1. How did you become a poet? Or, if this is easier to answer,
why are you a poet?
I was frustrated that there is
only on word in the English Language for “dream.” That is why I became a poet.
2. Do you only write poetry or have you dabbled in other
areas as well? Are there any particular genres or themes you tend find yourself gravitating towards?
In my book, After the Witch Hunt, I include some poetic prose in my fictional
story “The Runaways.” The characters in that story, which use the aliases Alice
and Wendy, come up often when I am writing prose. I have intentions of writing
a novel or a collection of letters between the two. I rarely separate my more
poetic, image-heavy voice when writing, so often things will often read as
poetry even when they are not intended that way. I have a fat-crush on short
stories as a form, would love to try a novel eventually, and my mom wants me to
write for Lena Dunham so I can make some money some day and win a Golden Globe. Oh, moms.
3. How did you get into the poetry scene? You’re a fairly
familiar face in the slam world; how do you think that happened?
I learned about spoken word when
I attended my first slam ever in college, in 2006. Since then I’ve been
competing, writing, submitting, and touring. I am also a vocal activist for
women in the poetry scene. I suppose that helps!
4. A good writer is constantly finding new influences and
inspiration. Who are some of your biggest influences? How have they changed from when you started
writing to now?
I recently answered a similar
question. Since I went through High School with no concept of spoken word or
slam, my poetry influences came later. I grew up obsessed with Bob Dylan, Ani
Difranco and Conor Oberst because of their incredible lyrics—because despite
not having traditionally trained voices, they carved out a space for their
lyrics. They have always been equal parts poets and musicians for me, even
though I’ve never seen their work on the page. Some of my major influences also
happen to be my good friends—right now two of my favorite poets are also my
homegirls, Jeanann Verlee and Angel Nafis. It’s a blessing to be inspired by
friends. It’s also a blessing to live in New York where everyone is dripping
with talent.
5. Of all the poems you have written, which is your
favourite or maybe means the most to you? Likewise, is there a particular piece you look at and can’t
believe you wrote? Why?
One of my poems that means the
most to me is one that I rarely perform. It’s called “Cinnamon and Sand” and is
published at Muzzle. It’s most important to me
because, after I performed it at the Nuyorican, the following story was later
relayed to me: After hearing it, a woman said to a male friend she was there
with “this poem makes me realized I’ve been abused.” The friend turned to her
and said “this poem makes me realize I’ve abused someone.” That—that made me
feel like I could hang up my hat, right there. (Though I won’t.)
6. Let’s talk about your new book, After the Witch Hunt. I’m
going to be honest—I’m not really sure where my copy is (somewhere on my couch, I can tell you
that but), so I haven’t read it all, but I have read some and I love what I’ve read. What can
tell you about the background of this book? Where did it all come from and how did you finally get
it published, especially at such a young age?
I lost this question in my
couch. After I find it, I’ll certainly answer.
[Editor's note: Well played, Megan, well played...]
7. Now how about your tour you just completed. You quit your
job to do that—that’s incredible and totally admirable. What was most enjoyable about your
tour? Least enjoyable? Would you say there were any cities or venues that have stood out
above all others? Or perhaps any poems or poets? I remember you praising Rachel Wiley’s
“Buttons” after kicking off your tour in Columbus, and I must say, I’ve had the pleasure of
hearing that poem twice, and it gave me goosebumps both times.
Thank you! There are too many
incredible parts of tour to pick a most enjoyable facet. I thought that the
solitary driving would be miserable, but I learned to enjoy my own company and
the dens of my mind. I learned to value my time alone. I drove over 13,000
miles in 100 days and performed in over 30 cities in the US and Canada. I don’t
know why I just explained my tour in numbers. Let me explain it in real things—the
majesty of the Grand Canyon, the glitzy patriarchy of Las Vegas, the musicality
of New Orleans, the fish mongers of Seattle, my family in California, the tent
rocks of New Mexico, driving down Highway 1—so much, immeasurable beauty. I
became more patriotic to experience the country in that way. I really can’t
complain about a thing. I learned, I prospered, I am so fortunate—I’d be a real
asshole to complain about that journey. (PS. I think Rachel’s incredible
poem is called “Marble” ?)
[Editor's note: Megan is correct, it is "Marble" not "Buttons"! My bad!]
8. If you could only listen to one album and only one album
for the rest of eternity, which album would it be and why? If you could force your worst enemy to
listen to one album and only one album for the rest of eternity, which album would it be and
why?
For the worst enemy, I was going
to give a generic answer, like Creed or Ke$sha, but truthfully I would give my
worst enemy either silence, to think about what they’ve done, or one of my
favorite albums so that they could become a better person while listening to
it. That feels important. So I guess I’d listen to someone who I’d learn
something new from every time I listened to them. Maybe some Leonard Cohen? I’m
not sure. Maybe I’d pick Lana Del Rey so I could just feel eternally sexy. Yes.
Let’s go with Lana. If I can only listen to one album forever, let it be the
one that makes me feel like a babe.
9. Other than writing, what would you say are some of your
favourite hobbies and pastimes?
Thank you for this question. Often
I need to be reminded that I am not only a writer. I am also (I think, at
least) a great vegetarian chef. I love to cook, to me it is art for the tongue.
I also love taking pictures, painting and other forms of visual creation, arts
and crafts. I love to read, to swim in the ocean, to be in nature hiking. Travel
is of course a passion of mine, I like to entertain guests, host people, and
throw parties. I throw delicious parties. I make a mean white sangria. I am an
animal rights activist, I would adopt all the puppies in the world if I could.
I love to educate people about sexism, classism, racism, but I often end up
crying while I do it. I adore going to the movies—I am pretty snobby about
them, and also watching good
television series (Six Feet Under, Dexter, The Big C, Mad Men being some of my
favorites.) I enjoy a good yoga practice, massage, and going to Korean spas
where I can take baths in the nude with a lot of other nakie-ladies. I am getting
over my fear of museums. I’m also super into clothing and pretty dresses. I
also love to redecorate and rearrange rooms. I’m also a complete workaholic,
and few things give me joy I like getting dolled up. I like being a goof
friend. I’m also a total workaholic—I like making to-do-lists and getting shit
done. Almost nightly I get into bed and say, “I am so lucky.” This question made me happy to remember all
that.
10. What is the biggest and best journey you have ever taken
in your life? You may interpret this question however you wish.
Although I’ve travelled to New
Zealand, Ireland, and Israel, each of those trips being entirely wonderful, the
best journey ever was my recent book tour. It was a journey for each of my
senses. If you’re interested, I posted a pretty long entry about tour over
here: http://meganfalley.tumblr.com/
11. I’m going to assume you’ve read the first issue of the
magazine (which I shouldn’t seeing as how I haven’t finished reading your book!). What are some
general comments you have about the first issue? Which piece would you say stands out among the
rest?
I think it’s wonderful that you
are creating a space for local voices and documenting them alongside bigger
names, like Taylor Mali and Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz (my fellow press-mates!)
12. Finally, what advice can you give to all of the young
writers out there who are reading this?
· Edit. Writers who don’t edit are not actually writers.
· Okay, that was mean. What I’m saying is to be a decent writer you need to dismantle your ego a bit. Reading does this because it acknowledges that there will always be people more talented than you are, and you need to make them your teachers. You need to read as much as possible. You wouldn’t make a movie having never seen a film before. You need to study the craft to excel at it. The same for editing. You wouldn’t shoot a film with no cuts or edits. You have to make each scene perfect. To clip the unnecessary. You also have to seek advice, help, edits, critique from people you admire. Without these two simple steps, you won’t ever be any good. Ever. No exceptions.
· Write as often as you can. I believe that “Inspiration is for amateurs.” You have to exercise the muscle (in your brain and your hand) so that when something you want to write about comes along, you aren’t afraid of it.
· Live. Say “Yes” to things. Go out. Talk to people. Have adventures. Make connections. Take a different route. Do something different every day. Do things you are afraid of. Travel. Feel all the feelings. You need to have a life to have anything worthy to write about. There will be days cramped up in your house, but those should only come after having a life worth writing about.
· Go to readings. If an out-of-town poet is featuring, go to see them. If they are leading a workshop, take it. Take as many workshops as you can. Buy their book. When you do all these steps and are ready to tour, you’ll be thankful someone did this for you. Poetry Karma. It’s real.
· Just because someone is a professional poet doesn’t mean they’re automatically a great person absolved of all evils. Check in, don’t stay on a couch unless than person is vouched for, go with your gut, and be safe. Check this out, too: http://thelastnerve.org/
· Be nice. Say Thank You. Listen.
You can purchase her book, After the Witch Hunt, on Amazon.
Megan is also looking to tour again; she can be contacted at meganfalley@gmail.com for booking information.
