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These are some of the questions students have asked me
over the years...
Did you always want to be a writer?
Being a writer didn't cross my mind until I was in my
early 30's. I studied science in school and wanted to be a
marine biologist, a botanist, or a virologist. Or, a
drummer in a rock and roll band.
What inspired you to write poetry?
I have always liked listening to poetry and I wrote a lot
of poetry when I was in high school. However, I truly fell
in love with poetry in 1989 when I took a class on writing
poetry at the UCLA Writer's Program. The class was taught
by the famous poet and anthologist, Myra Cohn Livingston.
I studied with her for seven years and have been writing
ever since.
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere! I never know when an idea will turn into a
poem. It might be something I see, an overheard comment,
something I've been wondering about. Our world is a
fascinating place and ideas are everywhere. I keep a
"writer's notebook" and scribble down interesting things;
many of my poems come from that notebook.
I want to be a writer. What should I do?
Here's the best advice I've ever received: Read
everything you can and write as much as you can. Learning
to write is like any other skill — you get better with
practice. And, if you are writing poetry, remember to read
your work aloud. Poetry is meant to be read aloud and
you'll be surprised how much better you can make your
poems when you read them aloud and listen carefully to
your words. One more thing: Use a "writer's notebook" to
capture those great ideas that flit through your mind.
Where do you write?
I write just about anywhere. My favorite place to
write is sitting on my back patio.
What is your favorite of all your books?
It's hard to play favorites and all of my books are
special to me for very different reasons. I think my
"favorite book" is whatever I'm working on right now.
What is your favorite thing about writing?
Rewriting! I love to play with ideas and words and see
what happens. Of course, rewriting can be frustrating but
it is also very rewarding.
What are you working on now?
Hmmmm.... I'm working on several poetry collections and
working on a novel. Yes, I am actually writing
sentences!
Do you have brothers and sisters?
I have three brothers. No sisters. (I always wanted a
sister!)
Do you have any kids?
Yes, I have one daughter. Her name is Courtney; she also likes to write and plays flute, piano,
and guitar.
What is your favorite color.
I liked green...and orange.
Do you really raise tadpoles?
Yes! Every spring we go down the river and collect
tadpoles; it's amazing to watch them grow into frogs. Did
you know that tadpoles like spinach?
What do you do in your spare time?
I
love to read, garden, do crafts and make big messes. I
like to hike, play golf, and tennis.
How old are you?
This is not my favorite question! Here's a big
hint: I was fifteen years old the summer that Apollo 11
landed on the moon. I remember staring at the moon and
wondering what it would be like to actually walk on the
moon.
Here's another hint: The day I was born, Roger
Bannister broke the record for the mile.
His time was 3:59.4.
I
hope I've answered your questions!
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