Poet, editor, and professor Allison Joseph will be one of the workshop teachers at this year’s Nightsun Writer's Conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, in downtown Frostburg, MD. Joseph is an award winning poet, and some of her accomplishments include winning the 2009 Aquarius Press Legacy Award, the Academy of American Poets Prize, and the Associated Writing Programs Prize. She is the author of seven full-length poetry collections. Her two most recent publications are My Father's Kites: Poems (2010) and Voice: Poems (2009).

I was given the opportunity to learn more about Allison and her craft. The first thing we talked about was her inspiration. I wanted to know which poet inspired Allison to become the successful poet she is today. Her answer was instantaneous: Gwendolyn Brooks. "She is such an inspirational figure," Joseph said, "her craft, her dedication to her subjects, her generous persona and embodiment of poetry itself!" is what called Joseph to pursue the art of poetry.

But why poetry? Being a talented writer, Joseph could have spent most of her time writing fiction or memoirs. But, "Poetry is about sound," Joseph told me, "I like the sounds of words. Storytelling is great, and I consider myself mostly a narrative poet, but the sonic qualities of poetry make me return to it again and again."

When asked about her favorite poem she had written, Joseph recalled a formal poem entitled "The Cost" from Voice. Her favorite thing about the poem is the refrain: "No woman gets through life for free."

As a professor of writing, Joseph has the opportunity to improve her students writing using whatever methods she feels are most successful. I asked her what her preferred method of teaching writing is. Perhaps she had a few secrets to understanding the craft. Is it a natural talent? Is it learned through experience and practice? "Read, write, repeat," she said, "There is no other method."

For the chance to meet Allison Joseph and work closely with her on your own poetry, be sure to attend this year's Nightsun Writer's Conference.




Michael Schussler