Ask the Author: Annie Finch
Answered Questions (6)
Annie Finch
If I'm in search of inspiration, the secret ingredient for finding it is connection of any kind--whether with nature, myself, a Goddess or Goddesses, a lover, a child, a friend--or with something tragic and moving, as when I wrote "The Naming" for 9/11. It's simple: authentic connection opens up my heart, and that opens up my ears to the Muse. So step 1. is to find some time, step 2. is to take a walk with nature, get hot with my husband (I'm known for writing poems during sex!), or otherwise connect with someone or something I love or am moved by. Step 3 is to write the first draft. After that, unless the poem is one of those perfect rare gifts, the revision process is its own inspiration. The process for prose, of course, is quite different . . .
Annie Finch
For poetry, it's the thrill of rhythmical language, the joy of inspiration, and exploring the mysteries of how poems work. For prose, it's the opportunity to learn and grow and shape myself as a person through the process of writing and revision.
Annie Finch
I go into my body, releasing any pressure on my mind to perform. I might start to dance or chant, letting that physical movement push me towards language, to meet the authentic spring of spontaneous language halfway. Taking a walk in nature or in a great city alone can have the same effect--take me out of my head and give space for language to arise naturally.
But if it doesn't work, I try not to push it—that's one reason I always have other literary tasks at hand, whether translation, writing criticism, editing, or teaching. They keep me inspired and engaged until the creative work is ready to flow again.
Happy writing, everyone!
But if it doesn't work, I try not to push it—that's one reason I always have other literary tasks at hand, whether translation, writing criticism, editing, or teaching. They keep me inspired and engaged until the creative work is ready to flow again.
Happy writing, everyone!
Annie Finch
read aloud--and in particular, read poetry aloud. This will teach your whole body how to write, not just your brain.
Annie Finch
3 new books of poetry and a spiritual self-help book. I've also been starting a cool new online communitiy, at poetrywitchcommunity.org.
Annie Finch
Annie Finch THE POETRY WITCH LITTLE BOOK OF SPELLS came about because I wanted a tiny book of magical writing that could fit in someone's pocket, so they could have spells handy at will.
Annie Finch THE POETRY WITCH LITTLE BOOK OF SPELLS came about because I wanted a tiny book of magical writing that could fit in someone's pocket, so they could have spells handy at will.
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