Writing for Immortality
Writing for Immortality
Barbara Basbanes Richter
Dispatches from an abrupt ravine: A conversation with the poet Rodney Leonard
51 minutes Posted Sep 19, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Introduction to Rodney Leonard
The Influence of Women in Rodney's Family
Growing Up in Alabama
The Delight of Work and Writing
Misconceptions About Writing and Poetry
The Decision to Pursue Poetry
The Impact of an MFA Program
The Practice of Writing and Supporting Other Writers
A Typical Writing Day for Rodney
Upcoming Travel Plans and Writing Retreats
The Significance of Travel in Rodney's Life
Memorable Travel Experiences
Exploring Home and Appreciating Cusa County
The Influence of Place
Approaching Places with an Open Spirit
Embracing the Totality of the Human Experience in Poetry
Poems on Bearability: Reflections on COVID-19
Advice for Aspiring Poets
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Show notes
We're kicking off Season 2 of Writing for Immortality the extraordinary poet Rodney Leonard.
Rodney Leonard's poetic journey is as vibrant and multifaceted as his verses. From the rich soil of Alabama to the bustling streets of New York, Leonard's life experiences have shaped his voice in the world of poetry.
Growing up surrounded by strong women, Leonard's work resonates with the echoes of his mother and grandmother's influence. Their stories, woven into the fabric of his childhood, now form the backbone of his artistic expression.
But Leonard's muse isn't confined to his roots. His wanderlust has taken him across the globe, each journey leaving an indelible mark on his poetry. From the lavender-scented hills of South Africa to the vibrant streets of New Delhi, these travels have become spiritual pilgrimages, feeding his creativity and expanding his worldview.
Leonard's poetry doesn't shy away from life's complexities. He embraces the full spectrum of human experience - from the joyous to the painful, the mundane to the extraordinary. His battle with COVID-19 in the midst of the pandemic inspired a powerful suite of poems, exploring the concept of human endurance in the face of adversity. His latest collection of verse, Another Land of My Body, was recently published by Four Ways Books and the recipient of a starred review in Library Journal.
For aspiring poets, Leonard offers sage advice: read voraciously, commit wholeheartedly to your craft, and above all, believe in the power of your unique voice. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.
Links:
Rodney Leonard/Another Land of My Body:
https://fourwaybooks.com/site/another-land-of-my-body/Maya Angelou: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angeloundation
Diane Seuss:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/diane-seuss
Terrence Hayes: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/terrance-hayes
Find every episode plus articles on how to help you be the best writer you can be over at our website, https://www.writing4immortality.com/
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