Madison Newman
ORP: Do you write or create with an audience in mind? If so, how do you consider the relationship between that audience and your work throughout your creative process?
Madison Newman: As both a spoken and written word poet, I always write poetry that is considerate of the dual perspective of "the page and the stage". A spoken word audience and an audience of readers are not that different; each wants to be affected and enthralled by the poem, as well as left with something they can carry with them after the poem has been heard or read. I always strive for my poetry, whether it be spoken or written, to have a lasting affect, message, or inspiration that can be carried with those who encounter my work.
In terms of having a particular audience in mind when I write, I write for all those seeking a home in creativity. I write for everyone still finding themselves---their passions, identities, life paths. My poetry is written for an audience that wants to look inward, be mindful, and be inspired by small, ordinary, but meaningful things.
ORP: What books have you read many times?
MN: Fiction-wise, I have read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak seven times. In terms of poetry books, I have read entirely through Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson a similar amount. Both works have greatly inspired my writing style throughout my first developmental years as a writer, through to the present, and most definitely into the future as my craft continues to evolve. I admire both of these authors greatly for their grace in handling heavy subject matter while also prioritizing beauty of craft and staying true to their own unique literary voices.
ORP: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing or creating? What advice would you give to another writer or artist?
MN: The most valuable piece of advice about writing I've ever been given is to keep a "Boneyard", or a collection of lines and ideas that don't have a "home" in a particular piece yet, or were cut from a piece for length, congruency, tone, or otherwise. I am so inspired when I return to my "Boneyard" when I've hit a creative block, or when my latest piece is just missing that *something* to finish it off. I would pass this advice along to all other writers, as well as the advice to always be observant of your surroundings. Don't limit yourself to writing about the most pressing issues at the largest scale of emotion; some of my most favorite pieces I've ever written are inspired by some small, innocuous item, image, or memory that bloomed into incredibly meaningful pieces.
ORP: What do you hope readers (or your audience) will take away from your creative work?
MN: My biggest hope is that I inspire readers of my work to create for themselves. The art of writing has given me so much joy, so much identity, and has thoroughly changed how I see the world for the better. There are so many ways to write, and I believe that poetry especially is a genre that lends itself to experimentation and personalization. I have truly been able to find my voice in poetry, and I hope to help others do the same with my work.
