Meet Dana Kinsey - dipity Community Spotlight Q&A Interview no. 20
learn more about writer and teacher Dana Kinsey's work through dipity's global interview monthly spotlight feature
Introduction
Dana Kinsey is a PA spoken word artist, actor, teacher, and freelance writer. She is the Lancaster City Poet Laureate. Her writing has been published in Fledgling Rag, SWWIM, SoFloPoJo, The Champagne Room, Dipity Literary Magazine, Anti-Heroin Chic, Wild Roof Journal, Equinox, Drunk Monkeys, Passengers, and more. Her poem “Show Me, Earth, Your Day," was a contest finalist in 2023 at Sweet Lit. Dana's play, “WaterRise,” was produced at the Gene Frankel Theatre as a stage play and a short film produced by Sagesse Productions. Her poetry book, Mixtape Venus, was published in 2022 by I. Giraffe Press.
Waking Up Emily
Spilling out over morning boxes comfortable Flowers yawn luxuriously— vanquish notions that greedy Time only offers three sublime wishes Flower fates linger like strings strung on the harp of a Harpy since Time knows that tune without the words & hopes they choose well They thrice request steamy days lounging in Sun’s delicious gaze They turn curious faces to me— insist I too arch my silkiest petals Stretch long in tantalizing meadows forget Time ticks across my skin moves his Hands—to play in my hair while Daisies exhale perfume there
Q: What is the backstory of this poem?
“Waking Up Emily” originated in a class on Emily Dickinson taught by the incomparable Emily Sernaker. In addition, the television series Dickinson and the work of actor Hailee Steinfeld provided inspiration. I grew up reading and learning about Dickinson, but I never embraced the way she was painted based on the content of her poems. After reading some of her more obscure poems and diving into her body of work, I decided to embrace her devotion to nature and rich sensuality. Her vivid details and word choice make her one of my favorite poets. The words “I dwell in Possibility” are tattooed on me, so my connection to her is deep and lasting.
Cous - Hazy Daisies
Q: What were your most recent publications?
“Boss Babes Tangling in the Afterlife” in Passengers Journal Vol. 5 Issue no. 2
This is not a publication, but it’s my first spoken word collaboration with original music by Ángel Rafael which is called “A Remarkable Life on the Island of Pablo Neruda” below:
A Glimpse at My Remarkable Life on the Island of Pablo Neruda
This video poem “Show Me, Earth, Your Day” on YouTube is also a collaboration with Ángel Rafael:
Show Me, Earth, Your Day
Q: Where can others find more of your work?
Some favorite journals and publications include:
“Fall Out” in Issue no. 21 of Wild Roof Journal
“Portrait of My Teacher as an Otter” in Star 82 Review
“OBIT [Teaching]” in Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY
“Still Life as Cinderella” in Compass Literary Journal
Q: What else do you do outside of the writing or poetry community? OR What else are you working on or excited about in the future? Any fun hobbies?
I’m an actor, currently playing Titania in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Orpheus Theatre Company. We’re performing the production on the front porch of a historic mansion I also teach with Brighter Tomorrow, a non-profit created to assist African immigrants. Meeting students who are new to this country has been exciting. I’m proud that my city is a hub for immigrants and refugees, so I love immersing myself in this work to build community. My hobbies include cooking, music, and fitness.
Q: When did you begin writing? OR What or who sparked and inspired your writing journey?
I love books, have always felt this way, get hopelessly lost in them whenever I can! My aspirations to be a writer began in 1st grade and never subsided. That “finding the exact right word” challenge is my favorite thing in the world, which is why poetry, more than any other genre, intrigues me. Paring away unnecessary words to get to the lowest common denominator of a poem is compelling. I first began creating poems for family members on birthdays or holidays. This propelled me to write poems for my children on their birthdays, craft poetic gifts for friends, write and perform a poetic wedding ceremony at a former student’s request, and do spoken word wherever there’s a mic. Currently, I’m finishing my 2nd book and my publisher’s belief in me inspires me more than anything else. His encouragement motivates me to stretch my limits and write into as many topics as I can.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring poets, authors, or fellow writers in the community?
READ. Great writing comes from strong influences and rich imaginations. Definitely be open to acknowledge other writers by incorporating their ideas, their structures, their hearts. Sharing their craft and honoring their words forward their legacy. Also, listen closely. People say and do amazing things that get lost in busy days or distractions. Sometimes just a quick interchange or unexpected expression inspires me. Record what you hear, see, feel, or read so as to not lose it. Finally, write every day, even for a few minutes! It’s like going to the gym. Muscles emerge over time.
Q: What are you currently reading? AND What book(s) would you recommend to others right now?
I’m currently reading and highly recommend Yellowface (2023) by R.F. Kuang. It’s clever, witty, and ingenious.
Q: What was the last movie or TV show you watched or recommend others see in the community?
The Bear is a must-see for its writing, acting, and authenticity. I worked in and around restaurants since I was young, so the realism is not lost on me. The characters are both flawed and perfect in numerous ways which makes it rich and real. I highly recommend it!
Q: Which poets, artists, or writers inspire you?
Poets: Shakespeare, John Donne, John Keats, Walt Whitman, Lucille Clifton, Maya Angelou, June Jordan, Ada Limón, Dante Di Stefano, Tiana Clark, Le Hinton, Joseph Ross, Sarah Ann Winn, Joan Kwon Glass, Brandon Leake, Rudy Francisco, and Sarah Kay
Artists: Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Keisha Finnie, and Taylor Gartner
Writers: Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, August Wilson, Sarah Ruhl, Khaled Hosseini, Margaret Atwood, James McBride, Toni Morrison, Amy Tan, and Alice Walker
Q: If you had the opportunity to portray any book character in the world and star in a movie adaptation of their life's story or another in a film who would you choose?
Addie in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020) by V.E. Schwab.
Q: What's one of your favorite poems in existence?
“The Last Time” by Joan Kwon Glass.
RIMON - Flowers
To Check Out More of Dana Kinsey’s Work
Circle back to some of her work mentioned and linked throughout this Q&A.
Please Def Follow:
@dana.kinsey
on Instagram
Website: http://wordsbydk.com
Any other thoughts, comments, or shares after reading the interview?
[Interview Processed By VFORROW]
Thank you so much, Dana Kinsey, for sharing and submitting to Dipity Lit Mag! ~ Jazz Marie Kaur (Vevna Forrow).
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