We love learning more about our contributors, and an interview seemed like a fun way to hear more about the writers and artists we publish, so we gave them a choice of questions to answer. We hope you also enjoy hearing more about the artists and their works. Read on and check out issue 27 for work from Claire Scott.
Who or what inspires your work generally?
Other poets are a source of inspiration (also, at times, of wistfulness, aka envy). I get inspired by reading novels, myths, science books, spiritual books or even the news. Or watching a child hug a dog. Or seeing a Rufous-sided Towhee at our bird feeder. Poems are everywhere, waiting to be written. I find that through poetry I discover who I am and what I feel.
Who are some of your favorite writers or artists, and what do you like about them?
I really like Ada Limon, Dorianne Laux, Kaveh Akbar, Ellen Bass, Kim Addonizio, Frank Wright, and the list goes on and on. Whose list doesn’t? I like poetry that isn’t too inaccessible, that shows emotion and has turns and surprises. My favorite poets write in a way that begs to be read aloud to hear the music. I also think endings are important and these poets all have endings that stun you and then linger.
What is your #1 advice for other writers or artists?
Set aside your judgmental mind. Read lots and lots of poetry. Take classes from poets you admire. Find a writing group. Write every day. Have fun!!
What is your creative process? Do you plan pieces out or let them happen as they come?
I start my day with meditation. Before writing, I always read aloud a few poems written by others. Then I may either fiddle with poems I am currently working on or go through some of my slips of 3x5 paper to see if a poem is ready to come to life. I send some of my poems to other poets for feedback, especially if I am not sure the poem works. I revise, revise, revise. I print out a poem and scribble. The entire page is filled with slashes and arrows. Then I retype it. Type, print, scribble. Repeat. Or I may toss it in my “Needs Improvement” file which is huge.
What do you do in the rest of your life and how does that connect and/or conflict with your creative life?
This granny has four children and five grandkids scattered around the country. I love spending time with them and watching them grow and change. I am also an avid walker, although no longer backpack in Chile or Nepal. I often play with the poems I am working on when on a long walk. I love yoga classes, gardening and all kinds of cooking. All these activities nourish my imagination and inspire poems.