Destination Bulgaria!

Our next publication is in the works - going through the process of being edited, formatted and prepared for presentation in chapbook form.

I took the opportunity to ask its author, Anne Peterson, some questions about her soon-to-be-published collection of poems on Bulgaria, her poetic inspirations and her approach to the craft.

(Accompanying photo by Anne Peterson)

Gena:  Could you please tell us the significance of Bulgaria for you and what inspired you to write this collection about the country and its people.

Anne:  I knew nothing about Bulgaria until my husband Keith said he’d like to go there to look at houses. We ended up buying one in a small village in the south east. We were overwhelmed by our neighbours’ friendliness and interest in our work on the house and garden. As we got to know them individually, I found I wanted to write about the differences, highlighting special moments – things I’d never experienced in England.

We asked if you would read one of your poems for a short video to post on our website.  Do you think a poem should be read aloud or is it better for the reader to experience it silently, on the page?

I don’t know which I prefer, reading or listening to poetry. A good poem is one you respond to, one you feel you know and understand.

Has your role leading the Wimborne Speakeasy poetry helped your poetry and, if so, how?

I don’t feel I lead Speakeasy Wimborne, I just make the bookings and send out reminders. It’s been part of my life for over ten years and does help to make me write, even when I’m busy with other things. To read our work to other poets is what we meet for.

How important do you feel accessibility of meaning is in poetry? Should the reader have to work a little (or a lot!) to understand what the poet is saying?

Accessibility is important. A reader should find enough in the poem to be able to enjoy it, if not on first reading then on the second or third. Some really lovely poems are easily accessible. Sometimes readers or listeners find meanings in a poem that the author isn’t even aware of.

What is your favourite poem from your collection and why?

My favourite poem from the collection has to be ‘Marika’. It says everything I wanted to say in few words. It’s not my usual style, but it works.

Does writing energise or enervate you?

I think writing energises me. I usually feel good to have had a good session getting words on paper.

What would be your spirit animal?

A cat.

Can you love a poem but disagree with the poet’s standpoint?

I think that if you love a poem you are agreeing with the poet’s standpoint.

What is the best thing someone has ever said about one of your poems?

I’d performed a poem about a young man falling in love with a girl artist who was so different to anyone he knew and a girl in the audience asked for a copy, as she said it described her and her boyfriend.

Has anyone ever given you good advice about writing poetry?

Mimi Khalvati told us at a poetry workshop to always check our syntax.

Do you have any advice for someone who would like to write poetry but doesn’t know where to start?

If someone doesn’t know where to start writing poetry or prose, I would suggest keeping a diary and looking beyond the mundane to what is important.

Do you believe anyone can become a poet?

I think anyone can write a poem, but does that make them a poet?

Do you write in other genres, or would you describe yourself as a poet?

I do think of myself as a poet, but I also write short stories and novels.

If poetry were banned tomorrow (and these days, we can’t discount that possibility!), what would you do instead to express yourself?

If I weren’t writing, I would be painting.

Do you have a routine for writing?

It’s not a structured routine, but I do write more at night between 10 and 12.

Could you please describe your writing environment – eg where do you write, what can you see around you?

My writing environment is my laptop, mostly at home. As long as it’s quiet, I don’t notice anything else much.

Who are you writing for – how would you describe your audience?

I’m writing for me. It’s lovely when other people appreciate my poetry, though.

Can poetry ever be therapeutic?

I know poetry can be therapeutic, as I have had people telling me they have written a poem about the death of a close relative and they have found it helps.

Please share with us some of your favourite poets and why you like their work.

There are so many poets whose work I love, particularly Shakespeare and John Donne. More modern poets like Ted Hughes and Carol Ann Duffy awakened me to using subjects that I wouldn’t have thought of, at one time. Working with South Poetry Magazine, I enjoy reading each new edition and being surprised by voices old and new.

Is writing a poem letting your guard down or building a barrier?

I think poets do let their guard down to express their feelings. We learn something of their lives.

How much do you edit and how much rely on the flow of writing?

How much editing I do depends on the poem. I change tenses, layout, even commas. One or two have been in my head for years, others flow straight onto the page.

What question should I have asked you?

How many poems have I written? Hundreds.

Thank you for all your responses, Anne - we look forward to seeing the finished chapbook roll off the presses!

Gena (for Dithering Chaps)