Laurie Kolp–Interview

Describe your creative space. Do you work at home, in public spaces, etc.?

I like to write in my little nook behind the den. My dogs hang out with me there. Public spaces are too distracting for me, but I do take down a lot of notes as I observe what is going on around me when I am out and about.

What kind of materials do you use? Do you write by hand or type? What is your favorite writing utensil?

I prefer to type. My hand gets tired when I write too much… I guess it’s out of practice or I’m just getting older.

What is your routine for writing?

I prefer early morning, waking up before anyone else and drinking my coffee at the computer. I get a lot accomplished on the weekends because everyone in my house sleeps late. Even during the workweek, I wake up in time to write before I leave for the day.

How long have you been writing? When did you start writing?

I started writing for fun as a child, edited newsletters at camp, and continued through high school on literary committees. During college, I veered off from writing I guess because of all the other kinds of work I had to do. I started back up when my kids were little, which was about 10 years ago.

Who is your intended, or ideal, audience? Who do you write for?

I don’t really think of an ideal audience. I write because I have something to say. I feel lucky when my poetry is read, and I feel satisfied when my poetry touches someone.

What inspires you to write? If you are blocked, what do you do?

Anything can inspire me to write, and it can hit at any time. When blocked, I work on revisions or create found poetry. My favorite form lately has been centos. I have enough to fill a chapbook, and plan on working on it over the summer.

What other things do you do besides writing? Do you dance or play golf, etc.?

I teach 1^st grade and am currently working on my Master’s degree in special education. I like to run, binge-watch Netflix, and spend time with my family.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

Believe it or not, revision.

What is your advice to aspiring writers?

Create a routine for writing and stick with it. Read as much as you can. Never give up!

Check out Laurie’s work in Volume 2, Issue 2 and Volume 4, Issue 1.