Features

Beware the Lotus: An Island Haunted by Dreams & Danger

Imagine stepping into an island where pleasure is a trap. Ariana SL Hoosein’s Lotus Land brings the ancient myth of the lotus eaters to life in a mesmerizing collection of poems. And, what does it take to self-publish a book in high school? Ariana SL Hoosein not only answers that question, but also shares her own unpopular opinions on modern poetry (TW: MENTIONS OF GABBIE HANNA & RUPI KAUR)!

Shimla Nomani • November 19, 2024

Unraveling the Mystique of Lotus Land: A Poetic Odyssey

Lotus Land was inspired by the Greek story of the Lotus Eaters, a tribe encountered by the hero Odysseus on his journey home from Troy. A north wind had led him and his men to the island that inhabited the Lotus-Eaters. They were then invited to partake in consuming the special plant, however they quickly realized its power. Those who ate it fell into a blissful forgetfulness and lost all desire to return back home, thus needing to be dragged to their ship and chained to rowing-benches. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lotus-Eater)

Although the Greeks labeled several non-addictive plants as lōtos, it is speculated that the story is actually centered around the opium poppy which has a ripe seed pod that resembles that of the real lotus plant. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lotus-Eater)

The story has significant cultural relevance as multiple writers use the phrase “to eat lotus” as a metaphor to mean “to forget,” or “to be unmindful.” (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lotus-Eater) Moreover, it also has its holdings in pop culture with multiple media–whether it be books, music or shows–having references to or being centered around the Greek story.

In fact, well-known fantasy novel series Percy Jackson & the Olympians allude to it in the first book, The Lightning Thief! Annabeth and Grover, trapped in the Lotus Hotel, fall victim to a special lotus plant, missing five days. Percy regains consciousness, and drags his friends out, causing them to have only one day to finish their mission of finding Zeus’ stolen Master Bolt. (https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37366769).

Lotus Land is Ariana’s own poetic reimagination of the Greek story. She first read about the story on Wikipedia before deciding to add her own artistic twist to it. Her book follows through the first person narrative of a Lotus Eater’s mindset and the emotions they face as they indulge themselves into the dreamy nature of lotuses.

It’s only 24 pages, making it an easy read for students or staff who are bombarded with never ending work. (Pssst, remember that one New Year’s goal you made to read more? This is the perfect book to accomplish that with.) It can be purchased on Amazon Kindle for $2.99, or as paperback for $5.50, making it affordable too! Link to buy: Lotus Land

From Passion to Publication: How Ariana Brought Lotus Land to Life

Ariana spent her summer days writing, editing, and eventually SELF-PUBLISHING her own book. And despite the book being an easy read, it definitely was not as easy to write it out.

Giving insight into the fluid writing process, Ariana recounts that some days poems just “spawn out of nowhere” and it’s “no effort to exist on paper.” However, other days she had to use all her brain cells. She recounts the tedious process in which she wrote multiple versions of one poem and decided upon the best one.

Her attention to detail ensures a comfortable reading experience for all, but she also said that perhaps she thought a little too hard about every detail, as she even took into account the orientation of poems.

Contrary to popular belief, Ariana argues that longer poems are easier to write than shorter ones. In longer poems, ideas flow more freely. In her own experience, she saw that she was able to express her ideas in poems without overthinking metaphors, similes, or complex concepts like those analyzed in ELA class.

Ariana is fond of using metaphors, and it’s a taste that’s easily recognizable in her writing, as metaphors also serve as a basis for some poems themselves. Her favorite chapter, out of the whole book, has to be the last chapter! No spoilers though; you’ll have to see what’s good about it yourself.

She advises readers to approach the book with an open mind, acknowledging poetry’s mixed reputation. While she initially designed the book to be read chronologically, she also encourages readers to explore alternative reading sequences, although the first read is suggested to follow the chronological order.

After drafting up a final version, Ariana took it into her own hands to publish on Amazon. She says she likes the option of self-publishing because it is freeing and she gets to be in control of her own writing without fear of a corporate wash on it.

The life of an author is certainly NOT an easy one yet extremely gratifying. Lotus Land has received love from many customers who vary in demographics. Ariana shares the weirdly exciting yet vulnerable feeling she got when she first published her book. She says, “It’s VERY NICE, but also weird that something you write can be out in the public” read by strangers or loved ones alike. She describes it as someone “reading into and a part of my mind & soul”.

Despite how scary it may seem, her message to the world is: If you’re thinking about writing a book, whether poetry or not, don’t think too hard—GO FOR IT!

Behind the Pen: The Story of Ariana SL Hoosein

Ariana is known by many in this school as Junior SGO President, however her interests run deeper than just leadership. She loves to cook, bike, swim, and enjoy outside scenery. In fact, most of her freestyled poems are inspired by nature (which you can see examples of, further down the issue!!). Her favorite season is summer, as she enjoys poetically putting the days of color down in ink.

Her interest in poetry stemmed from her mom, who introduced it to her when she was 4. She grew more into it as she got older with her first published poem in a book called Illustrious 2019: Poetry Collection by The American Library of Poetry.

Later, in 10th grade, she submitted her poetry for MIST 23’ and, lo and behold, SHE WON A TROPHY! She shares that victory pushed her into writing this book. Even writing all summer felt more like developing a hobby rather than work. However, she’s not done yet.

Ariana has a second poetry book in the makings! Highlighting the Guyanese-American experience, her book aims to differ from existing narratives that are generally written by older authors and take place in Guyana. However, if you want to check out her work in the meanwhile, she does have an instagram account where she posts collaboration poems with Sarah Sachdeva, another QHSSer. (Check it out, @ariandsarahpoems)

Although she enjoys writing more, she’s slowly getting into reading it as well. She’s on her own little side quest to find THE poet for her. One of the books that she’s excited to delve into is The Bell Jar by Slyvia Path (tell her about it if you’ve read it!).

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