Hey there everyone.

Welcome to another installment in the Author Interview Series where we focus on an another excellent wordsmith.

For tonight’s entertainment, let me introduce you all to author K.D. Rose and her poetic masterpieces, as she takes us on a thrilling journey and describes her own personal relationship with her pieces.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show.

 

Hi there K.D., thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, it is lovely to have you over here with us to discuss your books.

Let’s start with your book of poems “Inside Sorrow”. This volume won an award in the Readers’ Favorite 2013 Book Award Contest. It contains poems that are full of mourning and grief, beginning with the death of a loved one. Please share more with us regarding this collection and the reasons behind your creation of it, I imagine that the process has been very cathartic for you.

Actually, it wasn’t a case of being cathartic. Although I do write things using personal experience, this book was not one of them. In this book I chose to look at my grandmother on my mother’s side of the family as the touchstone for the works and envision what she must have gone through when my grandfather passed away. The book itself takes place over a period of time and all the poems are related as well as part of the time that moves on with the central narrator. It’s the first series of poems to create a greater connected collection that I’d ever written.

You also have another book called “The Brevity of Twit”, which you published earlier this year. This is a collection of poems that were created specifically using the medium of Twitter and being creative inside the boundaries of the 140 character limit, which does lead to some very interesting editing and paring words down to the bone. Tell us more about the themes you have covered in this book, how you came up with the idea for it and your thoughts on the process making it – do you find that the restrictions make you even more creative, due to having to make every word, syllable and character count?

Yeah, I did that on Twitter over about two years then I combed through what I wrote because at that time I did use Twitter as a poetic and musing outlet. So it was more of what I actually did and then taking that material and turning it into the book you see now, along with insights and commentary on that particular social media outlet. You don’t see me do that anymore, since anything written is out there in front of all and my focus now is acceptances in to Literary Journals, so I don’t publish anything online at all.

I chose to look at the restrictions creatively. Just as different forms of poetry require restrictive devices so did this and at times it makes you think harder and deeper (rather than the opposite of trying to force something). In my mind I likened it to sonnets.

What do you find the most difficult thing about writing? And what do you find the easiest?

The most difficult at times is ideas and how to transcribe them accurately and in a poetically sound manner. I still work on refining all my writing and doing that with poetry is not the only type that requires lyrical expression. All writing can have a musicality that adds dimension. That is what I am currently striving for more of and working toward.

The easiest, just like they say, is when something just comes to you and you have the outlet to get it down quickly and coming out fully formed is so awesome. Rare, but awesome.

Who are some of the authors and historical figures that inspire you?

I grew up on books so I’ve always had my nose in one. I read all the mythology when I was around nine and loved mysteries and then moved on to science fiction. I will always be inspired by the greats in that genre such as Robert Heinlein, Philip K. Dick and Harlan Ellison.

Historical figures is a tricky one because you never know whose version of history you’re going by. My husband and I started watching a show called Drunk History. It tells some of the real history (amidst its shtick of drinking) that we didn’t know and a lot of different versions of what you thought you knew. Its amusing and informative. So I admire a number of historical figures that I never even heard of before watching that show. As well as changed my view on others. Mankind overall is indefatigable. It’s heartening.

What sort of research do you do to write your books? Do you use prompts to write your poetry, along with looking at aspects of your own life or do you use other methods?

I’m always researching because everything and its brother comes up when you are writing so I become the knower of odd facts all over the place. I don’t particularly use or like writing prompts though I do submit to themed issues of magazines so that is similar. Using your own life is both easy and difficult so its rich with ideas but they can easily become quicksand so I use pieces of things from my own life as well as things that I’ve absorbed.

Why do you write? What inspired you to become a writer?

I write as an outlet for expression and as a writer with purpose to give readers something akin to a new idea or new way of thinking about something or clearing across a block because some things are just inexpressible until you read certain language that connects with you and you come out different on the other side. That as much as anything inspired me. I was the kid lugging a bunch of books back home to read every day, and the one who went to the library (remember those things? LOL) with my mom all the time to check out more books. I started writing when I was 13.

