In Conversation with Irine Maria Joy

About Irine Maria Joy

Irine Maria Joy is a poet who celebrates strength in solitude. She started writing poetry during her academic years and turned her passion into a profession. Based in Dubai, she has worked in content and marketing communications for over five years. Irine’s literary style is rooted in emotional wilderness, psychological introspection, and artistic realism. Her debut collection draws from two decades of scribbled verses, unfinished thoughts, and musings. With Sunflowers, Silhouette, Stillness, Irine invites readers into a world shaped by the fierce tenderness of the human heart. In her words, readers find refuge and reckoning.

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

Irine Maria Joy: sunflowers, silhouette and stillness is a four-part poetry collection that explores the fractured beauty of contemporary existence through the lens of urban life, emotional solitude, inner chaos, and the inevitable passage of time. Each section — Epiphany of Metropolis, Autograph of Solitude, Memoirs of Chaos, and Requiem of Time — weaves a lyrical narrative that journeys from the facades of cityscapes to the quiet, unspoken corners of the soul. I have started writing when I was in school but it took years to break the fear of publishing them. This is my first collection, compiled from over 20 years of scribbled verses, unfinished thoughts, and musings in journals and notes.

LiFT: Why did you choose this title?

Irine Maria Joy: With haunting intimacy and fierce lyricism, I choose this title to stitch together moments of epiphany and erasure, longing and liberation. Each page blooms with raw emotion, tracing the outlines of grief, memory, and quiet resilience. This is not just a collection of poems — it’s a requiem for modern life and a love letter to the sunflowers we once were.

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

Irine Maria Joy: Writing was my passion since childhood. I began by scribbling short poems in my diary, never once feeling the urge to stop. After choosing English literature for higher studies, I was fascinated by the literary works of Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou and Kamala Das.Overtime, I focused on writing and turned it into a profession. Drawing inspiration from my life in Dubai doing a corporate content and marketing communications job, poetry helped me to create a sense of connection to the inner self, grounding my personal voice in the urban life.

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

Irine Maria Joy: Ten years down the line, I see myself as a writer who has grown both in craft and in courage—someone who tells stories that are deeply personal yet universally resonant. I have already begun this journey with my second poetry collection underway, while also developing a novel that I see as a key milestone in my writing path. t the same time, I see myself contributing meaningfully to the literary community, whether through collaborations, mentorship, or platforms that amplify diverse voices. Success, for me, would not just be in publication, but in the impact my words leave behind.

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

Irine Maria Joy: I would always prioritise quality. A powerful, honest piece of writing will eventually find its readers, and when it does, it builds a more lasting and meaningful impact than marketing alone ever could. At the same time, even the most well-written book can go unnoticed without the right marketing. Visibility is essential to connect a book with its audience, especially in such a saturated space.

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

Irine Maria Joy: Through my writing, I want to reach those who carry quiet storms within them—the ones who often find themselves in solitude. This book is for anyone who seeks meaning in memory, who longs for stillness, and who may not always have the words to express what they feel. More than anything, I hope my writing serves as a reminder that human emotions are valid—that they are seen, understood, and never truly alone.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Irine Maria Joy: I work in corporate content and marketing communications, and I also have experience as a journalist. My professional work largely revolves around writing and storytelling in a strategic context. I spent over five years working full-time in Dubai, after which I transitioned into freelancing to focus more on personal growth and nurture my creative pursuits. This balance allows me to stay connected to both the professional and artistic sides of writing.

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

Irine Maria Joy: When I face writer’s block, I step away from the page and turn to experiences that help me reconnect with myself. Travelling, spending time in nature, and engaging with people often give me fresh perspectives and emotional clarity. I also find painting to be a creative release that allows ideas to flow without the pressure of words. Reading, also helps me re-enter the world of language. These activities not only refresh my mind but often spark new ideas, allowing me to return to writing with a new energy.

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

Irine Maria Joy: Yes, I’m currently working on my next poetry collection. This time, however, I’m consciously bringing out the sunnier side of love and life, moving beyond the melancholy that shaped my last book. Alongside that, I’m developing a novel which is still taking shape, drawing deeply from lived experiences and observations. However, I’m intentionally allowing it the time and space to evolve itself fully.

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

Irine Maria Joy: I would suggest to be consistent. It sharpens your voice. Don’t stop writing. Keep try writing something, and trust that you’ll grow over time. At the same time, read deeply and mindfully. Don’t overconsume content- create space to think, imagine, and develop your own voice. Finally, write with honesty and courage. Don’t be afraid to go overboard or explore intense emotions, but always stay true to your perspective. Writing takes years. If you expect quick validation, you’ll burn out. Focus on long-term growth.

Click here to order Irine Maria Joy’s Book – sunflowers, silhouette and stillness