Do you have any early memories of being interested in poetry specifically or writing generally?
Yes. Definitely. I wrote my first story when I was 11 years old. It was published in a Singapore children’s magazine. I was overjoyed. It was about a little girl who hid her grandmother’s dentures
because grandma nagged too much. Finally, grandma found her dentures in the fishbowl. Lol.
Did you get any support at home or at school?
My daughter, Tegan, is my cheerleader. Today, she is an elementary school teacher. Since she was in university years ago, she would celebrate my success. She lifts me up when I want to give up on writing when I get those rejections. Because of her, I ended up with an amazing editor because Tegan told me I was not allowed to say no to anything in my writing endeavours.
Photograph Courtesy of Kelly Kaur
She drives me to all my events and readings not only in Calgary but accompanies me everywhere in Canada – TEDx talks at Western University and McMaster University; Toronto to receive my Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (followed by exploring Niagara Falls, of course); the South Asian Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Culture and even wore a beautiful Indian outfit to match mine; to all my readings in Calgary, rain or snow, just to name a few. We always end up having an adventure.
Did you study literature at university or college?
Yes. I have a BA with Honours and MA in English from the University of Calgary. I also have a Certificate in Education from the Institute of Education in Singapore, with a focus on literature – I
was a teacher.
How did you develop your skills and craft?
I always had a passion for writing in class in my primary school days in Singapore. I took part in poetry reading contests and debates. I was always winning writing contests and up on stage. I even
wrote a play about a fairy godmother in secondary school. As a young girl, I read so much with that flashlight under the blanket that my family say that is why I had to wear thick glasses. As a student of literature at the University of Calgary, I revelled in reading and dreaming about writing. Thus, it was a combination of writing, reading and learning literature that cemented my passion for writing.
Does form and structure matter to you when constructing your poetry?
No. I often experiment with writing poems, and in my many crafting sessions, these poems took on a life of their own. I am intrigued by poetry and want to read more, learn more and write more.
More. Give me more opportunities.
If you wish to folly up the work of Kelly Kaur see the link below
www.instagram.com/kellykaur3/
