Syracuse, NY – December 17, 2024 – Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and poet Francis DiClemente has once again demonstrated his artistic prowess with his latest poetry collection, The Truth I Must Invent (Poets’ Choice, 2023; ISBN: 978-93-95193-73-3). Known for his profound insights and evocative storytelling, DiClemente delves deep into the intricate tapestry of human emotions in this release. In an exclusive interview, the author sheds light on his journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind his work.
About the Book
The Truth I Must Invent is a powerful collection of free-verse poetry that blends narrative and philosophical musings. The poems navigate themes such as self, identity, loneliness, family, existence, disability, gratitude, and resilience. Using minimalistic yet vivid language, DiClemente crafts a reflective journey that resonates with readers, peeling back the layers of human experience to reveal the shared truths at our core.
With a focus on life’s inherent complexities, the collection encourages readers to discover joy and contentment even in challenging circumstances. It serves as both a mirror and a beacon, reflecting our shared struggles while offering hope through the idea that we all have the power to create our own truths.
An Exclusive Author Interview
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and how your experiences have shaped your work?
I live in Syracuse, New York, and work as a senior video producer at Syracuse University. My life revolves around three primary aspects: my creative work, my professional responsibilities, and my family life. My wife, Pamela, and I have an eight-year-old son, Colin, who has autism.
I’m also a disabled writer, which has significantly influenced my perspective. I have a condition called hypopituitarism, caused by a benign brain tumor first diagnosed when I was fifteen. Over the years, the tumor has regrown, requiring multiple surgeries. Additionally, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2017. These challenges have deeply impacted my writing, allowing me to explore themes of resilience, gratitude, and the fragility of life with authenticity.
Q: What inspired The Truth I Must Invent?
This collection is the result of years of introspection and observation. I wanted to explore the emotions and truths we encounter as adults, from loneliness and memory to compassion and joy. The title reflects the idea that we all construct our own truths to navigate life’s uncertainties. The poems are a dialogue with myself and, hopefully, with readers, as we collectively seek meaning in our shared human experience.
Q: How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process is structured yet intuitive. I wake up every weekday at 3:30 a.m. to write before beginning my day. This early morning solitude allows me to focus and channel my thoughts. I always carry paper and a pen, as inspiration often strikes unexpectedly—in an image, a conversation, or even a passing thought.
Once an idea takes hold, I draft the poem in one sitting, capturing the essence of the moment. Revision follows, where I refine the language, tone, and rhythm. The goal is to create a piece that feels complete, authentic, and emotionally resonant.
Q: Which authors have influenced you the most?
Langston Hughes and Charles Bukowski are two of my greatest influences. Hughes’s brevity and emotional clarity showed me that poetry could be both accessible and profound. His poem “Suicide’s Note” is a masterclass in economy and depth. Bukowski’s raw, unfiltered style encouraged me to embrace my voice without fear of judgment.
Other authors who have shaped my perspective include John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Mary Karr, and Albert Camus. Each has taught me something unique about storytelling, humanity, and the power of words.
Q: What is the central message of The Truth I Must Invent?
The collection revolves around the idea that life is a blend of light and shadow, joy and sorrow. It emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for hope even in the darkest moments. The title suggests that we are all creators of our own realities. By embracing this truth, we can find meaning and purpose in our experiences.
Q: What are you working on now?
I’ve recently completed a full-length memoir, Stunted: A Memoir of Delayed Manhood, which explores my coming-of-age journey. I’m also working on an experimental poetry collection that I plan to self-publish in 2025. Writing is an ongoing process for me, and I always have new ideas simmering.
About the Author
Francis DiClemente is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and poet whose work spans multiple creative disciplines. He is the author of numerous poetry collections, including Outward Arrangements: Poems (2021) and Dreaming of Lemon Trees: Selected Poems (2019). His writing has been featured in Chaotic Merge Magazine, Narratively, and The Millions.
DiClemente also directed the documentary The World Series of Bocce: A Celebration of Sport, Family, and Community (2023), available on the PBS app. His full-length stage play Beyond the Glass was produced in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2017.
A graduate of St. John Fisher University and American University, DiClemente lives in Syracuse, New York, with his wife and son. His blog can be found at francisdiclemente.com.
Media Contact
Company Name: Poets Choice & Free Spirit LLC
Contact Person: Francis DiClemente
Email: Send Email
City: Syracuse
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: www.poetschoice.in