1. What or who gives you inspiration and perspiration?

Inspiration isn't always easy to find, contrary to belief. However, since I'm a very simple girl (most of the time), I can be inspired by something as pedestrian as breakfast, a fresh, hot cup of coffee in the morning, a warm, heavy jacket. Sometimes, it can be the sight of something lovely. Sometimes it's having amazing friends. As for perspiration, probably the process of submitting poems to journals and presses. I've had moderate success there, but it never gets any less nerve wracking to me.

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

Uh huh. Yeah. I have always wanted to write. However, my first love was and still is singing. I might still make a demo just to placate my own ego.

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

I will say that when and if that happens, I will do twelve cartwheels in a row and scream at the top of my lungs. Why? Validation! I was nominated for a few things in 2010, so if it pans out, it'd be great. I'm not in a hurry to stroke my own ego, but it's nice to think that someone thinks I'm as good as I think I am. (When my ego is puffed up, that is.)

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

Lots and lots of things. Music. Did I mention music? I am obsessed with pink things. I know, it is very girly of me. I also love coffee. So many things, but I don't want to waste all of your space talking about these things.

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

New poets? Mainstream or on the fringe, sitting and waiting to be heard? If we're discussing poets who aren't walking around with book deals, as I believe we should be, I can mention a few that I think are dynamite: Rachel Bunting, Heather Cadenhead, April Michelle Bratten, Stephanie Bryant Anderson and James H. Duncan. Stephanie could be the best confessional poet without a book deal. She just kills me. I also have a few good friends, whose names I won't mention, that are terrific and deserving poets. You know who you are.

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

Best of the Net. I question the validity of a publication that doesn't truly recognize poetry from all walks of life. Read into that what you will.

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

To be honest, I don't think a specific poem made me start writing. I've always appreciated Plath and Olds and poets like that, but I sort of came to this on my own. My muse draws from all over the place. I've been reading poems from Traci Brimhall lately and she's truly wonderful. I've read a lot of her poems at Boxcar Poetry Review and I've loved every one of them.

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?

I definitely think that online is the way to go these days, if anything, for the immediacy. However, I think both formats will remain alive and well for many years to come. You really can't replace the smell of books or the feeling you get when you see your words on paper, though the feeling I've gotten seeing my poems online has been pretty great, too.

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

Hopefully, we will be nestled safely and warmly. If all goes well, I hope to publish a few chapbooks and get into a few of journals that I really love. I think I will have grown a lot as a poet and as a person. The latter is the most important, though.

10. What are the ingredients for a tasty poem?

Hmm. Ok. Blend these on low: powerful images, extremely real language, pointed observation and dangerous emotion. Serve over ice and consume often.