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.

Mark Hartenbach

“latest books are ‘crashing the zen pinata’ from alien buddha press
& ‘lost bastard chronicles’ from rose of sharon press.”

The Interview

Q. What were the circumstances under which you began to write poetry?

A. i didn’t seriously start writing until i was 30. i had written songs since i was 18. i played guitar so i cld write my own songs.
Q. Who introduced you to poetry?

A. i introduced myself for the most part. i bought a few books by poets i had read abt. william blake, rimbaud, e.e. cummings.
i was also heavy into the beats via kerouac.
Q. How aware were you of the dominating presence of older poets?

A. i am an older poet. smile.
Q. What is your daily writing routine?

A. i’ve always written best in the morning. sometimes early
afternoon. i don’t have a ‘routine’.
Q. What motivates you to write?

A.  i write most when i’m feeling level. neither extremely
up or down.

Q. What is your work ethic?

A. strong. i believe if you want to excel it takes hard work along
with being kissed by the muse.

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

A. it’s difficult to put my finger on any specific writers or any
style. i’ve tried to develop my own riffing, especially in past
10-15 years.
Q Which of today’s writers do you admire the most and why?

A. i admire friends danny baker, s.a griffin, lonnie sherman, john bennett, larry tomoyasu. i also like sesshu foster, juan felipe herrera, david berman, ray gonzalez. i’m sure i’m leaving out some folks.

Q. Why do you write?

A. it’s a healthy psychological pursuit. it’s fun.

 

Q. What would you say to someone who asked you “How do you become a writer?”

A. write like no one’s looking over your shoulder. read. write, write, write.

 

Q. Tell me about the writing projects you have on at the moment.

A. i’d like to do a book of short stories for my next project.