Q&A with Poet Linda Imbler

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Linda Imbler The best thing is I get things out of my head. My fears and worries are now out there for the world to see, but they are so couched within the poem that the audience usually does not know what my original stressor was. I, however, have a sense of catharsis because I have wrestled that demon and won! And, my audience has something to read and enjoy. It's good for everybody.

How do you get inspired to write?

Linda Imbler As I've stated many times, much of my writing is a visceral reaction to what is happening around me. Or, it might be the result of a niggling memory that simply won't stop tapping me on the shoulder. In a few cases, I have written pieces because my friends or family members have said, "Linda, I think there's a story there." And, they are always right!

On several occasions, I have challenged myself to write a piece with only one word being the launching point. This happened with the word "lambent" that I saw in a crossword puzzle. I wrote the entire poem, "Tomb" around that one word. That poem just poured out of me. It was one of my earliest compositions, and I am still very proud of it because it's so cool. (Tomb is published in 'Big Questions, Little Sleep.)

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Linda Imbler I do this in several different ways. I switch gears and curl up with a good book. I leave the house and go experience something new that I could write about. I take old poetry and see if I can take the gist of it in another direction or write it in a different style. What I don't do is stress about the fact that my pen is not moving. That probably more than anything saves my mental bacon!

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Linda Imbler I had published quite a bit of short fiction, in addition to my many poems. I thought, why not put the two together? All my previous collections are somehow themed. The e-book "Pairings" is not themed, but each short fiction piece has been loosely coupled to a poem. It was a fun and very interesting way for me to present my work. I believe the readers will be pleased with the outcome.

What are you currently working on?

Linda Imbler After having just completed my fourth poetry collection, the e-book "Pairings," soon to be published by Soma Publishing, I am now going through my unfinished poems and completing them for submission.

I am putting together a small chapbook for a poetry reading I will be giving the summer of 2019.

I have two other book ideas in the works, but am taking my time to make sure all the work will be a proper fit.  Because I am constantly creating new poems, I tend to add, subtract, rework ideas for the books.  No complaints.  It's all part of the joy of playing with the written word.

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Linda Imbler First and foremost, be a reader. Be observant of what goes on around you 
and how things work. Define to yourself what you believe makes someone else's work 
good. Write, write, write and find your own unique voice. 

This is important for your sanity. Never be afraid to take a poem in a completely different 
direction from where you were first going with it.