About “Prey” & “Mottled”

1. What was your motivation for writing “Prey” & “Mottled”?

Prey is based on [a] memory of a similar event that happened to me when I was 14, while ‘Mottled’ is actually a description of the house where I was born and where I spent the first 23 years of my life.

2. What challenges—if any—did you have writing your poems?

The main challenges were the emotions involved in these events. In the end, I had to try and make ‘Prey’ about someone else in order to write it.

3. What is your favourite line—if any—in “Prey”?

I don’t really have a favourite line in this one.

4. What is your favourite line—if any—in “Mottled”?

I think that is ‘read books in the flickering light’ as that really takes me back.

5. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “Prey” & “Mottled”?

That poetry does not have to be complicated in order to say something.

6. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “Prey” & “Mottled” that hasn’t been asked?

Not really.

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

‘The Land in Winter’ by Andrew Miller

2. Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it?

The remains of the day by Kazuo Ishiguro

3. What is your favourite poet or author, if any?

I don’t really have a favourite poet, but my favourite poem is ‘Fern Hill’ by Dylan Thomas, and my favourite author is Margaret Atwood.

4. Do you gravitate towards reading genres outside the ones you write?

Definitely. I read lots of science fiction, historical novels and any that take my fancy really.

Writing

1. Why do you write?

As a way of expressing myself to others.

2. What do you love about being a poet?

The joy of being able to condense an emotion into 20 lines or less.

3. What time of the day do you write, and do you have a writing routine?

I tend to write either in the afternoons or in the early hours of the morning when I cannot sleep. I do not have a routine as such. I just write when an idea comes to me.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

Memories, nature, things people say, anything really, but mainly memories and nature.

5. How long does it take you to write your projects?

A poem can take anything from 15 minutes to several weeks. It varies considerably.

6. What advice would you give to other authors/writers/poets?

Just do it. Don’t worry about it too much and enjoy the process.

7. What project(s) are you currently working on?

Poems inspired by colours.