Carson Oliver interviewed Mary McCall, our new Woodfin Fellow in Poetry
How would you characterize your writing process?
It definitely depends on the genre or form I’m writing in, but when I’m working on poetry, I usually start with an evocative title, concept, or image that becomes the core of the poem. From there, I expand on it through form, language, and space. Once I have a solid draft, I refine it by cutting everything that feels unintentional, unnecessary, or doesn’t contribute to the piece. Afterward, I share it with friends for their thoughts, interpretations, and suggestions to ensure my intentions come across clearly and align with my goals for the work. Finally, I revise it some more and arrive at a final draft!
What’s something that drives you to write when you find writing difficult?
Inspiration! I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s true! When I hit writer’s block or feel stuck I take a step back, walk away from my writing, and start my search. I’ll sift through literature, cycling through movies or TV shows, and scrolling online until I find something that just itches that impossible itch and haunts my brain in just the right way. Then, once I do, I dive into the rabbit hole and use it as inspiration for whatever I’m trying to write or writing next. This is probably why I know and obsess over a lot of niche and obscure things– but hey, if it works, it works!
When did you realize that you were officially a “poet”?
I first started writing poetry in high school, but I think it was my third year of undergrad when I officially realized I was a poet. It was around that time that my Dad died and I wasn’t exactly sure how to process it because—surprise, surprise—grief is hard, especially for a nineteen-year-old. It was also during this time that, when I took my second-ever poetry workshop, everything just clicked. Poetry quickly became my way to explore and cope with my grief and from there it evolved until I became the poet I am today.
What is a form of art besides poetry and fiction that inspires your work?
Honestly, I don’t know what art form doesn’t inspire my work. I am pretty well-rounded when it comes to the arts, and I partake in quite a few in my spare time, some even more frequently than that. I’m an avid fan of theatre, film, music, photography, and traditional art so, for me, that means most of the time my writing is inspired by whichever passion project I’m consuming or creating amidst these varying artistic forms. Usually, though I will say film and music tend to be my go-to for this.
What’s something you’re working on right now?
I’m not officially working on anything right now. I’ve just mainly been refining my poetry and playing with forms, but I had a recurring theme amongst my work lately. I’ve been a bit obsessed with Greek mythology, so I’ve been reimaging and exploring the Greek myths in my poetry which has been a really fun experiment. I already tackled three poems in this vein. The first was an epic retelling of Eurydice and Orpheus, the second was a commentary on the different tellings of Medusa in the myths, and the third was an exploration of Echo and her love for Narcissus. All three of which I loved writing so its safe to say that these are just the start of this project and endeavor.