Of Poetry Podcast Natalie Solmer (Of Genealogies of Water, the Great Lakes and Diane Seuss, and the Working Class, Rural Lyric)
Oct 28, 2025
Natalie Solmer, a poet and visual artist from South Bend, Indiana, discusses her journey from florist to educator and author of the upcoming poetry collection, Water Castle. She explores her Polish heritage and its influence on her art, alongside the role of genealogy in her writing. Natalie shares insights on academic labor's complexities and the evolving literary scene in Indiana. The conversation also dives into the importance of visual aesthetics in poetry, touching on inspirations from artists like Klimt and Kahlo.
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Cover Photo Tied To Place
- Natalie describes taking and collaging the St. Joseph River photo used for her book cover and connecting it to South Bend's geography.
- She links the river's north-south continental divide and local memory to the book's sense of place and ancestry.
Be Strategic About Submissions
- Plan submissions strategically rather than sending to every contest; pick presses that fit your book and budget.
- Natalie targeted a small number of contests and chose Kelsey Books because of fit and reputation.
Klimt Inspired The Title
- Natalie traces the manuscript title Water Castle to Gustav Klimt's lake paintings and their green reflections.
- She connects Klimt's Austrian ties to her family history for thematic resonance.