What keeps you motivated during creative slumps? How do you deal with Writers Block?

Reading. Reading is a writers best friend, both to get you past the slump, to inspire you and to free your mind from worry about writers block. If you have others with whom you can discuss ideas on writing that is a big deal too.

You have access to a time machine. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Agh. I would say to go for it and get your MFA in writing rather than the sensible degrees I did get. I would have ended up on a campus somewhere probably for the rest of my life. It wouldn’t necessarily be better but I do wish still I could get my MFA.

How do you spend your free time when you are not writing?

Spending time with my husband and reading. Spending time with family.

Tell us more about your upcoming projects. Are you working on anything specific or have plans in the pipeline?

Right now I am submitting like wildfire and for every ten rejections I have that one acceptance that keeps me going. I plan to continue doing this as I get accepted by better and better literary magazines. I am also as mentioned above, working on refining my writing, getting better and better. Later I want a publisher to publish a new book of poetry that will consist of those I am getting in magazines now as well as new writing.

Finally, are there any nuggets of wisdom that you can impart to other aspiring writers?

Learn craft. There is no replacement for that. Learn what is considered good and what is not and don’t turn it on its head until you can do it well the first way. Unless you’re a genius. Then it all goes out the window. If I were E.E. Cummings (my favorite poet), I’m not sure I’d listen to anybody. LOL.

And that’s a wrap! Thank you for spending time with us KD, you have been a fabulous and entertaining guest, look forward ot reading your books 🙂

Bio:-

K.D. Rose is a poet and author. K.D.’s book, Inside Sorrow, won Readers Favorite Silver Medal for Poetry in 2013. Her poetry, essays, and short stories have been published in Word Riot, Poetry Breakfast, Candlelit Journal, The Voices Project, Strange Poetry, and showcased in the Tophat Raven Art and Literary Magazine. Publication is forthcoming in Stray Branch Magazine, Ink in Thirds, BlazeVOX Journal, Literary Orphans, The 2016 Paragram Press Anthology, and The Nuclear Impact Anthology. Her latest release is Brevity of Twit. She has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

You can connect with K.D. on the the following Social Media channels:-

Facebook:- Author K.D. Rose (FB)
Goodreads:- K.D. Rose (Goodreads Author)
Google Plus:- Author KD Rose (Google Plus)
LinkedIn:- Author KD Rose (LinkedIn)
Tumblr:- Author KD Rose (Tumblr)
Twitter:– @KDRose1 (Twitter)
Website:- authorkdrose ~ Published Poet & Author. Reader. Analyst. Futurist. Belle of the Pithy, Acerbic Ball.

You can buy her books here:-

Buy K.D. Rose’s books in Canada

Buy K.D. Rose’s books in the UK/Europe

Buy K.D. Rose’s books in the US/Rest of the World

If you too would like to be interviewed on my blog at TooFullToWrite and you have a book or a series of books that you would like us to chat about then fill out the Contact Me form here with your details and we can arrange a future interview slot.

Still want more? Well, K.D.’s approach to poetry and her writing is one of immense enthusiasm. She constantly applies a lot of hard effort and vigor to her craft. For more articles on the topic of ‘Vigor’ then check out the links below:-

