Muses Review Interviews 2005 /Joanne Olivieri, poet from California, USA

Part I. Your Opinion.
1. Tell the readers about your latest poetrybook (Red Lanterns) .

Red Lanterns was born as a result of an impromptu trip I took to Hong Kong in February 2005. Through an evocative journey of the senses it explores the traditions and everyday lives of the people of Hong Kong. It educates, entertains and endears its reader to the rich culture that is Asia and much more.

2.What inspired you to write poetry?

Ever since I can remember I loved to write. I was inspired to write poetry by my Mom who bought me my first book of poetry at age ten. It was called Speak Nature by: James Walker which was a series of nature poems in traditional rhyme and meter. I fell in love with poetry after reading this book. I took it everywhere with me. I remember sitting in a civics class in the 7th grade, bored to tears when I penned my first poem - that was the beginning.


3. What are your favorite themes in writing poetry?

I'd have to say nature, music and different cultures because I learn so much from each of them and am therefore inspired. Learning is the key to inspiration.

4. Why should people read your poetrybook (Red Lanterns) ?

So that they may enrich their lives by immersing themselves in a new and different culture. This to me is the reason for reading any book ~ to learn and experience something new and exciting.

5. What course in college did you finish?

I never attended college.

6. Who chose the cover design and why?

I chose the cover design myself as it has personal meaning for me.

7. Describe yourself? (outgoin, shy, etc.)

I am outgoing though shy around people I don't know. I am independent to a fault some might say and I love to laugh and party but thoroughly enjoy quiet times where I can just relax, read and listen to music.

8. Where can people buy your poetrybook (online and physical bookstores) ?

They can buy it directly from the Shadow Poetry website at http://www.shadowpoetry.com/bookstore/redlanterns.html

9. Name the countries have you visited so far.

I've only visited Hong Kong and hope to do so again..

10. Did you write your poems in Red Lanterns during or after you visited Hong Kong?

I began writing about a week after I returned home from Hong Kong and literally did not stop for over 2 months. Immersing myself in that culture was a tremendous inspiration for me and as a result, Red Lanterns was born.

11. Briefly, what is the role of poets in society?

The role of poets in society is to teach and inspire, especially young people and encourage them to go inside and find that creative energy they possess and use it for the greater good.

12. What event/s made you decide to go into poetry?

It wasn't really a decision it was just something I had to do. It's always been a major part of my life and still is. I don't decide to write but rather have to write. It's inside me.

13. How do you see yourself in three years time as a poet?

Still writing and publishing more chapbooks.

14. How does it feel to read poems in front of audience?

Public speaking is my one biggest fear. I read in front of any audience once, years ago. It wasn't a pretty sight. I'm hoping with time, to overcome my fear.

15. What significant or minor awards have you received related to poetry?

I received the Angel Light Award from Explorer Magazine in 1996 for my poem "Music". In November 2005 I received the "You've Been Spotted" Award by Shadow Poetry for outstanding poetic excellence.

16. Briefly, tell us something about yourself?

In short, I love to write, read, listen to music, photograph nature, drink wine, beer or sake and eat chocolate.

17. What were your jobs in the past?

I was in banking for about 10 years, then went on to sell insurance for 12 years and from there to retail sales for 8 years.

18. Do you organize poetry contests?

Yes I do, through my online magazine Ya'Sou! Online and my online poetry group of the same name.

19. Any ideas why some people do not like poetry?

They think they have to understand what the poet is trying to convey rather than experiencing the emotion and energy of the words and applying it to their own lives.

20. Who is your favorite female poet ?

There are a few. Sylvia Plath, Ellery Akers and Maya Angelou.

21. How long did you stay in Hong Kong?

I stayed in Hong Kong for eight days. Not nearly enough time. I have to get back there sometime.

22.What is the latest poetry book (not your book) you have read?

Island Creations by Connie Marcum Wong.

23. Have you experienced judging poetry contests before?

Yes, many times. I love judging because I enjoy reading fresh work from new and seasoned poets alike.

24. Aside from Muses Review and Yasou!, what other literary ezine/s you like to visit?

I visit many to include Shadow Poetry, The SoMa Literary Review, Full Moon and Liquid Muse.

25. What are the titles of the magazines that you have edited ?

I've only edited Ya'Sou! .