Fiction Scribe

Hello everyone and happy Friday.

Today we have an interview of a different sort in that we are welcoming a poet here to Fiction Scribe. Please join me in welcoming her to the site and feel free to leave your own questions for her in the comments section.

Hello and thank you for stopping at Fiction Scribe, Ms. Barnes. Tell the readers a bit about yourself.

I’m a Florida poet, author, and humorist who graduated from Florida State University. Catch up with my latest news at www.charlottebarnesonline.com.

What brought you into the world of writing? When did you start?

I had always enjoyed writing when I was in school. I remember one assignment where we were to write our own epitaphs. I wound up with a tragic tale of dying from eating the cafeteria food.

I began writing again in 1996 when I was between jobs. It became an on-and-off thing. My first book was published in 2005.

You’re currently on virtual tour for your book of poetry. Could you tell us a bit about it?

“The Mansfield Lighthouse Cats�? is my third book overall, but my first collection of poetry. It is a rather diverse collection covering everything from stray cats to loneliness to football.

What inspired you to write this collection? Where did the idea begin?

I didn’t initially set out to write a poetry collection. It collected over time. I usually start with a feeling or a scenario. Sometimes the poem comes to me bit by bit, and other times it flowers as though it came fully formed in my mind.

You’ll notice certain themes or elements recurring in a lot of my work—humor, loneliness, alienation, the search for meaning in life, etc.

Which poem is your favourite and why?

I prefer not to influence readers by naming any personal favorites. I prefer to hear the readers’ favorites. The one that I probably hear the most about from readers is the book’s title poem, “The Mansfield Lighthouse Cats.�? It’s about a fictitious lighthouse in Florida where cats go when they want to get away from people.

I had the idea when I saw neighborhood cats coming and going through the bushes in the yard and I wondered what they did all days as they wandered the world.

What draws you about writing poetry?

I like to play with words to see what I can get out of them. I enjoy the rhythm. You’ll find that a lot of my poems rhyme. In a lot of ways, I think it makes it easier for the readers. I’m thinking of the folks who might read the poetry aloud.

Are there any authors who have inspired you in your writing?

I tend to lean toward classic poetry in my own reading. I enjoy Frost, Dickinson, Sandburg, Kipling, etc.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a children’s picture book manuscript. It’s called “Stella Ducktropolis�? and it’s about a crime-fighting duck. It’s in the galley stages now. I’m hoping it’ll be out by summer. I’m also working on a new collection of poetry.

What are your dreams for your writing?

I would like to be able to do a book a year. It would be great to write full-time. What’s great about my work is that each book is different. I don’t write the same thing every time.

When you’re not writing poetry, what do you do? How do you find time to write?

When not writing, I enjoy watching football, reading, watching movies (action or comedy), or taking a nap. I write before work, during lunch, and on weekends. I’m usually too tired at night.

Do you have any advice for writers?

Write what you feel compelled to write, not what others tell you to write. Treat others with kindness and respect. Don’t let rejection get you down. Listen to motivational CD’s to keep your spirits/motivation up.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thanks very much.