The Navaho Influence: Dennison Smith

‘I still think in terms of the theathre far more often than I think in terms of the written word.’

I first met Dennison Smith when she came to the Northwest Literary Salon last February. When she read an extract of her book, The Eye of the Day, I was completely hooked. Characters and settings appeared directly into the room through words that were both, beautiful and disturbing. (If you are curious, she’s reading exactly the same bit in her interview!)

When Dennison Smith  was in her twenties, she hitchhiked in US and was finally welcomed by a Navaho family. This period in her life has vastly influenced her art . She has published several books that include both poetry and prose, she has worked in drama as author and director, she has done a PhD in Creative Writing in the University of East Anglia and recently opened an art gallery in London, The Baldwin Gallery, which –among others– promotes the work of indigenous artists from North America.

 

What can you find in this interview?

-Writing and yoga.

-Theatre.

-Memoir.

-Publishing and getting an agent.

-Studying Creative Writing.

 

Text read in this interview:

–An extract from The Eye of the Day.

 

Do you want to know more about Dennison Smith?

-Check out her webpage.

-Check out her publications.

 

Many thanks to our meticulous editor, Terry Garanhel and to the founder and sponsor of the programme, Yvonne Battle-Felton. And, of course, to Dennison Smith. Your literary journey is truly inspiring and we wish you all all the best luck with your new art gallery!

 

Foldable Memories – Alexandria Meinecke

Photography by: Melissa Lewis.

 

‘Originally I wanted to write fiction… but it took one fiction class to realise I’m horrible at it… I can’t convince myself of the believability of the charcters in a story. With non-fiction, I don’t have that problem… it happened.’

Alexandria Meinecke came all the way from San Francisco to the small city of Lancaster to study an MA in Creative Writing. Her reviews had been publised by the Ignation Literary Journal and 7×7 magazine, but non-fiction is her preferred genre. Alexandria wants to renovate it by experimenting with formats… creating maps and even foldable designs!

What can you find in this interview?

-Writing for a magazine.

-Doing a Creative Writing MA.

-Writing non-fiction.

 

Many thanks to our meticulous editor, Terry Garanhel and to the founder and sponsor of the programme, Yvonne Battle-Felton. And, of course, to  Alexandra Meinecke. It seems your books are going to be the non-fictional version of House of Leaves, and we’re looking forward to read them!

How writing can save your life: Michael Womack

‘I’m not really doing it for the money, it’s something I’m passionate about…’

Michael Womack revindicates the importance of how we positively impact on others with our writing instead of measuring our success just with money. In his own words, there’s no better recipe for disappointment than doing the latter.

Michael started writing poetry in highschool. He joined the USA army and fought in Iraq. Back in Georgia he struggled with post traumatic stress disorder and depression. His first novel, From a Soldier’s Perspective, was inspired in his personal experiences. He is also the author of a poetry collection called Sexual Intimacy, Beyond Pleasure.

Listen to Michael‘s honest advice on how important is to feel passionate about your writing, because it can literally save your life!

What can you find in this interview?

-Using writing to overcome traumatic experiences.

-Self-publishing.

-Advantages of publishing in e-Book formart.

-Poetry.

-War experiences.

Texts Read:

– From a Soldier’s Perspective  (extract).

Do you want to know more about Michael Womack?

-Check out his twitter.

-Check out his FB page.

-Check out his blog.

Many thanks to our meticulous editor, Terry Garanhel and to the founder and sponsor of the programme, Yvonne Battle-Felton. And, of course, to Michael Womack, who kindly agreed to be interviewed even if he lives in the other side of the Atlantic… we wish you the best in your literary career!

The multifaced writer – Jerry White

‘I’m one of these sick people who likes to get up at 4.30 to write.’

Jerry White started watching his panda wallpaper and imagining stories when he was a child… Now he’s a successful writer who has just finished his first collection of dark fantasy YA novels – The Thickety – but he also teaches in school and has a filming company… There’s always time for your passions – specially if you wake up as 4.30 like Jerry!

What can you find in this interview?

-How to publish your first novel.

-How to contact an agent.

-Experiences doing book launches at bookshops and libraries.

-Balancing writing with your daily job and other hobbies.

-Waking up early to write.

 

Texts Read:

– The Thickety: A Path Begins (YA novel).

 

Do you want to know more about Jerry White?

-Check out his website.

-Check out his twitter.

-Check out his FB page.

-And check the amazing trailer of his first book.

Many thanks to our meticulous editor, Terry Garanhel, and the founder of the programme, Yvonne Battle-Felton. And, of course, to Jerry White, who spent his break at the school making an interview with us. We love The Thickety and we hope you write more successful books!

 

Don’t forget to check our next interview on Sunday 31st of January in 87.7 Bailrigg FM at 6pm with the poet Gary Boswell!