poetry mini interviews

How does a poem begin? For me, the poem begins with the observation, that one thing that strikes me in the heart to tell me that this (this ...

Why is poetry important?  That is such a big question! Poetry is our conscience. Without it, we would not be human.

How important is music to your poetry?  Many of my poems are inspired by music. In my latest book, Surviving Home , you will find allusions ...

When you require renewal, is there a particular poem or book that you return to? A particular author?  Lately, for me, it is all about Audre...

What other poetry books have you been reading lately? I recently discovered a poet by the name of Matthew Johnson. His collection Shadow Fol...

What poets changed the way you thought about writing? Audre Lorde and her book Sister Outsider changed the way I saw myself and the way I sa...

What do you find most difficult about writing poetry?  Writing good poetry requires a tremendous amount of vulnerability. Opening yourself u...

What do you feel poetry can accomplish that other forms can’t?  Poetry works very hard to earn our trust, and once the trust is earned, it s...

How does your work first enter the world? Do you have a social group or writers group that you work on ideas and poems with?  My work enters...

Has your consideration of poetry changed since you began?  When I began, I was a traditionalist who was married to form. Now, I know there a...

How do you know when a poem is finished?  Like life, a poem is only finished when you die. For me, one poem is often an extension of somethi...

How did you first engage with poetry? My mother was a teacher and an academic, so poetry has always existed for me. She gave me a collection...

Katerina Canyon grew up in Los Angeles and much of her writing reflects that experience.  She is a 2021, 2020, and 2019 Pushcart Prize Nomi...