Saturday 19 April 2014

some q and a's i did on a recent poem book anthology

Social Network names / websites:
Twitter: No
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/inkwords/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117258678412520354365/posts?partnerid=gplp0
LinkedIn: No
Pinterest: No
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2814902.Nick_Armbrister
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B003NPHFBQ and http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=la_B003NPHFBQ_B003NPHFBQ_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Nick+Armbrister&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1394401365

Blurb about you:
Nick likes writing, doing open mic, getting tattooed, loves music like goth, metal, 80s and girl singers. He likes aviation, history, weapons and is anti war. Nick likes travelling, experiencing other cultures and living a simple life.



Names of some of the books that you have written / been involved in along with their websites, of those that you want us to mention about:
Nick has done many books. Examples are his Juniper's Daughter series of novels about a witch who has a flying saucer. She fights the Devil and his evil ways. Nick has put his aircraft themed poems in a collection of aircraft poetry, Aeroplane Related Poems. Other collections include two volumes of Wow! Tattoo My Butt books of varied works. Nick's tattooed backside graces the covers. Nick has released both real books and ebooks. Check them out on good book websites/shops. Nick has worked with other poets and a book of anti war poems with Andy N is the most recent, Europa – in the dark valley between the world wars. New work will be out in future under his real name and his pen name Jimmy Boom Semtex.


What country do you primarily publish or reside in?
England, from April 2014, The Philippines.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please answer at least 5 questions, but the more that you answer the better. It will help us with marketing you along with this book. Feel free to add questions if you wish.

First of all, can you tell us about your background as a writer?
Published in the 'small press' poetry scene from late 1996 to now, 2014. Also appearing in varied collections and anthologies, both hard copy, ebook and online. DJ Tyrer and his varied magazines gave Nick an excellent outlet for over a decade. Nick worked with a goth band and American publisher. Left them due to personal differences and to further his career, which Nick did. Started doing open mic appearances in 2009 and has headlined at Guitar and Verse at Gulliver's in Manchester in 2013. Has helped new writers by giving advice, useful publishing contacts and support. Nick writes for the pure joy of it, not for financial gain. His interests partly inspire his work too.


Has being a writer (or poet) been your dream job?
It's not a job, it's a pure joy to write. But yes, it would be.



What human rights or social activism issue(s) are you most passioante about and why?
Nick hates racism, ignorance, oppression and needless wars that happen each year. He also likes women's equality and many of his heroines are women. Freedom of speech is a great thing and he uses this a lot in his work. As should all writers. Be inspired people.


Why do you write? What is your inspiration?
My own life experiences and my views on many topics. I have to write or I'm not happy. Writing and being creative lifts my moods and I create and help to change the world by telling stories of varied people. It's always wonderful to write and positive and enjoyable.



Can you describe what your submitted poem or story was about?
My poems are about women in conflict throughout the world. These true stories need to be told. My submissions are She Defeated Death which is about a woman who was shot to death by Nazis in WW2. A shot down RAF flier saw her actually shot. He described the incident in his memoirs. I had to write about her. My Manchester Lass is about based upon true events. A young Manchester woman, Linda, murdered in Auschwitz. I saw some of her possessions on the Antiques Roadshow. Her's was a shocking story. Nedā is about an Iranian lady named Āghā-Soltān (Nedā). She was murdered by Abbās Kārgar Jāvid, member of the Basij militia. Her death was caught on camera and the whole world knew of Nedā. Her name became a cry for freedom. Brutal Not Comfort is about 'Comfort Women' forcibly taken by Japanese soldiers in WW2 and forcibly made to act as prostitutes. They were taken from The Philippines, South Korea and other nations. This topic still causes problems at the highest levels in South Korea with Japan. Eclipsing Karin’s Fracture is about a Karin Ulbricht, an East German student who dared to demonstrate against the Communist regime in Leipzig just before the Berlin Wall fell in late 1989. Things could of been very different that night.

                   

 





Do you have any advice for any other writers or poets wanting to get into the industry?
It's not an industry but a movement. Be yourself, honest with yourself, know your capabilities, work hard, be open to constructive critique, be nice to people, as you may need their help one day. Be prepared to write for long hours, do your research on any topic you cover, don't chase publishing deals or cash and above all, have fun. And network and hook up with other writers.


Which poem or short story that you have written is it that you are most passionate about? Can you explain why?
My anti war work which is opposite my early poems on the joy of war. I've come full circle and changed my views as I grew up and became a better writer. And I'm happy knowing I can change the world with my work, making it a better place.


Outside of your own work, who would be your favourite writer and/or poet? Why is that?
Liz Hand author, Katie Haigh, Andy N, Gemma Lees, all poets. Also Sven Hassel, James Herbert, Tracy Reed and singers like Anneke van Giersbergen, my musical heroine.


Do human rights or social activism issues influence your writing? If so, how so?
Yes they do and on them I must speak out in my views and work. Write and speak out, use a pen name if you must for your own protection and privacy. For example, see my featured poems in this book.


Do you have a career outside of your writing?
Yes I do. I've worked in varied jobs like warehouse, fork lift truck driving, chemical production, bakery work and more. And I'll do more jobs when I emigrate like making shoes.


Do you have any other hobbies or interests that help to influence your stories or poetry?
My love of aircraft inspires my poems on flight for example. My own life experiences also help, as does talking to people and listening to their stories. My other interests also contribute like tattoos, music and more. I attend writing workshops too.


What kind of writing or genre do you primarily work in as an author or poet?
Many like free verse, prose, in verse, sometimes rhyming. Most subjects.


What is your most memorable moment as a writer or poet?
Meeting my creative heroine, Annie van Giersbergen, who was lead singer in The Gathering, now solo. She's great and inspires me no end and does great songs. Attending various writing workshops, inspiring a live audience and working with other writers is very rewarding too.



Are there any particular challenges that you face in your writing? How do you overcome them?
Sometimes a lack of time when I work fulltime. Or not having a notepad, mobile phone, computer or pen and paper and having sudden poem words in my head, so I can write it before I forget it.


Do you have any future projects that you wish to talk about?
Check my new poem book out with Andy N, on lulu.com and other sites to follow. It's anti war and called Europa – in the dark valley between the world wars. We'll change the world with this book, for the better.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

No comments:

Post a Comment