Conversations Cut in Half

Conversations Cut in Half is more than a collection of poetry—it’s a meditation on the fragmented nature of human connection. The book’s unique format mirrors this theme: at any point where you open it, the two pages—left and right—represent a conversation between two individuals, yet one page almost always remains blank, symbolizing the silence or absence of one voice while the other unfolds with unbridled passion. This visual and thematic absence highlights the challenges we face as social creatures, reflecting our collective longing to be understood, even as our eagerness to explain often eclipses our willingness to listen. The physical representation of the book mirrors its message: a mythical apple-orange. A fruit caught between two identities—its apple-like shape juxtaposed against the soft, textured peel and vibrant color of an orange. A partial cut reveals its tender interior, inviting curiosity while evoking the vulnerability of baring one’s soul in a one-sided exchange. A simple circular sticker with a QR code on the skin serves as the bridge to the book itself, blending the tangible with the digital.

note from the author

Five years ago I quit my job to escape a life I could already see unfolding before me in a never-ending repetition of mundane. I closed my business, drastically cut my expenses, stopped looking for work, and focused on writing. Now my debut novel is finally finished. And with roughly five months of savings left, I’m about to find out if I can remain an independent writer. You can support me by following my attempts to survive on 2000 Canadian dollars a month while trying to protect my creative life. Instagram — @petersvobodawriter Threads — @petersvobodawriter