About “Moving”

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

With minor variations, “Moving” is an actual journal entry of mine, reflecting on soon leaving my home of twenty years.

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

I debated leaving in some of the more private details of my family’s life, but ultimately chose to.    

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

Regarding the wish for good news hearing the mail truck: It swings by without even slowing down. A metaphor for life.

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

That life is change, ups and downs, peaks and valleys, and if lucky we survive and move on.

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

The mail truck stopped more often in both homes I’ve lived in since.  

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

Things In Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li 

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

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

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

Naomi Shihab Nye, Mary Oliver

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

Not often.

Writing

1. Why do you write?

I love words, especially when they make music together.

2. What do you love about being a writer?

The feeling of accomplishment.

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

No.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

Emotions that need expression.

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

Someone once said a poem is never finished, just abandoned, and I agree.  Rarely do I read most of mine without tweaking.

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

Continue. This past year, my seventy-fifth, has been the most prolific for me in terms of publications.

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

A chapbook.