Canadian Poet: Joanna M. Weston

Interview With Joanna M. Weston, Western Canadian Writer

 

 

1.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It wasn't a question on wanting to be a writer; it's just what I did and what I do.

2.  How long have you been writing?
 

I've been writing all my life, at least since 8 years old.

3.  Have you always wanted to be a published writer?

 

Yes.

 

4.  When do you write? When do you not?
 

I write mornings/afternoons/evenings ... whenever. I don't write on buses.

5.  What resources online (include links and websites) help you most as a
writer? 

The International Writers' Workshop: http://internetwritingworkshop.blogspot.com/.
The AHA Haiku Forum:  http://forum.ahapoetry.com/.

6.  Have you figured out a way of making money as a writer or poet?
 

No.  It is very difficult, but not impossible.

7.  What inspires you to write and do you remember the exact moment you knew
you wanted to be a writer? 

 

Anything from garbage to hockey to sunsets is inspiring.  I've written poetry or fiction all my life.

8.  Who are notable authors who have influenced your writing?
 

Gerald Manley Hopkins, T.S. Eliot, Linda Rogers, Gerald Hill, Robert Frost, Lorna Crozier.

9.  Do you follow a strict writing schedule or just write when the spirit hits
you?
 

I'm at my desk by 8 a.m., latest 9 a.m. all things being equal and domesticity doesn't intrude.

10.  Can you tell me what tools, resources, or how or your working to grow as an artist?  What tools, resources, or how or you working to grow as an artist?  Feel free to give names, websites and links.  
 

I write children's stories, middle-readers, free-verse poetry, and some form poetry. I read literary fiction, mysteries, biographies, travel.  I find reading, writing, and online workshops help me grow.

11.  If you had to choose, what would you say are the two best poems, flash
fiction, or short stories you have ever written to this date? Would you
like to share a link to those works-or send them the works themselves to my email?

  

THE BECOMING

By Joanna M. Weston

 

she uses lavender oil
on linen

rubs it
on her feet at night

touches the perfume
to her wrists

she wears
quiet mauve dresses
of soft fabrics
that slip
against her skin
whispering sunlight
and June

when evening moves in
she closes her eyes
folds hands
over dried sprigs
and inhales the dusky
full-throated scent

her body melts
to the fragrance
flowing
in her bloodstream
as lavender
she becomes

 

THE YELLOW CRAYON
By Joanna M. Weston

the child drew a bird
with a yellow crayon

she knew it was a blue bird
because she had seen it
that way. There was no
blue crayon

she saw the bird
tied to white paper
by yellow lines

it flew loose
into the air of her room
blue against
pale cream walls

circled once
and soared out through
the open window

she looked at her hands
picked up the yellow crayon
and drew a scarlet bird

Note:  these poems were 1st published in:

 'The Becoming' by Canadian Woman Studies in 2007.

'The Yellow Crayon' was published by Atlantis in 2000.

12.  What is your opinion on self-publishing as opposed to traditional
publishing?  Please list for our readers the publisher(s), POD (print on
demand) or self publishing you use or have used.  If use have used
traditional publishers who are they? Give us a sense of your personal
experience and attitudes toward them.

 

I have been published by Frontenac House, and have self-published, as Clarity House Press.  I prefer traditional publishers as they have better marketing facilities.

13.  Do you have any parting words for our readers; any words of wisdom to
share? 

 

Write, write, and write; also read, read, and read; then edit, edit, and edit some more!

14.  Are you trying anything new: video's on line, MP3 audio files, any
particular writing forums that attract you?  Feel free to give names, websites and links. 

 

The Forums as mentioned above. I'm on Facebook but I get totally confused by it at times.

 

15.  Where can we find your works?  Feel free to show links or websites.
 

Here is my blog: www.1960willowtree.wordpress.com/; or you can just Google my name 'Joanna M. Weston' to see many of my works online.

 

16.  Care to make any comments how this site can be improved or expanded?
 

This is one good idea, Michael!

Special note:  Thank you Joanna M. Weston for being my first interview outside of my own.  Through this process I have note improvements I can make as we go along.  Cheers:  to Joanna M. Weston, a Canadian and one of my very favorite poets.