the power to transport readers to other worlds and challenge their perceptions of reality. 


References:

Rupi Kaur, 2024, Rupi Kaur is a poet, artist, and performer.(online) Available at:
Franz Kafka, Stanley Corngold(Translator), January 1, 1915, The Metamorphosis, GoodReads.(online) Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/485894.The_Metamorphosis

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