The Black Sun Chronicles
I did not intend to embark on another poetry project so soon after writing The December Bitch (2024). These poems evolved out of necessity. The rage and despair that comes with dealing with chronic illness will eat you alive, if you let it.
One of my earlier poetry collections features a piece called The Invisible Cage. Chronic illness is the invisible cage personified. I used this project as a tool to escape from the cage and keep my sanity intact.
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Praise for The Black Sun Chronicles
If you have ever suffered from chronic illness, this collection is for you. If you have never suffered from chronic illness, this collection is still for you. These poems are a journey through frustration, despair, and hope, and while they are not always easy to read or experience, I truly think they are important to read and experience. Whether you are dealing with your own chronic illness or other personal struggles, I think there is something in this collection for you — some line or poem or feeling that you will connect with and see how we are not alone in our struggles, if only we can find the strength to bring them out into the light. Amy’s work is always so personal and visceral and truly a window into our collective experiences through her own life, and this collection is no exception. It’s a must-read!
-Alison Klesman
The Black Sun Chronicles is as riveting as it is painful. It grabs you by the shoulders and refuses to let you look away when things get messy. It pries your eyes open, if you fight for their closure. Truly Amy Outland at her very best. Stand out pieces include IF/THEN, NAUSEA and BITTER SWEET.
-Kayla Ancrum
The Black Sun Chronicles is a very personal, raw collection of poems about chronic illness that I believe everyone should read. When you are someone who lives with a chronic illness or chronic pain, it’s an endless, mundane roller coaster you go on that is something someone who doesn’t have either can’t possibly understand unless you are in the same boat rowing it together, and always doing it in a maze of uncharted waters.
Ms. Outland’s words are not only relatable (as someone who has chronic pain from also having the condition of Cerebral Palsy). I can relate to the unpredictability, frustration, and trying to brace yourself as best as you can. I applaud Ms. Outland’s brutal honesty and the unapologetic honesty she paints with her words. And I am proud to know her, work with her, and call her a fellow fighter/survivor of not only CP, but also in the world of chronic illness and chronic pain. If you want to know what it’s like to live with chronic pain, but in a more creative, personal, and vulnerable way. Then pick up this book today!
-Jessica Niziolek
The Black Sun Chronicles was downloaded 28 times as a featured poetry e-book during Poetry Super Highway’s 21st Annual 24 hour Free For All on December 1st, 2025.