10 questions with Irene Lathem
Your favorite novel.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.
2. What inspired you to start writing?
My first bits of writing were love poems … for my mother. (I still write love poems for my mother!)
3. Do you have (or have you ever had) a muse? If so, who/what?
Currently the cello is my muse! I am new to the instrument, and I find playing music really feeds my creativity in all areas.
4. Your favorite poem.
“A Secret Life” by Stephen Dunn. For many years, writing was my secret life!
5. Your favorite Alabama plant.
Dogwood tree.
6. Five words which describe you.
leftie, impetuous, restless, grateful, pilgrim
7. One way in which the Alabama Writer’s Conclave changed/impacted your life.
Not only has AWC helped introduce me to the Alabama community of writers AND helped me hone my craft, volunteering in various capacities has helped me to remember that perhaps the most fulfilling part of being a writer is to serve other writers — to offer encouragement and experience to help other people tell their stories.
8. What are you working on right now?
I write poems every day, and I have a number of projects in various stages — four books are under contract to release over the next several years. And I have just completed my first (50 pages!) nonfiction book proposal for a memoir called CELLO LOVE: THE ART OF BEING A BEGINNER. If it sells (fingers crossed!), finishing that book will be my top priority.
9. Your favorite place in Alabama and why.
“The Wall” in Florence, Alabama. The chapel at Bellingrath Gardens. Mentone. Gee’s Bend. Fairhope. My back deck in summer with my family around the table and the mosquito lanterns lit. All of these are places where I have felt a deep connection with the world and all that is greater than me.
10. One thing you need right now to help you as a writer.
Oh wow. There is always something new to learn! I think I need to write more from a place of wonder and delight… which means LIVING more in wonder and delight. Being present. Laughing. Giving myself permission to PLAY, rather than work.
Irene will be reading at Shine Bright: A Poetry Reading in Celebration of the Winter Solstice alongside other local poets and writers. Featured poets will read on the subject of light and winter. Light refreshments. Open mic to follow.When: December 21st at 7:00 pm
Where: DISCO (Desert Island Supply Co.) in Birmingham, Alabama
To learn more about Irene’s current projects, visit her website at www.irenelatham.com. A long-time blogger, Irene shares her thoughts on life, family, writing, and hope at www.irenelatham.blogspot.com. She tweets at @irene_latham.