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Interview

 

Poetry can be a powerful thing. When did you first begin gaining interest in it? What drew you to write it?

I first took interest in poetry when I was in late primary school, which was about 14 years ago. Our teachers got us all involved in a ‘playground poets’ anthology where children between the ages of 8 and 12 would write poetry about whatever they wanted. I remember coming home with the poetry assignment to my mother, and I had no idea what I wanted to write about or where to start, and she, being the more experienced writer than I, just told me to write about my favorite things. And I did, and my poem was published alongside my classmates and other primary school students in Glasgow.

That is awesome that it stuck with you. Life is funny huh? Something we think we know nothing about ends up becoming a passion. I too wrote poetry around that age and mine was published as well.

 

 What is your favorite poem that you have written? Why?

I don’t think I’ve sat and thought about it before. The poem that comes to mind straight away is ‘home was where my heart was formed’ from Underworld. I wouldn’t say that I have a constant favorite as that changes over time, but ‘home was where my heart was formed’ is particularly relevant to my life right now. It’s about the difficult relationship between me and my mother as she was a single parent and I an only child. We’re both at this strange part of our life where we have to start treating each other as adults and it’s hard because our lives have always been so intertwined. It’s a sad poem, but it’s a poem that reminds me that we have a way to go.

 

 

 

Where do you draw inspiration from? Do you have any muses?

Anywhere. Everywhere. Books, poetry collections, a word, art, a phrase, my life, my past, my future, music. I think my muse is my subconscious because I have no idea where my poems come from, they just appear in my head either as lines or concepts or fully formed poems.

Wow, impressive to say the least! It would be amazing to just have ideas appear from the smallest things.

 

 

 

Who is your favorite poetry author? How did you discover their work?

I have so many favorites. If I had to name my current favorites, it would be Caitlin Conlon, Angelea Lowes, and Rachel Wiley. I discovered Conlon and Lowes’ work through Tumblr, and I found Rachel Wiley’s work through Button Poetry.

I had no idea the world of poetry writers has continued to expand so much! I will be looking into these authors as well, thank you.

 

 

 

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

It’s when I’m writing about dark parts of my past or my mental illnesses; when I have to reach deep down and pull out those memories and thoughts. It’s worth it in the end.

I know how difficult it is to reach to where we’ve buried those memories or emotions and bring them back to the surface again. It can be incredibly painful but in the end, it is worth it, especially if our pain can help others. Thank you for what you do.

 

 

 

I know writing takes a lot of time but what are some hobbies you have other than that? What do you do for fun?

I actually never stop writing, to be honest, I just switch to writing for my book blog where I post reviews and bookish posts. When I eventually stop writing, you’d find me watching Netflix, or watercolor painting, and playing Pokemon.

I feel you there! I am always writing for my blog but I have been trying to make time to work on my book more. With kids…things like that seem impossible at times. I would love to see some of your watercolor painting sometime.

 

 

 

Could you tell your readers one thing about you that they might not know?

I used to be an actor; I’ve been in numerous plays, stages, and even been on TV once.

Wow! That is for sure something I did not know. What about the rest of you? That is very cool.

 

 

 

Where is your favorite place to write? Do you eat or drink while writing?

I sorta write anywhere. Sometimes it is in my bed, sometimes at my desk, sometimes on a train, sometimes while walking somewhere. If I’m writing at my desk, I drink soft drinks to keep me focused.

This makes sense now that you said you never stop writing. The one thing I have to say is…While walking? How do you write while walking…well I guess you could on your phone so that might make sense. But that… that is dedication. Soft drinks tend to be a common choice for many writers.

 

 

 

Everyone gets both positive and negative feedback on their writing. What had been some of the most influential, positive feedback you’ve received?

When reading Dear Judas for the first time, my partner said that he couldn’t put it down. Maybe it was biased, but it really made an impact on me.

Those are some of the best responses a writer can hope for. I am writing my debut novel and my father in law read the introduction. When he did he just looked at me and said: “Finish this and publish it.” He had goosebumps and that is what happens when he reads something he knows will be good. It feels so great to get that positive reinforcement.

 

 

 

Some believe writing poetry is much more difficult than simply writing a novel. What do you think? What advice would you give to someone dreaming of writing poetry?

For me anyway, poetry is much more personal than a novel. It can be difficult to access your own thoughts and emotions when writing, just as it can be hard to read poetry of this nature. If you want to write poetry, you should read poetry. Get to know yourself by reading other poets’ work. Also, write for yourself and you will find your voice.

 

 

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Giveaway

 

Melissa has been kind enough to offer a copy of any of their novels to a lucky winner! So, if you would like to read any of these, enter to win this giveaway now.