An interview with
Colin James
What is, in your opinion, the best thing (or your favourite thing) that you’ve ever written? Tell us about it.
Favourite ...I like the title of this poem. A good name for a rock group me thinks. I did suggest that to someone once. They thought it was a hoot.
LAP DOGS OF THE INFERNO
Apparently this was the plan,
placards and survivors
climbing to the higher esplanades.
Prophesying opportunists.
I don't recognize any names.
There will be grand repercussions
to this lava of responsibility,
if we all go into town
dressed somewhat peculiarly.
Who are your favourite writers, and what influences your writing?
Favourite writers... Philip Larkin, Basil Bunting, Paul Celan, William Faulkner, Joseph Conrad, Saul Bellow.
Describe yourself as if you are a character in one of your own stories / poems.
You have to be somewhat self absorbed to write. The contrast between myself and my wife, Jane, is incredible. She never thinks of herself, etc. whereas I am always looking for an opportunity to slink off...
What are your hobbies?
Consistency is really what you seek. It's kind of boring, I don't think writers are that interesting. When they are writing they may be, but generally no. The myth of the drunken debaucher.
I could do with some debauchery but it doesn't seem to be forthcoming...
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked in an interview? And what did you answer?
The infinitely qualified answers to weird questions will be documented at a later date...
What is your writing set-up? (E.g your garden shed, a cafe etc) and are there any things you must have to get the words to flow, e.g a lucky hat or a favourite shirt?
I write in the morning. I get up around four. I have a study, a big oak desk with a bunch of John Mackenzie land- and seascapes on the walls. But ideas can come at any time...
Favourite ...I like the title of this poem. A good name for a rock group me thinks. I did suggest that to someone once. They thought it was a hoot.
LAP DOGS OF THE INFERNO
Apparently this was the plan,
placards and survivors
climbing to the higher esplanades.
Prophesying opportunists.
I don't recognize any names.
There will be grand repercussions
to this lava of responsibility,
if we all go into town
dressed somewhat peculiarly.
Who are your favourite writers, and what influences your writing?
Favourite writers... Philip Larkin, Basil Bunting, Paul Celan, William Faulkner, Joseph Conrad, Saul Bellow.
Describe yourself as if you are a character in one of your own stories / poems.
You have to be somewhat self absorbed to write. The contrast between myself and my wife, Jane, is incredible. She never thinks of herself, etc. whereas I am always looking for an opportunity to slink off...
What are your hobbies?
Consistency is really what you seek. It's kind of boring, I don't think writers are that interesting. When they are writing they may be, but generally no. The myth of the drunken debaucher.
I could do with some debauchery but it doesn't seem to be forthcoming...
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked in an interview? And what did you answer?
The infinitely qualified answers to weird questions will be documented at a later date...
What is your writing set-up? (E.g your garden shed, a cafe etc) and are there any things you must have to get the words to flow, e.g a lucky hat or a favourite shirt?
I write in the morning. I get up around four. I have a study, a big oak desk with a bunch of John Mackenzie land- and seascapes on the walls. But ideas can come at any time...