Interview: Poet Monique Jackson
Poet/Writer Monique Jackson recently spoke to BWW about Buffalo, New York's poetry scene.
MCL: Do you write prose or just poetry?
MJ: I pretty much stick to just poetry but who knows what's later? I try not to keep myself in a box.
MCL: Do you write every day? What is your writing process like?
MJ: I don't write every day. If its something I'm going through I write or if im in a writing mood I write. It just all depends on how i'm feeling.
MCL: How did you get into poetry?
MJ: I remember always watching the slams shows that use to come on tv and I always read so many different books from poetry to suspense and it always interest me .
MCL: Some poetry influences?
MJ: Maya Angelou, Edgar Allan Poe, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, the last poets. The list goes on.
MCL: Describe your poetry?
MJ: My poetry is what I see around me: The youth, drugs, crime politics, sex, love and just life.
MCL: What's the Buffalo, New York poetry and writing scene like?
MJ: So many talented people my goodness. Rare talent and also raw talent. I have met some great people at different events around the Buffalo area. Very welcoming people if you have never gone to one I suggest you get to one soon.
MCL: Any local poets who helped you grow?
MJ: Of course. Some have been very helpful and warm hearted. I couldn't ask for anything more.
MCL: Some of your favorite venues and why?
MJ: Gypsy Lounge and your venue are two of my favorite because again you're seeing raw talent. A variety of different talent and it's always that laid back atmosphere with great crowds
MCL: If you could go back in time and be a poet when would it be and why?
MJ: Maya Angelou because through her words and eyes she's seen much and learned through her travels and teaching.
MCL: Finally, promote yourself. What's going on in 2015 and 2016 for you?
MJ: Right now I'm still working on poetry which will always be my first love. I started something new which is screen plays. It's always nice to try something new and get out of the box. I want to continue to grow and learn more in my writing's, and also meet more great people along the way.
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The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes VIII Shea's Smith Theatre (8/14-8/30) |
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Tony N'' Tina''s Wedding Shea's Smith Theatre (3/05-3/21) |
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Rent Shea's Smith Theatre (1/29-2/14) |
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Songs to Drink Wine To: Prosecco Edition Blackfriars Theatre (9/15-9/20) |
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B-Sides of Broadway: A Cabaret of Cut Songs ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (9/19-9/19) |
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Sunday Brunch with Yoko & Mikayla Sunday Brunch with Yoko & Mikayla (11/15-11/15) |
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The Lion King Auditorium Theatre (4/28-5/16) |
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B-Sides of Broadway: A Cabaret of Cut Songs ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (9/23-9/23) |
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Churchill Starring Daniel Payne Shea's Smith Theatre (11/05-11/08) |
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The Golden Girls - The Lost Episodes Viii Shea's Smith Theatre (8/14-8/30) |