Beth Mulcahy : part five

When you require renewal, is there a particular poem or book that you return to? A particular author? Authors that I return to when I need renewal are Anne Lamott, Dani Shapiro, Mary Karr, and Elizabeth Gilbert. All of these authors have wonderful books about writing and creativity that encourage and inspire me so I return to their books often. 

Beth Mulcahy : part four

How does your work first enter the world? Do you have a social group or writers group that you work ideas and poems with? Yes, I have trusted readers. I belong to a few different writing groups which are facilitated through virtual meetings and correspondence. The groups include generative writing, meditation, coaching, workshopping, and generally bouncing around ideas. Community and connection with other creatives is invaluable to my process and my favorite parts of my week!

Beth Mulcahy : part three

How do you know when a poem is finished? I know when a poem is done when I feel satisfied that I have completely expressed what I want to convey in a way that I find satisfying. It’s a gut feeling but it doesn’t always come easy and I often struggle with endings.  

Beth Mulcahy : part two

How did you first engage with poetry? I first engaged with poetry when I was a child. I was about ten years old when I started to read and write poetry. I decided I wanted to be a writer when I grew up and write novels, poems and stories. This desire was inspired by a movie I saw called 84 Charing Cross Road based on the life of writer Helene Hanff.

Beth Mulcahy : part one

Beth Mulcahy (she/her) is a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and writer whose work has appeared in various journals, including Full House Literary and Roi Faineant Press. Her writing bridges the gaps between generations and self, hurt and healing. Beth lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and works for a company that provides technology to people without natural speech. Her latest publications can be found here: https://linktr.ee/mulcahea.

What are you working on? I am working on trying to publish my first chapbook of poems, called Firmer Ground. I always have poems in progress. Aside from poetry, I am working on an historical fiction novel based on the lives of my maternal ancestors.  This year, one of my writing goals is to become more comfortable and confident with short story writing so I am focusing on learning and practicing that form as well.