Spotlight On Writers
Lois Perch Villemaire
- Where do you originate from?
I’m originally from Philadelphia, introduced to the energy of the city as well as growing up in the peaceful suburbs. I came from a close-knit family of five children, inspired by wonderful parents, and enjoyed close relationships with my grandparents and extended relatives. I moved to Annapolis, MD after college, less than three hours from Philadelphia, but so different. I have grown to love the City Dock, Chesapeake Bay, and the impact of the US Naval Academy on this walkable town with a strong colonial history.
- What do you cherish most about the place you call home?
I still think of Philadelphia as home. Interestingly, the neighborhood where my mother grew up and where we visited my grandparents regularly, Chestnut Hill has become the area to which I gravitate. My grandfather operated a grocery store in the middle of the busiest commercial district, only one block from their row home. Trolley tracks still exist on the street that served the ’23 Trolley,’ well-known for being the longest route in the city. I cherish memories of the bookstore, toy store, pizza shop, and the park with a pond where we fed the ducks.
- What ignites your creativity?
I appreciate nature, especially since the days of Covid when windows became our eyes on the world. There are woods behind our house, home to towering trees, deer, birds, foxes, and other wildlife. I’m also a houseplant enthusiast and propagate African violets. Annapolis has informed my poetry writing. Sitting at City Dock appeals to the senses with colorful sailboats, the bustle of tourists, beautiful vistas, and impressive yachts that come and go. However, my favorite sources for creativity are childhood memories, old photographs and individuals in my family tree whom I have learned more about while researching my family history.
- Do you have a favorite word and could you incorporate it into a poetic phrase?
One of my favorite words is perhaps. It opens up a world of possibilities. ‘Perhaps’ could take a writer into dreams of fantasy, fearful alternatives, or potential for hope and the very best of outcomes.
“Perhaps the gods placed them close enough for a chance meeting.”
- What is your pet peeve?
People who dominate conversations, never taking a breath or giving the other person a chance to talk.
- How would you describe the essence of Lois Perch Villemaire?
At the age of 77, I’m writing from the perspective of years of experiences, whether it be happy or sad. Most often, I’m revisiting the child or younger version of myself and perhaps questioning paths along the way. When I write, I’m striving to describe with concrete and sensory details. I try to challenge my memory of specific life experiences by recalling an important event or specific moment for inspiration. My style is straightforward although I love to use metaphor to express truths that are common to us all. I enjoy the process of revision—changing the order of stanzas, replacing words, as well as deleting what is unnecessary. My favorite advice is— don’t summarize your meaning or message. Trust the reader to figure it out.
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