Ask the Author: Janet Pocorobba
Answered Questions (6)
Janet Pocorobba
THE FOURTH STRING took a long time. I wanted to write it to honor my teacher and the experience I had with, and because of, her in Japan. But it took years to understand, and without a reflective voice, the book wasn't worth publishing. I had to incorporate the struggle to KNOW, 20 years later, what those four years were all about. It was worth the time and effort!
Janet Pocorobba
Another memoir about the tiny co-op in my village in Vermont. I discovered the place in 2012 when I came to Vermont on sabbatical to work on my first book. I was in my mid-40s and single after the break-up of a 12-year relationship, no kids, and wondering what to do with my life. What deeper purpose I might find. I found it here, at this co-op, among the women who run it. The book will be about me, the community and the co-op.
Janet Pocorobba
Movement. It sounds strange, but I get lots of ideas when I am doing something else, especially driving. I think it's because my rational left brain is engaged and my right brain gets a free pass. I keep little notebooks and pens all around my car to jot down notes. I also record on my phone.
On a deeper level, I am inspired to write by great writing and literature. Reading is probably my truer passion, and writing an outgrowth of that.
On a deeper level, I am inspired to write by great writing and literature. Reading is probably my truer passion, and writing an outgrowth of that.
Janet Pocorobba
Persist. Writing is a LOT of work. Ridiculous amounts of work. Of course, you're not thinking about that when you're in the middle of a piece. But don't start placing logical values on it, ie: that it "should" add up to something by now, and so on. Writing--all art--is not rational. That's the best part about it. It's away from that part of the world. It's about imagination, the subconscious, faith, and it's really rewarding and fun.
Janet Pocorobba
The same thing I love about playing music: you're never alone. Art is a way of being with yourself. I don't know who or what I'd be without it.
Janet Pocorobba
If I'm really blocked, there's usually an underlying reason. Sometimes I'm conflicted about what I'm writing, or not feeling I am up to the task, or want it to be "perfect." It always helps to stop writing whatever I'm writing and do some journaling or thinking through internal things. The important thing is not to take it out on the work. The work has ears, someone once told me. Treat it kindly.
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