Future Words of Yesterday: Issue #1 (#wattys2016)

Poet of the Month: @OwainGlyn

OwainGlyn is a retired businessman living on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, UK. His main medium is poetry, with which he addresses a wide range of subjects, from romance to humour, from politics to the darker side of human existence. He also writes poetry for children. This year has seen the publication of his first collection, 'Windswept' an anthology of romantic poetry published by Outer Banks Publishing Group. It is available internationally.

1) Hello, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am delighted that you have found my work interesting enough to interview me. I studied psychology at University, which is where I first developed an interest in literature, particularly poetry. On entering the real world, and needing to build a career, and raise a family, I had little time to pursue this interest. However, on finding myself having to retire due to ill health, my younger son introduced me to a writing site called wattpad, and, as they say, the rest is history.

2) When did you first start writing poetry?

As I say, my first real introduction to serious literature was at university. I started writing poetry then, I even had a few pieces published in the university magazine. I started writing again, and in earnest, in 2011.

3) What is your favourite creation?

Wow, that is a difficult one. I guess I would have to say 'Whumplethump and The Magic Forest' which is a series based on a small boy and some magical creatures. It is written mainly for children, but has been warmly received by many adults. I would love to publish this at some point.

4) Which poet inspires you?

I read widely, so there are many poets that inspire me, but if I had to choose one, it would be Dante Alighieri.

5) Do you ever feel unable to write out of fear?z

I can honestly answer no to this question. Some of my work in 'The World According to Owain' has stimulated fierce debate, but I feel it is the responsibility of a poet to examine all aspects of the human condition.

6) What were you trying to achieve with your poem 'Marta'?

Marta is all about the life of a young girl born into a life of slavery in Africa. It is intended to examine the inequality that can come about purely by an accident of birth, also to examine the abject cruelty some humans are prepare to visit upon other human beings. Slavery is not dead, not by any means. This was a very painful subject, both to research, and to write.

7) Why is poetry important?

I think poetry is important because it allows the writer/reader to experience small snapshots of life using language in a wholly unique way.

8) What do you see as the role of humour in poetry?

This is a really good question. I often use humour to examine difficult issues such as health, sexuality, religion etc. It allows me to address these difficult issues while also, hopefully, raising a smile.

9) Have you ever looked back at one of your poetry works from the past, and cringed?

I never post anything immediately after writing it, I tend to let it settle, sometimes for weeks, before editing and posting, so I tend to avoid the cringe factor. I have written stuff that makes me cringe, but I tend to discard it before posting.

10) Lastly, what advice would you give to all the budding poets reading this?

Read widely, then read some more. To begin with, do not worry too much about standard forms, poetry is all about emotion, write from your heart.

Thanks for the interview, Sir!

-   wheresmybroomstick