Anthony Mondal, poet with his wife, Karen’s dog, Laddie.
“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.
Thank you very much Anthony Mondal for sharing your love of writing poetry with us.
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Please leave a comment to encourage Anthony Mondal and other writers. I wish you all good luck in getting your work published.
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“Writing Tips and a Poem from Joan Reid aka Gianna B. Reid” by Joan Y. Edwards
Hi, Joan Reid. I’m very happy to have you as a guest on my blog today. It’s a pleasure to be here with you.
My readers are anxious to learn about you, so let’s get started.
a. Where were you born? I was born in New York City. My family moved to New Jersey when I was 2 years old. I have lived in New York State for the past 20 years.
b. Did you have a favorite place to read a book as a child? Where and why? I read often on the couch in the living room or at the kitchen table after supper.
c. Who or what inspires you to keep on writing? My parents and a grammar school teacher, then people whom I have met along the way, and now my husband, daughter and my friends…and you, Joan Edwards! (See Joan Edwards smiling)
d. What do you do for the pure fun of it? I love riding my bicycle! It helps clear my mind for more writing.
e. What are your hobbies? Do you draw? Paint? Work with clay? Sew? Do woodworking?
Photography, creating collages, and reading are three activities I most enjoy.
f. What are your favorite books that you enjoy reading more than one time? Why?
A Year By the Sea by Joan Anderson; and
Tao of Writing by Ralph L. Wahlstrom
These books are vastly different, but each brings a fresh focus every time I read a passage.
g. Do you have a funny story to share?
I have a sense of humor for sure, but I cannot recall a specific funny story.
Incidents are funnier when I tell them.
h. Why do you write?
My reasons for writing: I have to write what I observe and feel; Writing is enjoyable and fun; Writing is my connection to myself and others.
i. What are three tips for writers?
When you write, don’t edit until all your ideas are down.
Leave the piece for a day or more to look at it with fresh eyes. When you revisit the work you will be able to edit for content.
READ!
j.What is the most essential ingredient of a poem?
For me, the most essential ingredient of a poem is emotion which is an intangible.
k. Do you have a poem you’d like to share with us that’s not in And the Woman Smiled and is shared first and exclusively in this guest post?
o. Did you pay for editing services before you submitted to CreateSpace?
CreateSpace does offer editing services. However, I did not pay them for editing services for “And the Woman Smiled.” I did all the formatting and editing myself.
p.Did CreateSpace design your cover? Did you have any choices?
CreateSpace has many choices of book covers, fonts, and trim-sizes on their website. I chose a design provided by CreateSpace.
q. How are you marketing your book?
I sent review copies to publications that consider self-published poetry, and two local magazines in the Hudson Valley area. And, I am thankful for this interview!
r. Did you get to choose the retail price for your book?
CreateSpace determined the retail price. There is a minimum charge which I made every attempt to stay close to.
s. Were you ever traditionally published?
I was a contributor to a traditionally published book, The Bicycle Book – Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings, Published by Satya House.
t. What are the titles and links to your other books? Are they available on Amazon, too?
u. How can others connect with you on social media?
Readers may connect with me on Facebook and Linked In. Send an email request to me at joan.reid@yahoo.com
Short Bio
Joan Bellofatto Reid (Gianna B.Reid) began writing plays and short stories in elementary school. She has since written and produced several plays: The Jobless Chronicle (winner of Monologue Mania, performed at The Producer’s Club, NYC); and His Last Word, about Holocaust survivor, Primo Levi. Life is a Bike was a newspaper column that appeared in the US and UK, the essays are available on Amazon. She contributed essays to The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom and Wanderings. Other published works: “The Marriage Game” “Path to Promise” (Student Aid Transcript Magazine); “Not a Fake Pollock” (Art Times); “Not Guilty” (Modern Collage). Joan hosted a radio show, “Cool on the Groove” (Rockland World Radio) from 2003-2006, featuring authors, poets and journalists. She currently freelances on education and healthcare; and writes poetry.
Wow! Joan Reid. I’ve really enjoyed learning about you. I had no idea you’d written so many books! I am very proud of you. Thanks again for being a guest on my blog.
Thanks for reading this guest interview.
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