Sigourney Young Poets Interview
What drives you to write/create?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the everyday situations and the world around me. I think that too often people let everything pass by while they’re caught up in work and stresses. In my writing I want to capture a moment or an image or scene and just slow it down. I want to appreciate details and the depth that can be found in ordinary situations
How would you describe your writing style?
My writing uses a lot of imagery and often concentrates on the rhythm and sound of sentences through structure and word choice. I’m fascinated with the way that these elements can create mood and so enjoy working with them in my writing. I write usually in the third person because it gives me the opportunity to explore a number of characters in depth…
Who or what has influenced your writing?
My brother has had a lot of influence on my writing. While our styles are much the same he has the skill to easily manufacture situations in his writing that succeed in presenting a deeper meaning to reader. He encourages me to look more at the symbols and metaphor used in writing. I am also greatly influenced by social issues such as body image and human rights.
What good is poetry for the community/the world/trains/yourself?
I think that poetry is an incredibly thought provoking medium. The nature of poems to selective in words often means that they can relate to a larger variety of people as meaning can be subjective. I think that poetry is important to communities and those traveling on the trains in that they allow for engagement with the expressions of others and encourage expression in turn.
When/How often do you write?
I try to write as often as I can but because I am studying I write less than I’d like to. I’m study Short Fiction this semester and so am looking forward to exploring some new themes and styles in my writing. I think it’s important to remember though that writing doesn’t had to be about creating a whole story. Partial images and impressions of people or events are just as important in allowing expression and the continued development of writing skills.
Do you have a favourite poem of your own?
My favorite poem is actually a silly one that a friend wrote for me. One of the delights of poetry is that so much feeling can be expressed through so few words. Published poems though, my favorite is the German poem ‘Der Panther’ by Rainer Maria Rilke. I learnt the German version in high school in class and the beauty of the piece, and the rhythm and tone that the words created, have always amazed me.
Can we see your work anywhere else soon or at the moment?
At the moment you’ll have to ride the trains to see my work. However, I have been writing a number of pieces recently, both short fiction and poetry and will hope to get some more work out in the public eye soon.
What advice would you have for budding or withered poets?
The best advice I can give to others out there interested in poetry is just to keep on writing. Remember that there are all sorts of poetry styles and to just find your own, they don’t have to rhyme and they can be on whatever has caught your interest at the time.
