Interview With Author James Miller
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a poet who lives in the small state of Delaware. I received my MFA in poetry from NYU. I have taught creative writing at the college level. My poems have been published widely both at home in the States and abroad. My first book of poetry, Shell Songs, was published in 2018. My second book, Walkways, has just been published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Walkways is the title of my recent book. It came about simply because I need to write poetry. However, as I wrote the book, I grew spiritually and much of the book reveals this awakening within my conscious. Walkways is similar to my second book in that it explores the infinite possibilities of nature and the beauty which can be found in nature. However, the poems in this book are built upon the idea that we were created and nourished by a loving God. Therefore, death is not the final destination of these poems. They dare to dream of something more.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write by hand in the dark. In this case, the poems in my notebook will often look sort of goofy when I finally turn the lights on. But by that point, I have already memorized the poems, so it is easy to put them back together.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poets of all time are John Keats and William Wordsworth. I am attracted to the Romantic era and draw inspiration from it. Their attention to nature and beauty are what I find most compelling. They also focus on the individual as he or she faces the paradox of death and eternity. That being said, I am also very fond of Yeats and have a fond admiration for Irish poetry. I love the musicality of Irish poets, and I try to make sure my writing is full of music. I identify myself as a lyric poet.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on my third book. So far, I haven’t noticed that much of a break from Walkways, which was just published. But that being said, it takes me four or five years to write a book of poetry. So, I imagine things will change over the course of that time. I am excited for it. I hope I continue to grow as a poet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I focus a lot on my website which is jamesmillerarts.com. I also write music, and people can listen to my music on the website. There are also sample poems and links to my two books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is mainly that I hope young poets love writing and that they love their poetry. They should feel proud of what they have accomplished. I think that they will find that the need to write becomes as necessary as food and air.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In graduate school, I studied under Philip Levine. He wrote in meter, and he encouraged us to master form before we could pretend to have mastered free verse. I took his advice, and I still write much of my poetry in meter. It has become a key ingredient to my poetry. I do also write in free verse. I go back and forth.
What are you reading now?
Because of the current difficulties in my life, I have tried to find spiritual strength by reading theology. In this case, I often read Christian writings. Right now, I am reading Michele Cushatt’s Relentless. The book is about a lot of things, but it is mainly about how she has managed to maintain her Christian faith after enduring the trauma of three caner diagnoses and irreparable damage to her body. It is an inspiring book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I am a little drained from my second book, Walkways. I am finding comfort now in my music and playing out. I still am writing poetry, but I am a bit burnt out. I will probably get back into gear in a month or so. Sometimes the brain just needs time to rejuvenate.
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?
Well, this is a touch question. For one, I would take the collected works of Shakespeare. I would also take the collected works of John Keats and William Wordsworth. I would also take the collected works of Pablo Neruda. It would also be important for me to have a Bible too.
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