I often start writing in one form and find the poem demands another. Or that the poem is not at all about what I had initially imagined. Sometimes I have to wait until the poem tells me what it needs.
We are excited to feature some of your creative work here in Mud Season Review, Claire. Could you share with us a bit about your writing practice? What is your preferred space for composing poems? Do you work at home? In public spaces?
I work at home in a quiet corner. For me, coffee shops are distracting. I find myself eavesdropping on others’ conversations or watching a child smear cookie crumbs on a table.
What kind of materials do you use? Do you write poems out by hand, or tend to type on a computer? Do you have a process for recording initial ideas?
I always write poems by hand first and then type them up. I print the poem, revise it and then reprint it. I have piles of three by five slips of paper where I jot down words, phrases or ideas that call to me. Sometimes I look at what I have written on one of the slips of paper and have no idea why I wrote it down.
Generally, what is your routine for writing like? And what about self-editing/revisions? Do you run draft copies by friends or colleagues for feedback? Do you tend to revise your work much?
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 paper to see if a poem is ready to come to life. I do send some of my poems to a few other poets for feedback, especially if I am not sure the poem works. I would love more feedback. 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.
How long have you been writing? When did you start? And when did you realize poetry was your preferred genre? What is it about poetry which draws you in?
I have always loved reading poetry from the time I received a copy of A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. I have been writing poetry for about fifteen years. At first I had no idea what I was doing (and maybe still don’t), but I simply loved the process. My first published poem was truly terrible. Then I started taking a few classes. I am drawn to poetry because it is so condensed, like a bouillon cube. I also like all the shades of meaning of a word as well as the musical sound of spoken words.
When I started writing, I was a psychotherapist (now retired) and I found a number of similarities between being a therapist and writing poetry. In both you need to be present, empty and receptive. And both involve leaps of the imagination.
What inspires you to write? Who inspires you? Could you describe for us how the preliminary “seeds” are planted, generally, for that which eventually blossoms into your body of poetic work?
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 poets and other writers? What is it you like about their work, their style, their approach?
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. This is a list of poets who 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 are you currently reading?
I just read Martyr by Kaveh Akbar and Held by Ann Michaels. Both are beautifully poetic novels that I highly recommend. Both of these writers also write poetry. I am currently reading Mythology by Edith Hamilton, Antigone by Sophocles and The Rigors of Angels by William Egginton. And always, always lots of poetry.
What are you currently writing?
At the age of eighty plus, the poems I write have become more personal. I write about aging, loss, acceptance and of course joy. I also have been writing more humorous (I hope) poems. No need to take it all so seriously. I hope the poems reflect the aching beauty and brevity of life. At one point I may put them together in a book. But that is a thought for another day.
What are some other aspects of your life besides writing? Other hobbies, passions, interests?
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 and all kinds of cooking. Recently I have been experimenting with Japanese cooking, particularly the different kinds of dashis. And I try to stay ahead of the weeds.
What would you say is your favorite part of the creative process?
I love the initial inspiration. I often start writing in one form and find the poem demands another. Or that the poem is not at all about what I had initially imagined. And I love trying out different words and phrases as well as experimenting with different ways to put the poem on a page. Sometimes I have to wait until the poem tells me what it needs.
What’s next of the horizon for you? Any upcoming publications, books, other exciting projects?
At the moment I am not planning another book, but I do feel honored when a journal accepts one of my poems.
Where can readers who enjoy your work find more?
My website is www.clairescottpoet.com.
What advice would you give to aspiring and emerging writers of poetry?
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!!
If your tombstone (or celebration-of-life party) contained one quote from any person, alive or deceased, what would it say? Have fun with it!
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. — Dalai Lama
Or, perhaps: Pretzel sticks are underrated. — Author unknown
