Episode 6: On Language & Being Labeled ‘Bad-Ass’ – Kim Addonizio

In this episode, I have my fellow prose writer friend, Kim Addonizio, who is a teacher and an author of a dozen books of poetry and prose. She has also won awards which include two fellowships from the NEA, a Guggenheim, two Pushcart Prizes, and other honors.

Kim’s most recent book of poems is, Now We’re Getting Somewhere, published by W.W. Norton and her memoir, Bukowski in a Sundress: Confessions from a Writing Life, published by Penguin.

What you will Hear/Learn:
[01:09] – Guest introduction

[06:44] – As an award winner Kim shares with us elements of good poetry.

[11:08] – Poetry as a storytelling art, the element of surprise, and prose.

[14:19] – Kim’s thoughts on whether poetry is something that is cultivated from the early age and shares on how she found her footing on poetry.

[19:20] – My light bulb moment with meditation.

[20:27] – We discuss how readers judge writers without first understanding their writing. Kim talks about her experience with this.

[36:18] – Kim talks about her teaching techniques, what she looks for before enrolling her students and why the willingness to put in the hard work is the main factor to being a successful writer.

[42:40] – Why I see writing as a very much of a mindfulness activity.

[48:32] – Kim talks about her books and poetry, the idea, inspiration, and coincidental timings.

[55:10] – Why it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Quotes:
“Poetry is the use of language as a means to get to something else, that all arts kind of partake in, whether that’s music or a good novel, or a dance performance.”

“I remember, when I first started teaching, I was terrified. And then I realized that I didn’t have to know everything. And it was okay, as some students knew more than I did. And I could use them to teach the class as well.”

Resources:
Books: https://www.kimaddonizio.com/books

Connect with Kim Addonizio:
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Enjoy the show, subscribe, and share this please – Episode 6: “On Language & Being Labeled ‘Bad-Ass’”

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you aren’t already, come join the party over on:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor
Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com

You can download this episode’s transcript here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Warmly,
Mag