1. Its the Sky – Ms Skyfall
2. Vigour – Daily Prompt – Ladyleemanila
3. How to Choose the Perfect Gift – Unique Lovely Gifts
4. BodynSoil – Getting the Magic of the Holidays Back
5. Grand old people – Kaj Luberti
6. A life’s Lesson..A Short Story!! – Soulful Poetry
7. Moving Forward then Looking Backward – The Finer Grinds
8. The movie I am eagerly waiting for – Dangal – Sanjeet Scribbles
9. Vigor – canwetalkaboutthatthing
10. Boat cruise Dubai marina – Fresh Healthy Food Outdoors – Yacht in Dubai
11. Vigor – Super Awkward Girl
12. A vigorous ditty – Rexine Rawhead
13. tuckedintoacorner – gold + sing + vigor
14. One’s Own Law – A Short Story – jmwwriting
15. Pixelesque – Macro: Dusty Pocket Watch
16. Personal Geographic – GOODBYE, WALNUT
17. What’s behind this blog? – ARMY OF THE FALLEN BIKERS
18. He – Leigha Robbins
19. Timeandreflections – Mirage or Marriage
20. A City Soldier – The Zealot
21. Nicolien – @Peter’s Blog
22. Easy Breakup – Sana Thoughts..
23. Finding the Moonlight – Debbie Gravett
24. Fluffy Pool – Vigor and Day 28
25. Two Families. One Thanksgiving. – kindergartenknowledge.com
26. A fudge mutilated yet it rejoices! – Muse In Transit
27. Soulbeat – Letters From The Ocean
28. Eden of Knowledge – Vigor in kindness
29. If. (A Poem) – stephentotheplate
30. inspiration in progress – Haiku – Vigor
31. Vigor – thinkinkadia
32. Eden of Knowledge – What I learned from ‘The Girl on the Train’ novel
33. Unbound – The Pause
34. Vigor – suzhalgal
35. Chasing the Holidays – The Chicken Grandma
36. design.lifestyle.inspiration. – Wisely Use Vigor – Poetry
37. Vigor – Chirping about life
38. witchlike – Silent Night
39. Leanne Murphy – Beechworth Wildflowers 6
40. Disturbed and Perturbed – Sunken Thought
41. Drip Drip Drip – a moment teller’s
42. Autism in Our Nest – Who Moved the Elf?
43. Our Traveling Blog – Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln
44. Thoughts: Aspiring Teachers – Sincerely, Loewe
45. XingfuMama – Endurance
46. Le Drake Noir – Liquid of sturdiness
47. empathy – themanbehindtheglass
48. Quill & Parchment – Healthy Smoothies !
49. B_ up to date – The Next day
50. No Rigour, No Vigour, the Centre cannot hold – Postcard from a Pigeon
51. The Choice – Sinner’s Prayer
52. Book Recommendation and a Story, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End – brittstepblog
53. Vigor – Ladybug278
54. juantetcts – Daily Post:Vigor
55. Myammy! Moving in together at 50… – Quack! Quack! Doctor
56. First Drafts – Dvil’sh
57. BORN TO BREATHE – Rainbow
58. Vigor – Cheese and Glory
59. Vigor – My organic adventure
60. Eczema is Clearing – Healing Foodie
61. Vigor-Ouma – Just a thinker
62. Vigor – Love it Now
63. Vision&Percipience – Passionate Soul
64. Venemous Vigor – If Moms Could Write
65. Netdancer’s Musings and Photography – And the Wave Crash with Vigor Upon the Rocks
66. Insach – My power, mine!
67. Countdown to moving 3 – Elaine’s Bloggers Paradise
68. Like a Rodeo Bull – CD-W, Author
69. Munay – ST
70. Vigor – Gripping Black
71. Rock concert in Meghalaya – Don’t hold your breath
72. Excerpt from Stepford Wives and Truffle Queens – ink and toast
73. the FLAVORED word – A one-minute read on why you should throw caution to the wind …
74. LadyLebz – BEST WOODEN MIC CONTESTANTS FROM IDOLS SA IN 2016
75. The vigorous side of dressing outdoors – Your Nibbled News (c) 2016 YNN
76. Vigor: D Fire inside U – Aastha
77. Daily Post Prompt: Flatline – Sumyanna Writes
78. VIBE AND VIGOR – soul n spirit
