Interview the Writer – Mother Sparrow
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Stacey Wilson, aka, mother sparrow. I am a life long Virginian and I live in a very old and historic part of this amazing state. I started my creative life as a dancer. I have a degree in dance and often used poetry and spoken text in dance pieces. I continue to dance and choreograph to this day.
When did you first begin writing
I first started to write with focused intent in college. As well as a dance degree, I also have a nursing degree. In working with rural populations of patients, I was required to keep a journal. I found I have unique ways of seeing the world around me. My background as a dancer also helps me to be observant, especially watching how people move in doing tasks of ordinary activities of daily life.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I started to consider myself a writer in 2003 when I began writing my own haiku, teaching and presenting haiku classes.
What is your favorite genre for writing?
I enjoy writing haiku, cinquains, and other forms of short free verse poetry.
Who has been the greatest influence in your writing.
I am most inspired by Mary Oliver, William Carlos Williams, Ezra Pound, e.e. cummings, Basho, Issa and Shel Silverstein.
What inspires you to write?
I am inspired by nature and the small details of life that often go unnoticed. Ordinary things lifted by words to become mystical.
Do you read as much as you write?
Yes, I am often reading. However, I don’t read as many fiction novels as I think I should. Mostly, I read nonfiction. Two of my favorite magazines I subscribe to are National Geographic and Smithsonian.
What book are you reading now?
Remarkable Trees of Virginia, a fantastic book with photos of the most incredible trees in the state. I am on a mission to visit as many as I can.
Is writing a career for you? If not – can you see it as one?
I am not a professional writer, but my dream job would be to be a professional storyteller.
Where did your interest in writing originate?
I read the book How to Haiku by Bruce Ross and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of haiku to go far beyond the 5-7-5, seventeen syllable count I was taught in school.
Where can readers find your work online?
mothersparrow.wordpress.com
What is the most enjoyable aspect of writing for you?
The aspect of writing I enjoy most is the meditation I do before writing. I have a writing studio where I do most of my writing and reading. It is a comfortable and relaxing place to be. I also find joy in hearing from a friend who I would think would be the last person to read poetry, telling me how much he enjoyed reading my work.
Are you connected to an online writing community?
I correspond with other poets on my blogroll and participate in websites that post weekly prompts such as onesingleimpression and haikubones.
Some random questions here…
What is your favorite color?
Periwinkle, I just like how the word sounds.
What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
Jasmine green tea and toast
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Human? I have no idea. Maybe if it was an animated movie, I would think a fussy, flighty little bird would work best. One day I aspire to be an owl, but I don’t think I am even close to being that “mature” yet.
What super power would you like to have? Why?
Reading people’s minds at will. I would like to see if everyone else has such silly little dialogs going on in their heads as I do.
What do you do to relax
Ok, I will admit it, I am addicted to playing on buildabearville.com.
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