Mary Crow, Colorado
Studied Poetry: I studied literature and
creative writing at the College of Wooster, literature at Indiana
University, and poetry writing at the University of Iowa.
Writing: I began to write in high school
and then as an undergraduate I took both literature and creative
writing classes and I wrote a great deal.
Inspiration: Over the years I have turned
to travel, nature, reading, especially reading for inspiration.
Favorite Poets: The writer
who has been the greatest inspiration to me in recent years
is the late Paul Celan. There are so many wonderful poets
that it is difficult to name a few and my favorites change
from year to year. Among my current favorites are Olga Orozco
(an Argentine poet I have translated) and John Ashbery. Among
recent books of poems I have read I especially liked James
Galvin’s new book, X, Forrest Gander’s Torn
Awake, and Ellen Hinsey’s, The White Fire of Time. But I also read fiction and nonfiction,
looking for inspiration in every kind of book.
Challenges: Among
the hurdles I’ve had to overcome are the difficulties
of giving writing a high enough priority when so many things
need to get done. Developing discipline. Staying awake to
what I want to create.
Advice: My
advice to a beginning writer would be to read, read, read.
Read poetry, past and present, and read widely. So many young
poets seem to think that they can write well without reading,
but it’s not true. #
