Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Isabelle Kenyon. I’m a poet, and my debut collection, This is not a Spectacle, was released in September 2017. I have a new chapbook out with Clare Songbirds Publishing House at the end of this month! I am also the editor of the anthology, Please Hear What I’m Not Saying, which raises money for UK mental health charity, Mind, and has been shortlisted for a Saboteur Award.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Digging Holes To Another Continent, released on May 25th, is a collection written during my time in New Zealand. It was a chance for me and my whole family to feel again after the death of my Grandma.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so apart from that I rarely edit. My redrafting process is very short!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Sylvia Plath. I learn about writing and interpretation of words every time I read her work.
I love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – she has such an understanding of people.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a poetry book about growing up. It is probably my most personal work to date. When I’m happy with it I will find a publisher – at first it was a chapbook but I think when I’m done expressing myself, it will be a full collection!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website www.flyonthewallpoetry.co.uk but I think social media is my easiest promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take your time sharing your words – it may feel like you have no time, but you have all the time in the world to refine your craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My wise Mum: that there will always be people smarter, prettier, and more accomplished than you, but there is no one uniquely you.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book called ‘The Virgins’, by Pamela Erens. It is both endearing and sinister – I fully recommend.
What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s a secret…I have a release date on May 12th of my next project. The only thing I can reveal is that my last anthology, Please Hear What I’m Not Saying, and the fundraising side of the project, has inspired me as a writer, to make a change.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ahhh! Well it would have to be a childhood favourite, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, for one. I rarely re – read books, so this is a hard question for me. Probably the full poetry ‘greatest hits’ book of Sylvia Plath, which was my Grandma’s. Lastly, maybe a survival guide…
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