What other poetry books have you been reading lately?
So many great ones – Some Murmur by Lydia Unsworth, Cajoncito by Elizabeth M. Castillo, Superstitions by Michael Sutton, The Dredging of Rituals by Louise Mather, and so many more. My TBR list is huge!
Has your consideration of poetry changed since you began?
Yes, my consideration of poetry is ALWAYS changing. Since I like experimental writing – there’s always new forms and styles to discover. This is what I love about it. Of course, I read more traditional poetry when I was younger and I still read it sometimes – I think poetry is one of the best things and even though we may like different brands of it, we can still have love for all different types.
How do you know when a poem is finished?
I used to think a poem or piece of writing was finished but sometimes, even when I see it in print, I’m still not sure it is! I think it’s an important skill to learn to let go of a piece of writing and it’s taken me a while, but I think I’m nearly there. I think the best we can hope for is that the message you wanted to portray has come across, even if it’s a more experimental piece and your intention was to challenge or surprise someone.
How did you first engage with poetry?
A writer visited my school and taught us about similes and metaphors and I thought it was the best thing ever! I also had trouble doing joined up handwriting and my mum made me sit down after school and copy out poems from a children’s poetry book – she had an inadvertent role in my writing career!
What are you working on?
I’m currently working on a novel, which is a speculative thriller. I’m also working on a collection about my fears. It’s going well but I need to dedicate more time to it.
