What are the best ways for someone to engage with writing or writers?
Initially, take a class — it will set you up with some basics and help you know
where your interests lie. Honing the craft helps in every way. The world of
writing is vast — poetry, fiction, nonfiction, journalism, blogging, each has
different facets and skills. Amazing connections can be made through just one
class. Always more to learn, you never age out of meeting with other writers and
sharing experience.
David & Bathsheba
By Susan Cowger
Who are your favorites?
Honestly, my favorites are the writers I know personally. Laurie Klein, a
marvelous poet, is my most trusted resonator. Christopher Howell — though I
don’t know Chris well — was instrumental as I initially stepped into the world of
words. His influence continues.
Some great writers also whose work reflects writing I admire: the late Brian
Doyle can make a simple thing breathe with life; Ted Kooser observes everyday
life and has a conversational way of speaking to the reader; Annie Dillard sees
the world in images; D.S. Martin unselfconsciously uncovers the spiritual and
helps one to see it inextricably woven into the world.
Do you have any other recent publications, honors, or notable activities?
A body of my work was recently published in a book called In a Strange Land:
Introducing Ten Kingdom Poets (Cascade/2019).
I am thinking about a boy
pulling wings off a dragonfly
first one
then another
dismantling beauty
as if flight could be disassembled
and the exquisite wonder taped or tied
back on like a cape or rocket
What other interests do you have and does this inform your work?
Human relationships primarily inform my work. I also find relationship with God
(one that supersedes the carking human thirst to be of value in the world) brings
more to the table of writing than all my opinions and worldly experience.
Of course, there are more tangible influences along the way, a gaggle I call “the
children.” I love to draw — I consider drawing to be the precursor to all genres of
art I have undertaken: oils, watercolors, etchings, and sculptures I make of rock,
wood, and wire. I cycle. I swim. I play classical guitar. Did I tell you about my
family? I call them “the village.”
And other interests that might seem unrelated to writing? I have worked for years
with Spring of Hope International, a nonprofit that does wholistic economic and
spiritual development in Kenya. After five trips to Kenya, I have found the way
humanity culturizes is both unique and ubiquitous, and yet, at the core of the
differences we are all human. All said, everything I do informs my writing.
Please frame how your teaching or other involvements relate or don’t to
what you write about.
The craziness of relationships shows up everywhere. It’s all fodder for
uncovering truth. Truth is the fabric of poems.
Susan Cowger’s book is available from Wipf and Stock (https://wipfandstock.
com) and local bookstores.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE
Glassine wings crack and drift
to the ground
nothing at all
like the pang of first lust
or the ache that hovers
just out of sight
murmuring
about leaving lesser beings
that do not scream
to die