An interview with poet, teacher, and reigning Vermont poetry slam champion, Geof Hewitt. In this interview, Geof talks about a lifetime of writing and what it means, to him, to be successful. He talks about his early years as a Vermont homesteader from New Jersery, and slowly becoming a Vermonter. And of course we hear lots of poetry.
Geof has published three books for teachers and four collections of poetry. His books are available at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, in libraries, and online.
Possibly Related Episodes
LINKS
| Josh Larkin Photography |
| Geof's books online |
| Geof Hewitt on Slam Poetry |
| Vermont Poetry Out Loud |
| The Dooryard |
EPISODE MUSIC
| TRACK NAME | ARTIST |
| Solo Duo Trio | Brian Clark |
| Piano | Larry Massett |
Downloading it now to listen as we drive to Monehegan.
Thanks
Great program with Geoff Hewitt! What a treasure for his family to have this recording. Reminds me of camp with my Grandfather.
First off I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question which I’d like
to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how
you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to
15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin.
Any ideas or tips? Cheers!
One trick is to start writing immediately if words or an idea come to you. Catch the flow of thoughts and feelings as they are first occurring!
Second trick is to sit down with your writing implement and write the word “So,” or “Entonces,” then just keep going from there. Don’t plan ahead! Whatever is worthless (sometimes the first part, where you’re just getting warmed up) you can cross out later, but wait a few days before re-reading what you’ve written, and do not cross out anything as you are writing. Just keep letting words flow!
-Geof
Dear Erica and Geof,
Thank you for an excellent show. I had an epiphany while listening to Geof’s answer to the question “how has your definition of success changed” or something like that. He said he feels that the time spent “in flow” is the success, not the recognition or the check or the publishing. As he spoke I was thinking about my own passion, which is gardening, and realized that those moments of being “in flow” are what keep me going and that perhaps I might just enjoy the garden for that and drop all the fretting about what should go where or how ratty things look sometimes or the deer, the flea beetles, the cabbage loopers, and on and on…..just love the work because I can loose my little self in it for hours.
All the best! and I’m looking forward to more shows.
Annie
Delightful!