Power Q & A with Karolina Bednarek
Q: When do you decide a poem is "finished"?
A: For me, a poem is "finished" when it flows so smoothly that lines will randomly pop into my consciousness like catchy song lyrics. I know it's time to step away from the page when everytime I make a change, no matter how minor, I revert back to the original. Like an abstract sculptor, I let my intuition guide me through this slow process of stripping away the excess to find what feels right. I originally wanted to self-publish this collection, but looking back, I'm glad I chose to go with professional help and took time to settle into the flourishing literary scene in Paris, Ontario, instead.
The poetry in my first collection wouldn't be "finished" without the help of Suzanne Craig-Whytock, editor-in-chief of DarkWinter Press. Alison Fishburn introduced me to this talented writer-editor-publisher at her fabulous grand opening of Riverside Bookshelf. Suzanne and I connected again at Stories Unbound, an annual Indie Author's Networking event hosted by Emma Johnston from the public library. Like dominoes, everything has fallen into place. My close friend Marina-Margarite Zaiats was also a big part of helping me feel like this collection is "finished" by drawing the gorgeous cover based on an image from the collection. I am touched by the strength of community, which continues to privde guidance, inspiration, and so much friendship.
To celebrate finishing my first book, I am hosting a free "Night Market" at Dog Eared Cafe on Saturday May 23rd 7-10pm featuring Consumed along with three other local poetry collections.
About Consumed (DarkWinter Press, 2026):
Consumed invites readers to explore what we take in—and what takes hold of us. Through four progressive sections: Nature, Nurture, Distractions, and Peace, Karolina reflects on the intersections of observation, emotion, and curiosity. Each poem is paired with an original photograph, offering an additional lens to interpret the everyday. Guided by experimentation and a spirit of wonder, this collection encourages quiet reflection on life’s tenderness.
Karolina Bednarek is an emerging writer from Southern Ontario. Her poetry appears in Tower Poetry Society, DarkWinter Literary Magazine, and Dog Eared Poetry Vol: 1. She’s a regular reader at Poetry Nights hosted by Dog-Eared Cafe. Karolina also writes book and film reviews, as well as opinion pieces, connecting with literature and art through social media. You can find her writing on Instagram : @sunset.queen.reviews and Substack: Read_my_thoughts. This spring, DarkWinter Press is publishing her first poetry collection Consumed.