1. What or who gives you inspiration and perspiration?

As far as poets go, I was first inspired to write by e.e.cummings. His abstract but creative poetry opened my eyes to the freedom of writing, especially poetry. His originality and careful spontaneity has never ceased to challenge my ability to be unique and express things in a new way.

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

I have always enjoyed writing, but I do have many other interests. I spend much of my time studying (not always for school) and making music in some fashion. And my secret desire? Well, I have two, neither of which are very secret: first, getting married and having many children, and second, receiving a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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

I have only entered online writing contests, and although I have won a few, I do not feel I am lacking anything by not having many awards. I am young, and enjoy using my time perfecting my use of words. Eventually, I will come into the competitive world of poetry, but until then, I am content writing for pleasure.

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

Songwriting definitely warms me up inside. There's something about sitting down with a guitar and a myriad of usually cryptic lyrics that tell dark, but hopeful stories that just satisfies my heart. The process of creating songs is of course intense, and there is a lot of prayer involved, but it all pays off when I sing in front of a small crowd of strangers and expose a raw depth of emotions.

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

New poets, huh? I don't read a lot of published work, and most of my favorite poets are friends of mine. They do not use their real names, and post most of their work on websites like AllPoetry.com. I am new to the poetry scene and online publishing, so I suppose it would be better to answer this question in a year or so.

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

The internet is a very disorganized place. Yes, it is easier for the average Joe to put himself and his art in front of the world, but it is hard to know if these "best of" sites are reliable, especially when poetry reading is a niche among society anyway. Although an amateur poet has greater success online, I have to say Pushcart: there's still something about the printed page that screams "genuine."

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

Then: "the sky" and "the other guineahen" by e.e.cummings. Now: "le cancre" by Jacques Prévert and "You Come Back" by Margaret Atwood.

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?

It's all very subjective. Readers in general are becoming more and more scarce, especially readers of poetry. It seems there is a much larger online audience than there is for print 'zines, although lovers of poetic expression seem to prefer the latter. I like both, but for different reasons. I enjoy the acceptance of the internet, but it is nice to be a part of something "elite," in a way.

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

Hopefully in five years, I will have published one or two poetry collections, and sold them to many a family and friend. I do not intend to write for my livelihood, but as a hobby that often steals my sleep and time spent doing homework.

10. What are the ingredients for a tasty poem?

My favorite poems have all had these characteristics in common: twisted clichés, unsettled line division, pungent darkness, raw diction, and a killer ending.