Ask the Author: Alarie Tennille
Answered Questions (7)
Alarie Tennille
Thanks, Laurie. My odd answer is yes and no. I've been writing poetry, but not much of it, since the third grade. My first real love of writing was for short stories or children's stories (while a child), then plays, too. I wanted to be an artist, but my parents nixed the idea of an art major. Fortunately, I took a summer creative writing workshop before my senior year of high school that was so exciting I embraced an English major. Although UVa didn't have a creative writing program at that time, reading so much great literature made me want to write all the more. (I was in the first coed class, so standing up to sexism took a lot of my energy.)
My mother taught me how to scan poetry when I was little, so I managed to fit into a job writing greeting cards. Still not quite true poetry, but my company paid for workshops with many of the best poets in the country, including Ted Kooser, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Hirshfield, and Ed Hirsch. I loved the workshops, but it took about 12 of those to convince me I actually was a poet and to embrace that. I only began publishing my own work outside of my job in 2005, followed by about 5 years of fighting stage fright. I'm very proud I did master it and wish I could have done so back in high school.
We're both at Verse-Virtual, too, though I've been a sluggish participant lately. Your name jumps out at me when I'm reading journals.
My mother taught me how to scan poetry when I was little, so I managed to fit into a job writing greeting cards. Still not quite true poetry, but my company paid for workshops with many of the best poets in the country, including Ted Kooser, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Hirshfield, and Ed Hirsch. I loved the workshops, but it took about 12 of those to convince me I actually was a poet and to embrace that. I only began publishing my own work outside of my job in 2005, followed by about 5 years of fighting stage fright. I'm very proud I did master it and wish I could have done so back in high school.
We're both at Verse-Virtual, too, though I've been a sluggish participant lately. Your name jumps out at me when I'm reading journals.
Alarie Tennille
Sorry to make you wait so long, Norman. I've always loved books, even before I could read. My mother's generation memorized lots of poetry for school (alas, mine did not). She often recited long, silly poems for my delight, so poetry has always been wrapped up in my love of literature. It's a bit different from novels: in novels, I step into another world. In poetry, my eyes are more often opened to my own life and world, even when the author is talking about his.
I write poetry because I enjoy it, because I began writing stories as a child for the pleasure of creating something I could share with others. It took me decades to consider myself a poet, but I appreciate the shorter form, the task of trying to pack a lot of punch in a small space. I also prefer writing in reaction to my world over to having to maintain a long, complex story line for months on end. I'm afraid I'd get half way through a novel and start dreading the job.
I write poetry because I enjoy it, because I began writing stories as a child for the pleasure of creating something I could share with others. It took me decades to consider myself a poet, but I appreciate the shorter form, the task of trying to pack a lot of punch in a small space. I also prefer writing in reaction to my world over to having to maintain a long, complex story line for months on end. I'm afraid I'd get half way through a novel and start dreading the job.
Alarie Tennille
My first thought was "Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy" from Pride and Prejudice, but decided to think again, since that would have been 20-year-old Alarie's answer. I'm going to say Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Jasmine Ali from Major Pettigrew's Last Stand are my favorite couple. Why? Because they prove that love isn't limited to the young, wealthy, gorgeous, nor to people of the same culture. They look beyond the superficial traits in each other to find their true hearts. I also laughed out loud at their unusual meeting at the opening of the book. Love needs humor to last through life's trials.
Alarie Tennille
Yes, Boweavil, I quite agree with you. Are you sure little has been done for them? I'm starting to see their work everywhere and am sure their prices have gone up now. The Atlanta Airport has an exhibit of their art.
The quilters have at least spread a lot of joy around the world, the only real payment most poets can expect either.
The quilters have at least spread a lot of joy around the world, the only real payment most poets can expect either.
Alarie Tennille
I"m delighted you want to share my poem. Please include my website address. If you're able to tag me in the post, I'd like that, too.
http://alariepoet.com/
http://alariepoet.com/
Alarie Tennille
Norman, I am fine and hope you are, too. Happy holidays and happy reading to all those on Goodreads.
Alarie Tennille
MY FIVE R'S OF WRITING (advice for an aspiring writer)
(1) READ, READ, READ. Since you're on Goodreads, you're likely an avid reader, but be sure to read the genre you wish to write.
(2) REVIEW. Grammar drills are boring, but you must be sure you've mastered the mechanics of writing or editors will be tossing out any work you send them.
(3) REVISE. No matter how good a first draft is, you can find ways to improve it. Put it away and look at it a few days later.
(4) RESEARCH. You know the standard advice to "write what you know," so expand what you know. Also research potential markets for your writing.
(5)REACH OUT. You need to find some trusted reviewers who will critique your writing and give you an honest opinion. You also need to develop your own critiquing skills. Take advantage of writing centers or workshops near you to learn from those with more experience. Once you get some publishing experience, reach out to other new writers. It's a nice payback for all the mentors who've helped you.
(1) READ, READ, READ. Since you're on Goodreads, you're likely an avid reader, but be sure to read the genre you wish to write.
(2) REVIEW. Grammar drills are boring, but you must be sure you've mastered the mechanics of writing or editors will be tossing out any work you send them.
(3) REVISE. No matter how good a first draft is, you can find ways to improve it. Put it away and look at it a few days later.
(4) RESEARCH. You know the standard advice to "write what you know," so expand what you know. Also research potential markets for your writing.
(5)REACH OUT. You need to find some trusted reviewers who will critique your writing and give you an honest opinion. You also need to develop your own critiquing skills. Take advantage of writing centers or workshops near you to learn from those with more experience. Once you get some publishing experience, reach out to other new writers. It's a nice payback for all the mentors who've helped you.
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