Poet Interview: Michellan Sarile-Alagao
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Poet Interview: Michellan Sarile-Alagao
About Michellan Sarile-Alagao
Michellan Sarile-Alagao is an editor, writer, wife, and mother. Her poems have appeared in international venues such as harana poetry and KHÔRA, and have been published in national and international poetry anthologies.
She was a poetry fellow at the international Roots. Wounds. Words Annual Writers’ Retreat for BIPOC writers, the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and the IYAS La Salle National Writers Workshop.
She has a BSc. in Criminology and Psychology from the London Metropolitan University and an MFA in Creative Writing from DLSU-Manila. She also writes children’s picture books, personal essays, and the occasional short story.
Michellan Sarile-Alagao
Mich is an editor and writer of poems and children’s books whose diverse works have been published in national and international publications.
Q & A with Michellan Sarile-Alagao
1. What inspired you to start writing poetry?
Truthfully, I didn’t have a clear idea of why I wanted to write, and to write poetry in particular, when I first started. There was just something, a nudge and a prodding, to strain my ears and try to hear e.e. cumming’s one bird “sing terribly afar in the lost lands.”
2. Where do you usually find inspiration for your poems?
Everywhere. Everyday moments, things I read or experience, a show or movie I saw, a conversation with someone. I believe you can make poetry out of anything.
3. What themes or feelings do you often explore in your works?
I often explore memory, womanhood, spirituality, mental health, grief, and loss. Those are the themes and feelings that I’m intentional with, or aware of, at least. But I’m sure there are other themes and feelings that come out often that I might not be fully aware of. Writing is like that, sometimes.
4. Describe your style in three words.
I guess the three words would be lyrical, fragmented, and spiritual. This question was really difficult to answer because three words will only give a partial description of my style, and I want to experiment with different ways of writing so my style could change from one collection to another.
5. What advice would you give to writers who want to try poetry?
Read a lot, and not just poetry! Read fiction and non-fiction as well. Read books you love and books you hate. Read for education and pleasure. Reading increases your vocabulary, and exposes you to new ideas and different writing styles. It will make your mind and your writing richer.
Connect with Michellan Sarile-Alagao and purchase her books here:
SOME OF MICHELLAN SARILE-ALAGAO’S BOOKS
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