Why do you write?
Because I’d go mad if I didn’t, stories and ideas build up and need releasing! It’s also a way of communicating with my own subconscious.
What books do you read?
I love graphic novels, I just re read the whole sandman series by Neil Gaiman. Novel wise there is no particular genre that I stick to, but I am rather partial to sci fi, big Philip K Dick fan.
What inspires you?
My kids, amazing art, polished performances. The perfection of symmetry found in nature. People who make me laugh. Seeing injustice inspires me to focus anger.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer and when?
I’ve written since early childhood, poetry was a constant companion. And I loved writing fictional short stories. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t written.
How do you deal with rejection?
You have to become a little arrogant and think “your loss” obviously no one likes a big egoist but there are times when it can be helpful!
Who are some writers you admire?
Kurt Vonnegut, Mary Shelley, Emily Dickinson, Neil Gaiman, John Irving, Philip K Dick, David Mitchell.
Is writing the only artistic medium you do?
No, I’m a singer songwriter, a sculptor and a painter.
What would be some advice you would give to your younger self?
Try not to worry about what you look like.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t negatively compare yourself with other writers. Try and loose yourself in the story and turn the wifi off!!
What is your writing process?
I get out the house to write. I also love working on trains. With fiction, I tend to have a very loose idea of plot, it’s the characters that I try and flesh out first, that way they tell their own story. Poetry tends to flow easily once a concept has dawned, but I go back and tweak until I’m happy!!
Clare lives in Wales with her husband and two kids. She won her fist international poetry competition aged 18. Her first collection of poetry was published 3 years ago. She started performing poetry 7 years ago and has toured all over the U.K and Ireland supporting Phill Jupitus and John Cooper Clarke and as a solo performer. She is working on her debut novel. Clare is also an internationally known sculptor.
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