“Anthony Mondal, Poet” by Joan Y. Edwards
Anthony Mondal has been a subscriber to my blog for a long time. I thought it would be fun to interview him as a poet. He agreed to be here with us today. Thanks for coming Anthony.
Anthony: You are welcome. I am excited to be here!
Joan: Let us begin:
1. Where did you grow up? Was this in the city, suburbs, or country?
I grew up in a small town outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2. Have you traveled a bunch?
Yes. I have travelled all over the mainland USA and to Canada, UK and in parts of Asia. I love traveling and would love to see more of the world but the Pandemic has put a serious question mark over that!
3. What is one of the hardest things to overcome as a writer?
I am still working on establishing myself as a Writer/Author. I self-published one book, “Dialogues with Myself” and had one book published through a hybrid publisher, “A Burst of Sunshine.“ I have had a slew of blue collar jobs to keep myself afloat.
4. When did you start writing poems?
A long time back…way back in New York City (Manhattan) around August 1995.
5. Do you have any poems that would inspire people to never give up?
I consider my whole body of work as a testament to the indomitable Human Spirit!
6. What are the rules you follow for your poetry?
I am not very fond of rules, period! In poetry even less so but after writing a poem, I keep reading and rereading my poems till an internal nod happens in my head and then I know it is done.
7. Who are 3 of your favorite poets?
I have love and admiration for many poets. It is extremely difficult and unfair to the others to narrow it down to 3. However, I choose these 3 poets: Charles Bukowski, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Arthur Rimbaud.
8. What advice do you have for people who want to get their poetry published?
I think I am the wrong poet/writer to give that advise because I myself am still looking for a proper true publisher and a home for my body of literary works. Also being a Poet/Author for over 2 decades I realize that it is individual luck and circumstances that plays a huge role in your life…which is unique to each individual poet. But do not be discouraged. Keep submitting!
9. What resources did you find helpful to you in getting published?
When I lived in NY city I went to the library and opened up the latest literary digest and wrote down the names of the publishers or literary grants folks. I sent them query letters.
10. What resource was most helpful to you in writing your poetry?
I am very image driven so I definitely use YouTube to watch poet/writers and author documentaries or for that matter anything that I am drawn to that holds my interest and fascination.
“A Burst of Sunshine” by Anthony Mondal
“Dialogues with Myself” (ISBN 1-58915-022-8) out of print now.
Visit Anthony at his website: https://www.anthonymondal.com
Thank you very much Anthony Mondal for sharing your love of writing poetry with us.
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