Andrea McKenzie Raine : part five

How does a poem begin?

A poem can begin with a memory, desire, observation – a message the poet want to convey. Often, I would write a preamble to ‘set up’ the poem. I had a wonderful mentor who would read my preamble, and promptly strike it out, saying “your poem beings here.” The first 2/3 of the poem may have been taken out. The beginning of the poem should be the crux of the poem; the core experience of the poem where the moment is occurring, even if the moment shifts from that point.

Andrea McKenzie Raine : part four

What do you feel poetry can accomplish that other forms can’t?

Poetry evokes emotion, and a way to access complex emotions, by using rhythm, cadence and emphasis on language and sound. As well, through the use of metaphor, a poet can liken their experience, concrete and abstract, to tangible objects or concepts that are relatable for the reader.

Andrea McKenzie Raine : part three

How does your work first enter the world?

I am fortunate to have a local writing community – a weekly poetry reading series called Planet Earth Poetry, which involves an open mike segment and a sponsored featured reader. This is a group of active, high-calibre writers who are immensely supportive and welcoming. The group also cultivates a myriad of learning workshops, writing retreats, and networking opportunities.

Andrea McKenzie Raine : part two

How do you know when a poem is finished?

I believe knowing when a poem is finished is instinctual. The moment, the word that closes a poem, is similar to the ending phrase or note in a piece of music. The closing of a poem should feel resolved, but also remain as an opening or invitation to move back into the poem. A poem should be complete, but fluid too.

Andrea McKenzie Raine : part one

Andrea McKenzie Raine was born in Smithers, BC and grew up in Victoria, BC where she still resides. She was enrolled in the Creative Writing program and earned a B.A. in English Literature at the University of Victoria in 2000, and completed a post-degree Public Relations certificate program. She has attended the successful Planet Earth Poetry reading series (formerly known as Mocambopo) in Victoria, BC since 1997, and participated in the Glenairley writing retreats led by Canadian poet and novelist Patrick Lane in Sooke, BC. In 2005, she published her first book of poetry, titled A Mother’s String, through Ekstasis Editions. Her poetry has also appeared in Mocambo Nights, Canadian Literature journal, Quills, Borderlines anthology (Ascent Aspirations magazine), Tempus anthology (Rubicon Press), Poems from Planet Earth (Leaf Press), Tongues of Fire anthology, and several Glenairley chapbooks edited by Patrick Lane (Leaf Press). She has also written book reviews and articles for local magazines, celebrating the work of her peers. She lives with her husband and two young sons and, by day, is employed as a correspondence writer for the provincial government. Turnstiles is her debut novel published by Inkwater Press. She also published her second novel, A Crowded Heart, through Inkwater Press, which is a prequel to Turnstiles. Her most recent novel is the third book in the Turnstiles series, a sequel titled Beyond the Summer Grass.

How did you first engage with poetry?

Poetry found me at a young age. I was an early reader, and I enjoyed creating rhymes. My mom would ask me to write poems for family birthday cards.