How would you describe your writing?
I think we, as a society, need to talk honestly about the things which form the bones of our lives. In my collection, “How the heart can falter”, the writing doesn’t prettify, but it isn’t disaster writing either. It is truthfully about things which are common experiences, but which we are often encouraged not to talk about. We don’t readily talk about dysfunctional parenting, about addiction, about depression or, at least, these things are not easily talked about.
I know that the issues I write about in my book echo with a lot of people. The communication of those ideas is very important to me. I don’t want to manufacture feelings and I keep coming back to the approach of writing as honestly as I can but, importantly, with skill. Honesty is a great starting point but if the personal is to mean something to others there must be perspective and craft as well.
What about the question of structure?
Structure is important, and I am still learning at this point in my career. Free verse is certainly at the forefront of what I do. Having said that, I do write some poems which have very rigid structures, and often the structure becomes apparent as you write the poem itself. Sometimes the pace, rhythm and tone lead you irresistibly towards a certain framework.
I like to play with words, I don’t like to feel too constrained. At the same time, I ask myself, “does the structure speak to the content?” and vice versa.
I admire people who work very closely with form, people like Jacqueline Saphra who writes astonishing sonnets and plays on current themes – she also uses rhyme brilliantly. I tend to use internal rhymes and avoid end rhymes unless I’m seeking to stress a particular message. I have huge respect for those who create end rhymes which surprise and delight.
Where to now?
My collection came out last summer and I am still building on that momentum, actively seeking and engaging in public readings and events. I am also working a couple of new book ideas. One is a chapbook on parenting and children, without the sugar-coating – although that’s actually heading into collection territory now if I’m honest!
I also facilitate writing workshops and find that incredibly rewarding. I like to have an overarching theme when I create a workshop. One which leads people on a journey, encouraging and challenging the participants. Next month I’m collaborating with artist Kathryn Hannah on a series of workshops around remembrance which will culminate in four Covid memorials in Scotland.
I’ve just finished running a block of workshops for writers at Glasgow Women’s Library, as a warm up to their annual Bold Types writing competition. And I am really enjoying my role as Poet in Residence for the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research in Dundee. I’m working with scientists and staff in the building, bringing creative writing processes to their projects and aiming towards some very exciting outcomes.
If you want to learn more about Giovanna MacKenna’s work see the following links