In Conversation with Jes Ann

About Jes Ann

Dr. Jesme Ann Paul a.k.a Jes Ann is a Plastic Surgeon, who spends her free time quietly rearranging thoughts into poetry. Whether holding a scalpel or a pen, she believes in the beauty of restoration. ‘Rhythm of Life’ is the first in her collection. It is the proof that feelings don’t always have to stay bottled up – they can rhyme too!

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it, and its content.

Jes Ann: ‘Rhythm Of Life’ is a collection of poems written in simple English with a touch of rhyme that journeys through themes spanning from the creation at the beginning, that innocent laughter, loss & letting go, and healing & humanity. It begins with the friendships of our early teens and the bittersweet separation from our nests as we grow older. The poems move through moments of loneliness where nature becomes the only companion, and slowly unfolds into the realization that life always offers second chances- in love and in living. This book of poetry is written in a voice that is deeply personal and universally resonant, for anyone who has loved deeply, lost quietly, and lived in the beautiful in-between.

LiFT: Why did you choose this title?

Jes Ann: Just like poetry has beats, pauses, and flow, life also moves in cycles of joy and sadness, chaos and calm, beginnings and endings. The title captures these natural rhythms. My poetry mirrors this rhythm, as my writing style naturally uses rhymes and similes, creating a melody that reflects emotions and everyday experiences.

LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?

Jes Ann: I never knew I had the potential to become a poet. What I did know, even from childhood, was that I loved reading. It was one of my favourite things to do. Inspired by the children’s novels and writers I grew up with, I wrote my first piece when I was around 12 or 14. It wasn’t a poem, just a simple story, but looking back, that was the true beginning of my writing journey.
In school, when I was about 15 or 16, our English teacher came across a poem I had written for the class magazine. She saw something in it that I didn’t see in myself yet, and she put my name down for a poetry competition. That moment was the quiet start of discovering my voice as a poet.
Later, life took me through the long, demanding years of medical education. As a surgeon, time for passion often slipped away. Writing became something I visited only in brief, stolen moments.
This book, however, was born because of one such unexpected moment, a writing challenge by BookLeaf Publishing that I stumbled upon through Instagram. Social media, in its strange way, reconnected me with the part of myself I had tucked away. I joined the challenge, wrote every day, and slowly, the poems formed themselves into a rhythm. And that is how this book came to be. Quite accidentally, and yet, perhaps inevitably.

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Jes Ann: Ten years from now, I honestly don’t know exactly where life will take me, but I do know what I’d love to keep growing into. I want to continue writing which people of all age groups can enjoy. I believe poetry doesn’t always have to be complex or heavy. It can be simple, readable, and still hold layers of meaning. Something a child can enjoy on the surface, while adults can connect with emotionally.
I also hope to inspire more people to return to reading. In this era of endless scrolling which something even I fall into, reading feels like a gentle, grounding habit that enriches the mind. I’d love for my work to encourage others to rediscover that joy.
So, in the next decade, I see myself writing more, learning more, growing as a beginner in the world of literature, and hopefully creating a few more books and stories that can reach different hearts in different ways.

LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?

Jes Ann: In today’s world, marketing is important. People are more aware now as they know what’s good, what’s not, and they respond to things that are presented well. So marketing helps bring a book into their visibility. But at the same time, quality matters even more, because readers today are educated and can clearly sense what has real value. Good marketing may bring them to the book, but the quality is what makes them stay. As for increasing readership, that really depends on the readers. If they connect with the book, they will talk about it, share it, and that naturally builds an audience.
Since this is my first book, I wasn’t overly stressed about heavy marketing, but I do believe strongly in delivering quality in simplicity. And platforms like social media, magazines or awards like this are really helpful for new authors. They give your work a stage, visibility, and recognition, which is very important when you’re just starting out.

LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?

Jes Ann: The main message I would like to convey through my writing is hope. If you focus on just one poem in this book, you might not catch it entirely, but when you go through the whole book, you’ll see a journey: the laughter of childhood, the bittersweet moments of leaving home, the times of solitude when nature becomes your companion, and then finding your passion, your person, your purpose. Life, in its ups and downs, continues in a hopeful way through new beginnings and new relationships. My core message is simple: nothing is permanent and life is beautiful!

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Jes Ann: I’m a Surgeon by profession, specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, which keeps me really busy. Writing, however, is my passion, and I hope to spend more time on it in the future. For now, my work is hectic but incredibly fulfilling. Apart from that, I do enjoy a good sleep, watching a great show or movie, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?

Jes Ann: Being a newbie in the world of literature, I might not have faced a significant writer’s block yet, since this is my first book. What truly inspires me to write is my journey through life were the people I meet, the small travels I undertake, and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Writing, I feel, comes from experience, and experience comes from engaging with the world around us.
Much like I’ve mentioned in the preface of my book, inspiration can come from the simplest things, a quiet sunrise, a calm sunset, the rhythm of ocean waves, the beauty of nature, the people who cross your path, or even the warmth of a cup of coffee in your favourite corner of the sofa. I spend some time alone with these little moments, letting them soak in, and eventually the ideas take shape. It’s then just a matter of putting them into words.

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?

Jes Ann: As of now, I’m not working on a new book. I wish I had something exciting to share. I don’t have a topic or direction at the moment, but I definitely want to continue writing and keep improving my craft.

LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?

Jes Ann: I’m still very new to the literary world myself, so I don’t feel like I’m in a position to “advise,” but I can share what helped me. Whenever an idea comes to you, write it down immediately on your phone, a piece of paper, anything. You can always refine it later. Just don’t stop yourself or underestimate your own voice.
I never imagined I would become a published poet, so believe me when I say, don’t doubt your potential. Also, participate in poetry challenges, writing clubs, and small platforms when you can. They really help you grow. For me, BookLeaf Publishing was a wonderful opportunity as it pushed me to write more and improve.
So, keep your eyes open for opportunities, be willing to take them, trust yourself, and let your creativity flow.

Click here to order Jes Ann’s Book – Rhythm of Life