FAQs
Your poetry talks about stuff like Disney, Star Wars, and LEGOs, and it doesn't rhyme. That's not real poetry.
Poetry can be about anything, and it doesn't have to rhyme. Actually, I prefer poems that don't rhyme, and so do most journal editors.
How do you make a living writing poetry?
I don't. I work in the software industry.
I hated poetry in school.
I'm sorry you were forced to analyze poems or be tested on them. Schools shouldn't be allowed to teach poetry the way they do. That's why I'm developing an online course and teaching live workshops.
Are your poems about your life?
No, not always. Poems can be fiction. A poem should not be a journal entry. And poets can write from another point of view.
Don't poets write about their emotions?
A poem is not a journal entry.
I just can't believe you did all those things!
I didn't! Poems can be fiction.
How did you not get caught doing those things at Disneyland?!
I didn't get caught because I didn't do those things. Poetry can be fiction. I'm not sure you're hearing me.
I don't think you should be writing about controversial things or political issues. That's not really your place.
I never stay in my place.
Yeah but, why don't you just stick to nice subjects, like nature or something?
The times we live in don't call for nice poetry about nature, unless it's to point out how we are fucking it up.
Do you cuss in your poems?
Yes, when it's called for.
OK, but poetry is not supposed to be about politics!
You are, unfortunately, quite out of touch with poetry. I invite you to enter this phrase in your favorite browser window and see where it takes you: poetry of social justice
Some of your poems are not appropriate for children.
That's an interesting perspective. Is our present world appropriate for children? Do our current lawmakers create and pass laws that consider what is appropriate for children? Do you think the children old enough to find, read, and understand my poems have never heard of school shootings and other atrocities? Children, if you are reading this right now, I'm sorry we fucked up your world. And don't forget: Read banned books!
I didn't know poetry could be like this!
YESSS. Then I've done some good on this planet!
When will you be releasing your online poetry course and teaching poetry workshops? You've been saying that for years.
I started teaching workshops last year, I'm teaching another one this fall at a conference (also teaching one on clear writing), and later this year I'll finally be releasing an online course and a way to sign up for workshops. I'm truly sorry for the delay. I have a day job and many things going on in my personal life, and I'm exhausted most of the time. Thank you so much for your patience. Please sign up for my newsletter so that you know when the course and future workshops are ready!
How does intuition work with poetry? Are you some kind of psychic?
I think intuitive poetry happens when a poet uses psychic modalities to catch a poem that drops out of the universe already composed, perhaps getting images, emotions, or words from a past or future life, or from senses beyond the usual five, or from someone who is not fully in the physical realm. Maybe, in a way, all art is intuitive as I've described it here, but I believe we can be intentional about the process of receiving. Further, I believe that everyone has access to so-called "psychic" senses, but we're sadly out of practice as a species. Writing poetry can wake you up to these, so be careful! I will address all this in my long-form workshops (Poetry of Place Workshops on Location).
I'm starting to wonder if I'll be comfortable in your workshops. You seem ... well, you're one of those woke liberals, aren't you?
That is correct! You should absolutely not come to my workshops if you hate on people of color, women, or anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, or if you disrespect people because of their age, disability, decision to have kids or not, their chosen religion, or really, if you're uncomfortable with any human being. And I have a strong radar for passive aggressive behavior and gaslighting, so I get one whiff of "but I love the sinner and hate the sin" bullshit, per my Terms & Conditions you'll be leaving the workshop on your own dime.
Wow, you're pretty harsh for a poet!
Yes.
What is intuitry?
Stacy's word for intuitive poetry.
Would you like to come to our Bible study?
No.
I'm going to pray for you.
Thanks! I'll pray for you, too!
