Jillian Stacia's debut poetry collection, Set the Bone (Arcana Poetry Press) pays tribute to the women who came before her, to the mothers, grandmothers, and aunts who triumphed over adversity to survive, thrive, and to have their stories told with power.
Stacia describes Set the Bone as, “...an uncompromising interrogation of contemporary womanhood. It reckons with family, mental health, feminism, and the cost of surviving in a world determined to keep women contained.”
Each section of Set the Bone opens with an epigraph from Stacia's contemporaries: Allison Mei-Li, A History of Holding (Third Moon Press); Elise Powers, The Size of Your Joy (Central Avenue Poetry); Isabelle Correa, Portrait of a Person Who Pushes Love Away in Fear of Losing It (Arcana Poetry Press, September 2026); Maria Giesbrecht, A Little Feral (Write Bloody Press). These poets feel very much in dialogue with each other in life, and its lovely to see the inspiration carry over into this collection.
Stacia has her own definitive voice in the group. She admits hard truths, takes risks, and mines the material of motherhood and marriage, while attempting to make sense of the world. By the end of the book, I knew her voice and felt like I was reading a friend.
To get a taste of Stacia's work online, check out her Instagram @jillianstacia, Substack @jillianstacia - or visit the literary journal One Art to read the title poem in the collection: "Set the Bone."
We're thrilled to have Stacia here to share poetry books that inspire her. Read on to hear her recommendations!
Welcome to The Poetry Shop 5, Jillian Stacia. We always like to start with a poet’s “gateway” into poetry. What was the first book that inspired you to write?
The first time I ever wanted to set a book on fire was when I read Ada Limon's Bright Dead Things. Before her, I thought poetry was the stiff, formal work we read in high school. Her work showed me that poetry could be both raw and visceral, bold and empowering. She inspired me to write my own poems and tell the truth about my own life, and I will forever be grateful.
Which poetry book are you currently reading?
I Make Jokes When I'm Devastated by Luisa Muradyan. I am a sucker for poetry that manages to make me think and laugh at the same time, and this book does just that. Luisa Muradyan writes with such a strong, intimate voice. It makes me feel like having a glass of wine with a friend. I will read anything she writes from now on, including her grocery list.
Is there a book on the craft of writing that you recommend to poets?
I love Dear Writer by Maggie Smith. She provides the mindset shifts necessary to become a successful writer while also offering practical advice poets can use to improve their work. Plus, it's Maggie Smith.
Who is a new voice in poetry that we need to check out–someone with a debut book or recent release?
Maria Giesbrecht, A Little Feral. In addition to being the sweetest human being alive, Maria writes like a woman possessed. Her poetry quite literally makes me gasp out loud. She is an instant favorite.
Finally, what’s a poetry book that others may not know about but deserves a shout out?
A History of Holding, Allison Mei-Li. This book talks about motherhood in the most authentic way possible. It's brilliantly crafted and a true joy to read.
About Jillian Stacia
Jillian Stacia is a poet and a storyteller with experience in podcast writing and children’s literature. Her work touches on the topics of motherhood, relationships, and the never-ending quest for joy in a difficult world. When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing after her two wild children and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
Books referenced in this article
Set the Bone (Arcana Poetry Press) by Jillian Stacia
Bright Dead Things (Milkweed Editions) by Ada Limon
I Make Jokes When I'm Devastated (Bridwell Press) by Luisa Muradyan
Dear Writer (Washington Square Press) by Maggie Smith
A Little Feral (Write Bloody Publishing) by Maria Giesbrecht
A History of Holding (Third Moon Press) by Allison Mei-Li
