A couple of months ago, I got to interview my friend and published poet Chris McGeown. We spoke about his writing, his inspirations and motivations, and about his most current project: The Man on the Moon. His new book, The Man on the Moon, was published on May 16, 2018. His first poetry collection, Dead of Night, was published last year.

Chrismcgeown

What inspires and motivates you to write?
A variety of things such as mental health, difficult times, and family & friends inspire me to write. Having something that connects with people is a great feeling to have as a writer and author.
Who is your favorite author?
Haruki Murakami
What is your favorite quote?

He was no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring because yesterday has brought it.
Neil Gaiman, American Gods

Why did you start writing? Do you have any reasons why you began writing and continue to do so?
I was motivated to start writing, because I had planned to write a novel. While I am currently focused on writing short poems, I can also work on the novel at the same time.
What sets your writing apart from others?
Because I write micropoetry (or short poems), I am really meticulous with how I place words. I do put a lot of care into my writing.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Just keep writing all the time. Over the course of two or two and a half years, my own writings have gotten better.
What is your current book, The Man on the Moon, about? Would you spill any secrets on any upcoming projects?
I think this book is more introspective.  The more I write, I find the more honest I am able to be to myself and to the readers. I touch on personal subjects like my first panic attack and how that felt, and found that I was able to take more risks with the second book after getting great and honest feedback from readers. The first book I was a bit nervous with family and friends reading it, but this book I was less scared and more just excited.
chrismcgeownnewbook1
How do you define success as a writer/author?
I define
What is one of your favorite pieces you’ve written?
The Tree series. It’s a good reminder to take a breath and relax. And it will be ok.

the simple truth about stillness (as told by the trees)

The trees know

That you can be

Still and grow

At

The

Same

Time.

 
For more, check out his blog: Short Poems and Other Nonsense.