Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing.
I began writing as a very young girl. I learned to read by reading and rereading a little Hallmark book my mother had called “Little Bits of Wisdom” which contained short poetry. I was completely captivated by the words, the language, the rhythms . I actually began writing lyrics when I was about 7 and started putting them to piano and began writing stories and poetry at about age 10. And I have never stopped.
Describe your writing process? Is there anything unique about it?
Sometimes I feel I have something to write but I’m not sure what it is. I close my eyes and contemplate sights and sounds and senses to try to discover what is lurking beneath. I ask myself “What color is this? what does it feel like? Like fire? Like a cold floor? Like a stray hair across my face? What does it sound like? Is it scratchy? raspy? soft? sweet? I get in tune with as many sensations as possible then I think of the metaphors that can go with them. That’s when I come up with something like “woke up from the flannel of my dreams” . Other times I have a rythym and beat in my head- often iambic pentameter – and it just tumbles out! That’s why I call my poetry “Tumble Down” poetry.
Have you published any books or do you have a desire to do so?
Who Will Love the Crow is my first solo collection so is quite a mix of eclectic themes and styles from haiku to longer free verse. They span several years. It also features the stunning black and white photography of my daughter, Olivia Ellen MacDonald. I was so pleased that I was able to colloaborate with her for the images. My next collection will be mostly new writing, but I suspect it will be just as diverse. I am including a collection of traditional sonnets as well as haiku and perhaps some protest poetry, as well. Typically I like to elevate the language, and use beautiful, original language, which is not the style of protest poetry that remarks on current social conditions and concerns but there may be room to include that other voice, as well.
Do you have any favorite poets or authors?
Anne Marie MacDonald is an incredible story-teller who I enjoy very much. I also have great admiration for Amy Tan and have a deep appreciation for her work. Donna Morrissey is also a writer whose stories I enjoy. I also enjoy Tom Robbins, Douglas Adams and after those four, my list gets pretty long.
Do you have a favorite book of poetry or poems?
My favorite book is “Fall on Your Knees” by Anne Marie MacDonald although it is tied with “The Joy Luck Club”.. Generally I enjoy sweeping stories, and period pieces as well as fantasy and science fiction.
What are you reading now?
I am finishing Donna Morrissey’s “What They Wanted” and have 7 other books on my night table. I haven’t decided what to read next.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?
I am a substitute teacher who attends all grades and subjects and recently also a part-time bartender. I design and make faux-fur animal hoods as well as crocheted hats; I sing and play piano. Once in a while I get out my art supplies and paint. Or make cold porcelain and sculpt little flowers. Or sew something. I have grown children, a teen, and grand children as well as a husband, dog and cat. I stay pretty busy.
Are you working on a current project?I have begun a book of children’s poetry and hope to find a Canadian publisher for it when it is complete. I also have an historical fiction novel in progress but I have hit a block and don’t know when I will go back to that.
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