What are your thoughts about reading your poetry in Cobourg at the POW! Festival?

I've always liked the town of Cobourg and am excited to read for the first time in a festival where the energy is clearly as high as it is, and the involvement from community and organisers so strong.

Please tell us about your most recently published book and also a little about any other books you've had that "saw print."

My most recent book, Hooked - Seven Poems (Brick Books, 2009) is a distinct departure from my earlier poetry. Having been known as a confessional poet for many years, my earlier publications were more clearly related to my own experience. With this new collection of seven dramatic monologues, I am able to step into the experience of seven women whose lives have been very different from mine. I don't suggest that I have not shared many of their experiences and concerns, but the poems are written from their voices, and not mine.

At POW!, do you plan to read pieces from your book (or books)? Do you plan to read new, unpublished work?

I plan to read one or two poems from my new book, and perhaps some brand new material as well.

How would you describe your poetry?

My poetry is currently narrative-based: it tells a story, with some lyric direction. It is revealing of character and emotional in nature.

When did you start writing poetry and what prompted it?

I began writing poetry in high school when I was influenced by my age and experience and enthralled by the poetry of Leonard Cohen and E. E. Cummings.

What inspires you to put pen to paper / fingers to keyboard?

I want to reveal the unrevealed and when a person's story enthralls me, I want to immerse myself in it.

Can you describe (a little) your writing process in creating a new poem?

Sometimes a poem can take months to write, with many revisions. Sometimes sections come very easily. I write directly on a keyboard having taken notes in a journal beforehand.