Wombwell Rainbow Interviews

I am honoured and privileged that the following poets, local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me. I gave the writers two options: an emailed list of questions or a more fluid interview via messenger.
The usual ground is covered about motivation, daily routines and work ethic, but some surprises too. Some of these poets you may know, others may be new to you. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I do.

Ken Allan Dronsfield

Ken Allan Dronsfield is a disabled veteran, Poet and Fabulist hailing from New Hampshire, he now resides on the southern plains of Oklahoma. Ken is a prize winning Poet who enjoys music, writing, walking in the woods at night during a full moon and spending time with his cats Willa and Yumpy. He has three poetry collections, “The Cellaring”, (Poems from a Darkling Side of a Shadowed Mind) is a book of 80 poems touching on the paranormal, haunts, weird and wonderfully odd work. His second book titled “A Taint of Pity”, (52 Life Poems Written with a Cracked Inflection) is a collection containing eclectic and ‘thinking’ poems. His third and recent release is titled, “Zephyr’s Whisper” (64 Poems and Parables of a Seasonal Pretense), a superb collection of both seasonal and nature poetry. Included is his poem, “With Charcoal Black, Version III” that was selected as the Prize Winning poem for Realistic Poetry Internationals Nature Poem Contest. All Ken’s books are available through Amazon. Ken is a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee and Best of the Net, 2016-2018.

Ken is also the Co-Editor and Cover Artist for three poetry anthologies, “Moonlight Dreamers of Yellow Haze”, “Dandelion in a Vase of Roses”, and just released, “Warriors with Wings”. Along with his friend, Michael Lee Johnson, Editor in Chief, both are certain this latest anthology is one of the best available in print.”

The Interview

First, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity to explain a little about myself in answering.
These questions.
What were the circumstances under which you began to write poetry?

-I began writing at about the age of 13. I got interested in playing the guitar and
decided to write my own songs. I started writing lyrics, I then wrote poetry much later in life. Of course, this was quite a challenge in the past few years as most song lyrics are rhyming works and poetry TODAY has gotten away from the rhyme scheme.

Who introduced you to poetry?

-I started reading poetry by Poe, Frost, Whitman and others in high school.

How aware were you of the dominating presence of older poets?

-I’ve never felt any domination from older more experienced poets. Perhaps a certain ‘egotistical flair’ but I attribute that to the belief in oneself and ability.

What is your daily writing routine?

-After I wake and have my coffee, I go on the computer and read my emails. If I get an inspirational spark then I write, if not, I spend time reading. Books from other poets, websites, etc…

What motivates you to write?

-Writing has always been a part of my life in some way, shape or form. I believe it’s embedded in my heart, my being.

How do the writers you read when you were young influence you today?

-I think their ‘style’, their inspirational voice, influences me every day.
Tell me about the writing projects you have on at the moment.

-Actually, right now I’m spending time reading the works of others. I’ve invested in some books through Amazon, etc., and I’m also doing some writing, a few poems a week, and reading a lot. I’m also submitting work to a host of different magazines, journals, reviews, etc. I just had a book published, “Zephyr’s Whisper”, Poems and Parables of a Seasonal Pretense, through Scarlet Leaf Publishing, and it’s available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I’ve also just completed the co-editor/cover art work on a poetry anthology, “Warriors with Wings” with my friend Michael Lee Johnson as Editor, now on Amazon.