Lacey Poet Releases New Book 'When Wolves Become Birds'

LACEY, NJ — Poet and author Alise Versella, of Lacey Township, has published her fourth book of poetry.

Versella self-published her previous three books, making “When Wolves Become Birds” her first release with an independent publisher.

The collection was released by Golden Dragonfly Press on Feb. 27, the night of a full moon, Versella said. Across 40 poems, she explores strength, feminism and gender roles through the character of a female werewolf.

“I was really drawn to the werewolf myth,” Versella said. “Throughout film, books and the mythology, it’s always a wolfman."

Versella said her poems are meant to be empowering, emotional and “a little witchy.” She hopes people reading them will walk away with a renewed sense of courage.

“Confidence, strength and feeling they could accomplish anything they put their minds to,” she said. “To remind themselves they have wings and they can take on the world.”

Versella has been writing poetry since she was 12 years old after a teacher in the Lacey Township School District encouraged her to pursue writing.

She went on to release her debut collection, "Five Foot Voice" at 20, and then self-published two more books. She has also contributed work to culture publications and literary anthologies.

An editor at Golden Dragonfly Press admired Versella’s previous work in those anthologies, which motivated the independent press to release her latest book.

As Versella celebrates the milestone of this publication, she remembers each opportunity as a stepping stone that led to the next—from writing for online blogs to the published book she holds in her hands.

“Poetry and just writing in general was really how I found my confidence and voice. I still don’t find it easy to verbally express myself, so writing in poetry was definitely that for me,” she said “If I need to work something out emotionally or mentally, it’s coming out in a poem.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic, she performed her poems throughout New Jersey, and taught poetry workshops at libraries and schools. Versella hopes to perform poems from her new book at live open mics when they can resume safely.

Since many open mics have pivoted to a virtual space, she said the shows have been accessible to viewers across the country and around the world.

“We’ve been doing a bunch of Zoom open mics, which has been lovely because during this time, you’re not really seeing many people,” she said. “Sometimes when you’re reciting to a live audience, you can hear the 'oo-s' and the snaps. It’s harder with the Zoom because everyone’s muting during performances to cut down on background sound.”

Versella is at work again on her next collection of poems, some of which are inspired by the pandemic while others will address politics.

“When Wolves Become Birds” is available for purchase on Amazon and her previous works are available at aliseversella.com.

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