79. So Tightly We Cling – Sunken Thought
80. kStan(ly) kSays – pulling down the shades
81. Stained Glass – Exploring Mama
82. s1ngal – Vim n Vigor
83. There Are More Poets than Stars in the Firmament – magnolia drops ugly leaves
84. lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown – Vigor Trigger
85. Vigour – Image & Word
86. LIKE EPIPHANY – Fenix Verde
87. Musings of a Random Mind – Be Careful What You Wish For
88. Crossing Colorado – How the Small Choices You Make Influence Health
89. Vigor – why i need art
90. thelonerose – Words
91. Rethinking Christmas: Santa is a Pedophile & Capitalist – Zone of Non-being
92. vigor – Spectres & Stardust
93. Exploring the World around us – Tree
94. Frank Prem – before winter
95. 4 undeniable reasons to travel in 2017 – WeDiscover USA
96. Frank Prem – choir and accompaniment
97. Lovely Curses – Office Small Talk
98. Vigor – Wings Of Poetry
99. Covert Novelist – Vigor
100. Autism/Aspergers Need Positive Encouragement – Mid-Life Inspirations
101. Beginning Of A New Art Form – emotionsoflife2016
102. Martha L Shaw – THE VIEW IS BEST FROM THE TOP!
103. Jaded – I’m a Writer, Yes, I Am!
104. The Cat Chronicles – Daily Feline Prompt: The return of the leaf soldiers
105. Vigor/Rigor! – Chronicles of an Orange-Haired Woman!
106. Original-Dante – Ambition.
107. How I Spent My Vacation: – A lot from Lydia
108. Whiskeytongue – wee ditty
109. Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss – Vigor/vigour no matter how, you still need it.
110. Accident in Art – English Lit Geek
111. Vigor – Cahlah’s Tawkin’
112. Why can’t we use photo filters in real life? I need some smoke and mirrors today! – art of being fabulous
113. sonja benskin mesher – . the star .
114. Full-Time – Work
115. Vigor – day 4 prompt – 50-Word Story/Daily Prompt
116. Vigor: a state of mind – will garden for cake
117. A Writer’s Blockage – Escape to the Barn
118. Daily Prompt : Vigor – Bob’s Blog
119. SovietCola – Detective Cordite’s Personal Notes – Neo-Luddite Violence
120. A 68 year old women with lots of vigor. – susiesopinions
121. Don’t Take it for Granted – Just Writing!
122. Home Sweet Home – The DADgum Blog
123. Episode 13 – Happy Thanksgiving (#HappyThanksgiving) – Jerome Danner
124. Forever – wanderlustandcoffeelover
125. A Need for Life’s Journey (for my Son) – Jerome Danner
126. Will Smith: Vigors of Success… – SUCCESS STRATEGIES
127. Betcha Didn’t Know! – Psst! I Have Simple Tips to Drastically Improve Your Post Titles
128. Anton’s Ideas – A HEALTHY ENTHUSIASM FOR LIFE
129. Devil Doll Musings – For The First Time
130. Vigor – YouBreakItYouBoughtIt
131. Zombie Flamingos – What was that?
132. The spirit of the Banyan – Leaking Ink
133. Mt.Kanchenjunga and it’s radiance – Travel Crusade
134. Vigor: The Daily Prompt – Sorkrates
135. Vigor – citySonnet
136. The Poetic Syndrome – Etiquette of True Love
137. Vigor… – Emotions that matter.
138. What? I Have Cancer? – Pete Gardner Psalms
139. Designer Sophisticate – Ask not.
140. Do Not Annoy The Writer – Nietzsche and Sherlock Holmes
141. Science Traveler – Did Nikola Tesla Play a Practical Joke on Mark Twain’s Birthday?
142. Hot White Snow – Hot White Snow
143. The Wandering Poet – Then they took a break
144. Vocabulary Lesson – Bits of Poems
145. Powerless – From One Crazy Life To Another
146. Southern By Design – These Chains
147. Lost Property Repository – An ode to Ed.
148. I wrote a book. Now what? – Don’t plague me