Author TAK Erzinger
TAK Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet and artist with a Colombian background. She has been writing poetry since middle school, however she started getting published professionally in 2017. Her poetry has been featured by journals at the Latino Book Review, Indiana University, Cornell University, McMaster University, the University of Baltimore and more. Erzinger’s poetry collection “At the Foot of the Mountain,” (Floricanto Press 2021), won the University of Indianapolis, Etchings Press Whirling Prize for 2021 for best nature poetry book and is a two-time finalist. Her latest poetry collection “Tourist” (Sea Crow Press 2023) is also a two-time finalist at the International Book Awards and the Eyelands Book Awards. Erzinger was a writer-in-residence at the Art Centre Padula, Residency Programme summer 2023. As well as an artist-in-residence at Brisons Veor Fall 2024. Most recently her first children’s picture book, At the Queen of the Mountain won a 2025 Golden Wizard Book Prize.
She lives on the foothills of the Alps in Switzerland with her husband and two cats.
This is Author TAK Erzinger’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
Erzinger’s inspiration to start writing…
I had a nervous breakdown in 2016. I was very sick and in a desperate place that required a lot of professional help over the course of three years. My recovery included finding my way back to writing and I have never looked back. I think what specifically returned me to writing is that it is an outlet that helps me to better make sense of my experiences and the world around me.
Challenges as a writer…
The main one is living in a non-English country, Switzerland, while I write in English. This has made it challenging to find a local audience as well as open mic opportunities and other situations to be able to share my work close to home.
Erzinger’s favourite stanza from her recent poetry publication, “Tourist.”
“I sleep and from abroad I stitch memories
and echo words under my skin
slowly misplaced phrases return
softly revealing their delicate wings.”
-Lenguaje Resonante | Echoing Language, from the collection, “Tourist.”
Erzinger’s works…
Tourist: Poems: Amazon.co.uk: Erzinger, TAK: 9798986567655: Books
Queen of the Mountain: Amazon.co.uk: Erzinger, TAK: 9781835840108: Books
At the Foot of the Mountain – Tak Erzinger – Google Books
Found: Between the Trees eBook : Erzinger, TAK: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
Erzinger’s sentiments on poetry and how important she believes poetry is to the literary space…
I think poetry is extremely valuable to the literary space because its works express common emotions that are accessible regardless of age or background. Poetry provides an outlet to communicate the universal human experience assisting both the writer and the readers make sense of their lives.
An achievement in her writing career that Erzinger is proud of…
In 2021 my poetry collection “At the Foot of the Mountain” won a cash prize at the University of Indianapolis, Etchings Press Whirling Prize for best poetry book. I won under the category of poetry and the renowned writer Richard Louv won under the category of nature book. It was an honour to have won alongside him. Furthermore, my poetry was taught that semester in their English programme.
Advice and words of encouragement from Author TAK Erzinger for aspiring authors…
Believe in your work and work every day on your writing.
All literature is subjective, however if you believe in your work enough and work hard to hone your craft your work will find a home and an audience. Let the rejections be motivating instead of discouraging to continue to develop your writing. You will break through.
Also, celebrate your successes, savouring each step of the way.
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