Issue Four: Coming October 1
Joyce Brinkman is the first official Poet Laureate of the state of Indiana. While this has helped expose her writing to a wider audience, Brinkman also spoke to us about her desire to act as an ambassador for all forms of poetry, and the importance of reading and writing in everyday life.
JAKE Magazine: How long have you been a writer? Is publication necessary for your role as Poet Laureate?
Joyce Brinkman: I’ve been writing poetry since I was nine. I don’t necessarily think of a poet laureate as being a widely published writer as much as I think of it as being an exciting opportunity. I never really thought about publishing because I just love playing with words. But I do encourage people to pursue publications if that’s where they want to go.
JM: What are your responsibilities now?
JB: Being poet laureate is like being an ambassador of poetry. I think a lot of people dislike poetry because they disliked the first poems they read. But poetry is as varied as people are. I think a lot of people just don’t think they can write. So many people are afraid to start and don’t try. It’s so much easier to be published today, too, like opportunities on the web. And if you don’t want to publish, there are still personal things you can do through poetry. Some people write poetry on personalized ceramics, bookmarks, or picture frames to give as gifts. There are a lot of ways to use poetry.
JM: For people just starting out, whether they plan to publish or write for themselves, could you tell us where you get your best ideas?
JB: It always amazes me when people ask where ideas come from. Ideas are always exploding around me. It’s not a matter of coming up with ideas, but of working with them.
JM: What poets do you admire?
JB: I think Robert Pinsky and Billy Collins have done such a good job of getting poetry out to people. I don’t always like Pinsky, but I loved listening to him read his work on PBS.
JM: Besides poetry, what kinds of writing are you interested in?
JB: I’ve just gotten interested in children’s literature in the last year. I’m going to the Highlights Foundation for some retreat time for writing. With children’s literature, I’m not so sure I write it for the audience as much as I write it for myself. Children’s subjects are so much fun, and I find that part terribly enjoyable.
JM: Do you do much editing work?
JB: I see my role more as an encourager than a critic. I think if you focus more on what’s right in someone’s work you’ll encourage them to do more of it. Editors have an important role, but I don’t see myself as very good at it. If you are an editor, I think it’s important to learn to do so in a positive way. So many people get frightened off writing by editors and criticism.
JM: Any parting advice for beginners?
JB: The most simple thing to do is to write. I can’t tell people when or where to do it, but so many people put it off and just think, “Someday…” You really have to sit and do it. You don’t have to choose any one thing. You could write poems, letters to friends, even letters to the editor of your newspaper. That’s a great way to learn how to write about opinions. Just choose a time of day to write, everyday. I think if new writers try varied styles they’ll find something. There are so many new opportunities and resources out there. The Writer’s Center of Indianapolis, for instance, offers great classes and workshops, as well as readings. It’s important to listen to spoken poetry, because poetry really has its origins in the troubadours and verbal recitations of performers, rather than you just opening a book and reading dead poets. It’s nice to listen to poetry and see that it’s alive.