1. What or who gives you inspiration and perspiration?

After the last few years, I've found that inspiration is everywhere. You can find good in so many things, and mostly the things you take for granted every day. It's such a shame that most of us don't realize this. The thought of not getting everything done that I want to in my lifetime gives me perspiration. I so desperately want to give as much as I can. What point is there to be selfish? Also, answering questions written by Kristina. That makes me sweat, too.

2. Have you always wanted to write, or did you have a secret desire for something else, like spelunking?

I don't know if I've always wanted to write, but I always have. My desires are what fuels my writing. Well, my desires, my yearning, my melancholy. Isn't it that way for everyone?

3. Do awards and accolades make you swoon? Have there been any that you're particularly swoon-y about that you've gotten?

Awards and recognition from my peers is very nice, but it's not something I expect or anticipate, you know? I haven't done very much submitting, so I haven't won anything. Perhaps, I will find more time to concentrate on writing instead of constantly editing and I'll write something so great that the poetry world will have to love me forever for.

4. When you're not leaving your poetic footprint, what else in the world makes you warm and fuzzy?

Coffee. Coffee is like a not too tight hug that just makes me tingle everywhere. I love the stuff, and as it turns out, it has several health benefits, like being an antioxidant! Awesome, huh? Also, music makes me warm inside, as does curling up on the sofa with a book. I would say that being in love does it to me, as well, but alas, I am a single southern girl.

5. Give me names. Who are the best new poets, in your opinion?

Oh, publishing a poetry journal gives me access to many people without major book deals and the chance to witness some exciting new people. Over the course of time, I've seen many poets come through TWC and DIMOF and I've a long list of poets I like. To name a few, Kristina, there's Taylor Graham, James Duncan, John Sweet, Kendall Bell, Josh Thompson and many, many others. Like I said, I read a lot.

6. Best of the Net or Pushcart? Which matters more and why?

Best of the Net. The internet is making publication and recognition more available. Pushcart seems to be a little elitist for my tastes, but who am I, right?

7. Then and now. What poem made you start writing and what poem do you absolutely love right this very moment?

Well, it's impossible to pinpoint any one poem that made me start writing, but a certain classic poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning had a very large effect on me and made me realize that poetry was a good outlet for my inner most feelings, even if what I was writing was complete crap. I don't want to place the blame on Elizabeth for my bad, early poems, but she did start my love affair with poetry. The poem I love at this very moment is in our current issue. It is Bruce Niedt's "Old Man At Bedtime". I like to be moved, and this is a moving poem, to me anyway.

8. Are online poetry 'zines a crushing blow to traditional print 'zines, or are they the meat and potatoes of the poetry world now? Also, which do you prefer?

Of course not! And yes, I say this with absolutely no bias whatsoever. (wink) Seriously though, I think both are co-existing quite well right now. I like both. I will stand on the side of neutrality for the sake of peace and love. Really, I do like both. Both add to the poetry world in so many great ways. Online 'zines have really helped a lot of poets that might never have been acknowledged before.

9. Where do you see yourself and your poems in five years?

I see myself and my poems in a small room. Some are online and some are hidden from the public eye, maybe never to be seen at all. If I should be so bold, I would like to say that some journals might embrace them. There is a certain level of wistfulness to my poems and I don't plan to change that. It's who I am and what they are. Never change to please anyone. Ever.

10. What are the ingredients for a tasty poem?

Honesty, clever turn of phrase, a pretty scene or four and a little twist somewhere. I may be hearts and flowers in my writing, but I like to read poems that take me through something or somewhere. Does that make sense? I'm still embarrassed to be answering these questions! You should have gotten someone better, Kristie!