About “Perspective”

1. What was your motivation for writing “Perspective”?

I had a strong-willed Grandmother in a time when many women were more compliant. She interests me, and since writing is my medium, I wrote about her.  

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

I just smiled and recorded my memory.

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

“and signs / with a flourish.”

4. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “Perspective”?

Some respect for older generations, what they lived through and for their strength. 

5. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “Perspective” that hasn’t been asked?

No.

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

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

Oh, so many. I’ve loved different books for different reasons. One of those is To Kill a Mockingbird.

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

Again, so many! Maybe Barbara Kingsolver.

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

I read anything and everything. There is so much I don’t know.

Writing

1. Why do you write?

I write mostly for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that they will know me as a person, beyond the family member stereotype.

2. What do you love about being a poet?

The music of the words.

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

I have written “on and off” all my life, but after retiring, I established a routine. I write in the morning while my husband gardens.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

Life itself, prompts, contests themes, etc.

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

It depends. Sometimes it takes me quite a while to decide how and what I want to write about but once I start writing, it doesn’t take long. Now the multiple rewritings, that’s another story. A work is never done.

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

Don’t write to become famous, write to experience the joy of the process.

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

Always writing poetry and compiling books. I’m currently trying to do more with short stories and essays.