Interview
with Carly Holgate
GS&NS: Hi, Carly! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Carly: My name is Carly and I’m from Meridian, Idaho. I dabble in several different kinds of art including writing, collage, art journaling and mixed media. I’m a green-haired, animal loving, girl boss and I couldn’t do it without the support of my wonderful partner of eight years, Danielle.
GS&NS: What inspired your poem, “Deconstruction”? Describe your writing process and intentions for the work.
Carly: My poem Deconstruction was inspired by a coworker of mine that tried to antagonize me with his beliefs. Being in leadership, I’ve had to learn that not everyone is okay with having a female boss and it’s been tough. I wrote this in response to some ignorant comments he made around feeling disadvantaged because of being a white male. I’m definitely an over thinker, especially when I am very passionate about something and writing is my release. I write with the purpose of constructively sorting through my feelings and beliefs. Because of my position at my work, I often have to censor my feelings and try to remain very neutral when it comes to politics. Writing and poetry specifically is my safe place where I can truly voice whatever I want.
What advice would you give to emerging writers? Another way to think about it: what advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could give my younger self advice it would be to stay passionate and keep writing. As I’ve gotten older I have not made it a priority to write and I do regret that. I also think that it’s important to stay passionate about things that inspire you and to create opportunities to be happy and feel successful.
GirlSense and NonSense