what is your name?
Sam Manty
how would you describe what you do?
I’m a poet and have written an urban fiction novel called Abundance Baby!
what are you currently working on?
I’m working on my second novel called Misverstand (Misunderstanding) which is a lot darker than my first novel. The focus is on relationships, people’s complexities, jealousy and ultimately murder.
what has had the greatest influence on your work?
The realisation that poetry does not have to be impossible to understand and overly complicated for it to be good and impactful.
what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
Ayn Rand said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch or free verse”. I beg to differ. I write free verse and consider it a legitimate art form.
what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
Free verse is exactly that – free. The freedom to express without being confined to structure. On the other hand, intellectual snobs would disagree with me.
how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
Technology has added vast dimensions to my work. My blog has enabled me to house my work in one place. I love the fact that other poets and writers can view my work and comment. The best thing about technology is the instant gratification. A new poem can burst out and take its place in cyberspace, open to whatever the world flings back.
what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
Don’t worry about the critics or the people out to eat you. Write for the joy. For the moments when you can disappear out of this world.
where can we find you online?
Visit my blog http://sammanty-poet.blogspot.com/
what are you reading at the moment?
The Paris Review. A series of interviews with famous playwrights.
what are you listening to at the moment?
An old Prince CD. He’s still the best guitarist in the business.