Spotlight On Writers
Richard Rose
- Where, do you hail from?
- What is the greatest thing about the place you call home?
We live in an old cottage with a large garden, as part of a small community with a population of just 10 people. Our home is surrounded by fields and woodland with an abundance of wildlife, and it is generally peaceful and affords a good situation in which I can write. This is the county of John Clare, often referred to as the peasant poet, though as anyone who knows his work will recognise, he was a man of great learning and a deep humanistic outlook on life. I often think of Clare as I walk the many footpaths around our home. I am also fortunate in having a comfortable study in which I can work surrounded by books and all the necessary artefacts required for my writing.
- What turns you on creatively?
I suppose like most writers I find great inspiration from the works of others. I read every day and I’m quite eclectic in my choice of texts. From novels and poetry, to works of history, philosophy, travel and biography; each holds my interest. Invariably the countryside inspires me, as do my travel experiences. I have been fortunate in my work as a researcher and advocate for children’s rights, to travel extensively to many parts of the world, and have immense respect for the varied cultures that I have encountered. These experiences are certainly reflected in my poetry, as can be seen in my latest collection “The Hidden Source,” and to some extent in my short stories.
The essays I have written are more often founded upon an incident that has perhaps annoyed, or in some instances inspired me. The works of great artists, writers and musicians have certainly provided me with an outlet for my creativity, but I have equally been provoked to write as a result of outrage at what I perceive to be social injustice.
- What is your favorite word, and can you use it in a poetic sentence?
I can’t honestly say I have a favourite word. Sometimes when I read early drafts of my work, I recognise that I am overusing some words or expressions and try to be careful in editing these in later drafts. I like the sounds of words when they are put together in certain combinations. For example, some poets, I would include Norman McCaig, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Seamus Heaney amongst them, have the ability to generate wonderful rhythms through the juxtaposition of words. Many of us attempt to emulate such genius, but at best end up producing approximate imitations. Perhaps this is in effect some form of tribute.
- What is your pet peeve?
As a writer, I have a particular distain for editors of publications who call for submissions and then don’t bother to reply when authors send them their work. Rejection is perfectly acceptable. It is difficult to imagine that there are writers whose work has never been politely declined. However, the discourtesy of not Providing any form of acknowledgement is simply an indication of unprofessional behaviour. Fortunately, the majority of editors, who undertake a difficult and often thankless task, are well mannered, responsive and provide a much valued service to writers.
- What defines Richard Rose?
I would hope that those who know me best would see me as an individual who cares and has made some small efforts to improve the lives of others. Family and friends are important to me. As a writer, I make every effort to produce work that has some merit, though I have no pretensions about writing great works of literature. As someone who gains pleasure from the process of writing and the efforts that I make to express my ideas on the printed page, I hope that I may from time to time inspire others to find their own creative milieu through which they may express and share their experiences and ideas.
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