The task for Day 25 of the April Platform Challenge at My Name is Not Bob was “interview someone.” I interviewed a fellow participant in the challenge, Dana Dampier of Crazy, Poetic Life. 

Dana is a Stay at home mommy to three boys and one husband who struggles with the task of finding herself through poetry and writing. Read all about it at Crazy, Poetic Life. Connect with her on twitter, @crazypoeticlife, and Facebook, Crazy, poetic life (Dana Dampier).

1. Where are you from and how does the geography of where you live affect your writing?

I am from and currently live in Central Louisiana. I lived in Texas for several years… but there’s no place like home! Louisiana has such a rich history and spirited culture. One can immerse themselves in art and music. A National Forest covers most of the state, lakes and rivers, vast fields of colorful flowers and majestic animals call this state home. It’s hard not to be inspired!

2. What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

My favorite place in the entire world is anywhere my family and friends are. I love to be surrounded by them and by nature. As long as I have that… I am in heaven.

3. You have been keeping a blog for a long time. What advice do you have for writers who are just starting to blog?

The best advice I have for new bloggers is to read other blogs and make new connections. Comment and engage in those blogs, form friendships and ask questions. I have learned more about blogging from fellow bloggers than I have any where else.

4. How does blogging benefit you as a writer?

Not only does practice makes perfect; you have your own support team through your followers and fellow bloggers. They are there when you need a bit of motivation to complete that next project or they can provide you with an honest opinion when needed.

5. How long have you been writing and how has blogging changed what or how you write?

I began writing short stories and poetry in elementary school. It was love at first write! Since starting my blog in 2009, blogging has forced me to continue writing by having to produce posts. I discovered what inspires me and rediscovered my love of writing poetry (I took a break from writing after highschool). Of course, the more I wrote… the better I got!

6. What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Poetry!

 7. What inspires you to write and why?

My family and nature! Beauty is everywhere if we would only take the time to see it. It plays on my emotions and fills my head with words.

8. Which poem on your blog tells us most about you and why?

Most of my poetry is written through my eyes; they are my experiences and emotions. I just recently wrote a poem called What makes this my life that pretty much sums it up. (Interviewer’s note: I love this beautiful and funny poem about being a mom of boys.)

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully I will have become a more organized person by then! My dream is to become a published writer though… so, just maybe?

10. What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a Mothers Day poem for my mom. I’m also hoping to revive a short story I had been working on and wasn’t able to finish.

11. Do you have a favorite quote?

This too shall pass…
Why? Because it’s true!

Thank you, Dana, for being such a great sport about this little project of ours. It was fun!