What made you submit your work for consideration for the Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing?
I have submitted work for the Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing for a number of years, I’m always inspired by the quality of work, but this year the theme of Endure really caught my attention and got the gears turning on some ideas that had been rattling around.
What theme did you look at in the poem you submitted?
I was inspired by a painting of a farmyard scene and in particular a rusted corrugated roof and that was the spark that made me look at the transitory nature of humanity set against the natural world.
How long did the crafting of the poem take?
The original draft came quite quickly,maybe half an hour or so, but I found I had to go back three or four times over a couple of weeks just to bring out certain images, almost as if excavating the full meaning of the poem.
How did you feel when you found out you were included on the Long List for the award?
I was absolutely elated to be named on the long list, especially when I saw the names of other amazing poets there as well. It’s been a great achievement and a real encouragement for my writing practice
How was your experience regarding the event which launched the anthology, presented the long listed poets and announced the winner of the award.?
I really enjoyed the Awards event,there was a celebratory atmosphere and the staff at the Seamus Heaney homeplace were most welcoming. It was great to see so many familiar faces and also meet new poets and be inspired again by the high standard of poems written and read on the day. I enjoyed hearing each of the longlisted poets talk about their work and their own writing process
Where to now regarding your poetic writing?
I am currently working towards my second collection and also working on poems in Ulster Scots as well as some writing projects with NI Screen and the Ulster Scots Agency.
