In a world divided by oceans but united by shared dreams, Tender Philosophia emerges as a poetic symphony of longing, nostalgia, and mysticism. Co-authored by Didi Aphra and Jonna Leine, this debut collection intertwines the threads of queer desire, Greek mythology, and cosmic wonder into a tapestry of belonging. With its release set for December 5, 2024, Tender Philosophia promises to resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for connection, whether in a place, a time, or a relationship.
We sat down with the authors to explore the evolution of this remarkable work and the alchemy of their creative collaboration.
The seeds of Tender Philosophia were sown in 2019 when Didi, inspired by an intuitive flash, imagined writing a poetry book with Jonna. At the time, she dismissed the idea, uncertain of her poetic voice. A year later, unbeknownst to Didi, Jonna proposed the very same project, finding inspiration in the intimacy of literary correspondence between creatives across history.
“Seeing two creatives correspond always felt so tender to me,” Jonna shared. “It’s like sewing parts of their souls together.”
And so began their long-distance collaboration, with Didi writing from Taiwan and Jonna from Finland. Despite being on opposite sides of the world, they found unity in their shared themes and inspirations.
Tender Philosophia is as much a product of literary lineage as it is of personal exploration. Jonna cites Virginia Woolf, Emily Dickinson, and Anne Carson among her guiding stars, alongside Shirley Jackson’s haunting prose and Greek mythology’s rich narratives. Meanwhile, Didi’s influences range from the lyricism of Sappho to the Gothic allure of Emily Brontë and Donna Tartt.
The duo’s fascination with Greek mythology and the cosmos seeps naturally into their work. “I’ve always been drawn to the arcane and mystical,” Didi explained. “Myths about Orpheus and Eurydice, Hades and Persephone—they’ve always felt like home to me.”
For Jonna, the night sky is equally influential. “Writers throughout history have written under the same moon and stars,” she mused. “It’s magical to think we’re all connected in that way.”
When asked to choose a poem from Tender Philosophia that encapsulates their essence, both authors offered deeply personal reflections. Jonna pointed to Identities, a poem grappling with visibility and the elusive sense of self. “I’ve always felt like an alien, a ghost,” she admitted. “This piece captures that struggle beautifully.”
Didi selected How To Exist, a poem she describes as a collage of her inner world. “It’s about understanding, friendship, and letting the wolf inside me make friends with the moon.”
The process of creating Tender Philosophia was transformative for both authors. “It’s been a magickal journey,” Didi reflected. “We’ve turned something spiritual into something tangible. This book is a piece of our souls.”
While Tender Philosophia marks their debut, both authors see it as a beginning rather than an end. Didi is already at work on short stories inspired by ancient cults and esoteric themes, while Jonna’s ever-brewing poetry promises to surface when the time feels right.
When asked to dedicate a piece from their collection to The Flair Archives, Jonna offered In Ink-Stained Letters, The Poet Has The Very Last Word, a dreamy meditation on imagination and memory. Didi chose Being Lilith’s Daughter, an experimental exploration of marginality and empowerment.
Tender Philosophia is a beacon for those who grapple with overthinking, longing, and loneliness. Its pages invite readers to pause, reflect, and find solace in shared human experience. “Writing poetry is a vulnerable act,” Didi explained. “It feels like handing someone a piece of your soul.”
For readers who yearn, for those who crumble after a forehead kiss, this collection is an offering of tenderness and transcendence. Preorder your copy of Tender Philosophia today and join Didi and Jonna in their celestial dance of words.
Follow their journey on Instagram and Substack:
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