#WritersQuick5 - Meet Poet Kerriann Curtis

Welcome to week twelve of the #WritersQuick5 series - where we learn about writing from fellow writers. 

I am so excited to bring you the writing and advice of poet Kerriann Curtis. Poetry is such an important part of our life fabric. I'm thrilled to get the perspective of someone who is so passionate about this art form.

Kerriann has a self-published book of poetry called ‘TEN’ currently available on amazon. I couldn’t put it better than the synopsis: TEN is “a collection of poems spanning ten years. This book is meant to inspire, engage and entertain. Exploring the abstract while questioning the trials and tribulations of the modern world, Curtis effortlessly weaves the tongue-in-cheek with brutally honest sentiment.” 

In addition, Kerriann shares her poetry through her popular Channillo.com series ‘Waiting.’ “Whether we await good news, or expect to be disappointed, our character is revealed through our actions while we are being forced to wait. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and the exploration of the human condition. In between the big moments, nestled in the pauses and the quiet, lives the chaos where our lives are truly being lived.” 

Kerriann can also be found as the editor at Wordkrapht, “a community that focuses on independent musicians and small labels and the fans who love them,” where she has penned tons of write-ups and reviews. 

​Let’s see what Kerriann has to say… 

Question #1 - Where do you write and why do you write there?
I wish I could tell you I have a desk or a comfy spot set up somewhere in my house and that's where "the magic happens" however it's not. I tend to do the majority of my writing in my car, while parked at my kid's school. I have to get there early because the lines get long fast, and sitting there with very little distraction has really worked out for the best.

Question #2 - What is unique about writing for your particular genre?
What is so unique about poetry is how versatile it can be! You can be traditional, you can rhyme, not rhyme, tell a story or be cryptic and leave the readers wondering what on Earth you're talking about. Once I realized there was no set format to write a  poem I was hooked.

Question #3 - What are some of your grammar or punctuation pet peeves?
Grammatically I cannot stand when people get you're, and your confused as well as too, and to and their, there and they're. Punctuation-wise I'm not one to talk, I use way too many commas!

Question #4 - At what point in your writing process do you start to bring other people in to review your work?
​Being an independent author, I tend to do the majority of the reviewing and editing. However, once my book was finished I sent it out to anyone and everyone who would read it to get feedback. We live in a time now where the world is at our fingertips, and we have so many resources available. The great thing about social media is the ability to get instant feedback, so I'm trying to utilize that as well.

Question #5 - What advice would you give to a new writer about the writing process?
Write all the time, even when you're not inspired to. Read. Read outside your preferred genre(s). Keep a pen, notebook, and a back up pen with you at all times. Please don't ever say, "I don't need to write it down, I'll remember it later" because you won't, and we will miss out on your great ideas. Write it down while it's fresh!!

YES! Take that notebook with you! Especially when capturing the little moments of life the wait Kerriann so beautifully does! Thank you Kerriann for sharing your advice and poet’s perspective with us. 

Please be sure to check out Kerriann’s book of poetry, TEN, on amazon and her poetry series Waiting on Channillo.com. You can also follow Kerriann on Twitter. 

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If you would like to be featured as a writer in the #WritersQuick5 series, please just reach out and let me know. I’d love to promote your work as well!

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