When Do You Know You Are a Writer

(an archived interview with Orlando City Beat Magazine)
{q & a with Matthew J. Palm}
Q.)  
" J.S., WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE A WRITER?"
A.)
"No one knows when they are a writer. Everyone thinks they are a writer. No one is a writer.
There's a creative well-spring shooting ideas into the universe.Those fortunate enough to drink of the waters, have experienced what good writing is.
If there is a blank look on your face right now, you may never taste it. Hone in on the magic. Greatness will be gone in a flash without direct connectivity. 
If your feelings are hurt by this knowledge, pick up another hobby where the grand spotlight will singe your forehead.
Writing is a hard, long journey of solitude. No Alpha, no Omega."
Q.)
"BUT DON'T YOU LONG FOR AND/OR ENJOY THE SPOTLIGHT?
 AND WHAT'S THIS ALPHA OMEGA REFERENCE SUPPOSED TO MEAN?"-
A.)
"No sir. The spotlight is my is where wolves roam. 
I am a Lamb. It's there in my last name. 
Also, the beginning is the end. 
We must learn to stop searching for the right words, when words are RIGHT in our face.
Ya' Dig?
The creative act is done at the keyboard, the notebook, the wherever, and is easy.
Constant struggles should be reserved for life, writing is merely it's reflection"
Q.)
"AREN'T YOU AFRAID OF MAKING YOUR READERS ANGRY?"-
A.)
"When? And is this a trick question?"
Q.)
"NO, I AM SERIOUS, WHAT ABOUT THE FANS?-
A)
"Well, I HAD imagined the person interviewing me would have actually known what I am about BEFORE 
this interview process. Guess not. I do not understand the concept of fans so I will leave that alone. 
Now, concerning those who actually read my stuff...
If you do not like what I say or write in honesty, then well, you may need to have a discussion with yourself about whether or not fake is what you are actually attracted to. 
Truth is one very important aspect of writing. 
To quote my friend, the late Adam Yauch,-' Be true to yourself and you will never fall.-'
There is no winner, no loser. You are merely a vessel.
If adulation is on your radar of needs, look elsewhere.
Upon finding fame via writing... sorry friend, it was a mirage."
Q.)
"ANY LAST WORDS OF ADVICE?"
A.)
"They ain't sendin' me to the electric chair yet are they? Ok, ok...
Slip from the fog, breathe free from the smog. 
Don't try so hard.I have fell on my face plenty along the way.
Maybe I can help break another's fall with some wisdom. Much strength and love to each and all.
I am not a writer. Namaste', peace and chicken grease!"

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 7/7/2014 8:18:00 AM
who is this guy? I tried to google his name and I think one reference said editor. Is he that one? This is very interesting and especially to think you captured his feelings like this through being able to personally interview him!! (ARE you the interviewer here??)
Login to Reply
Date: 6/26/2014 12:35:00 PM
Interesting interview here. Interesting...what a horrid word. Doesn't day anything. Ok, I found this quite enlightening. I must say though...I love for the recognition. True, writing just flows form the heart, but you also know that it makes an impact. So cool that you got interviewed. You are hard hitting in some instances. Truth and honest need guts to share. You sure have that.
Login to Reply
Date: 6/20/2014 6:15:00 PM
Glad you are back, and LOL, to the given name. Glad you ain't getting shocked, no winners in this game... About that electric chair. I got some last words..... LOL.... Love~ . SKAT ATTACK
Login to Reply
Date: 6/15/2014 6:04:00 PM
Hi JSLambert, miss ya, and I was happy to see you on my page.. I am no writer, I just write. Don't know much on the advice... hang in there, I sure do... Hugs.. LINDA
Login to Reply
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetics
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter