Thursday, February 12, 2009

Interview with Johnmichael Simon

INTERVIEW WITH JOHNMICHAEL SIMON,
AUTHOR OF "PHYRRS HIERWALS AND
BOULDERGEISTS"

published by
Assume Nothing Press
http://assumenothingpress.blogspot.com


Interviewed by LB Sedlacek


LB SEDLACEK:
1) "What is a Phyrrs Hierwal?"


JOHNMICHAEL SIMON:
A) "Phyrrs and Hierwals are mythological
creatures who inhabit the imaginary world
situated somewhere between the end of
the known universe and law of Drysten
uncertainty."


LBS:
2) "What is a Bouldergeist?'

JS:
A) "Bouldergeists are interdisciplinary forces
that move through undulations of Geospace
creating new mysteries every time they flap
their double helixes."


LBS:
3) "Who would you like to see reading your
poems?"

JS:
A) "Andre von Grimenitch of blessed memory.
Madonna. Albert Einstein. William Blake."


LBS:
4) "Do you write with an audience in mind?"

JS:
A) "No. The clapping disturbs my
concentration."


LBS:
5) "Did your technical writing career
influence your poetry writing? If so, how?"

JS:
A) "Careers are made of sterner stuff. Poetry
is made of flame, influenced only by its own
combustion."


LBS:
6) "Do you pick your subject or does
your subject pick you?"

JS:
A) "Questions, questions. Close your
eyes and look up. There's your answer."


LBS:
7) "Your poems in Phyrrs Hierwal
and Bouldergeists have about as
many rhythmic some even humorous
poems as serious poems. Do you have
a preference as to what kind of poem
you write?"

JMS:
A) "No. Yes. Sometimes. Never. All
of the above answers are true."


LBS:
8) "What was your inspiration for
"Phyrrs Hierwal and Bouldergeists"?"

JMS:
A) "The writing on the stone. The
river of fire. The bible."


LBS:
9) "Any advice to the aspiring poet?"

JMS:
A) "Read Phyrrs Hierwals and
Bouldergeists. Then read Beowulf.
Then throw them away and do your
own thing."


Johnmichael Simon has published
three books of poems: "Sonatina" –
(Ibbetson Street Press), "Bordwinot"
and "Silly Wishes" as well as a
collection in collaboration with
partner Helen Bar-Lev: "Cyclamens
and Swords" – poems and illustrations
about the land of Israel (Ibbetson
Street Press).


Order your copy today of "Phyrrs Hierwals
and Bouldergeists" by Johnmichael Simon

Assume Nothing Press Store
http://stores.lulu.com/assumenothingpress
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http://assumenothingpress.blogspot.com