what is your name?
Diana May-Waldman
how would you describe what you do?
I’m a Poet, and a women’s and children’s advocate. I’d like to believe that I am a World Warrior, using my words to change the world with the hope that we can all return to the simple concept of Peace & Love. A brother and sisterhood, all looking out for one another.
what are you currently working on?
I currently write weekly for WorldWideHippies and I’m working on my second book of poetry. I am also the Poetry Editor for Blue Lake Review.
what has had the greatest influence on your work?
My father was a poet. He’d grab a bottle of Scotch, paper and pen and go down into the basement. Before the night was over he would have scribbled ten or twenty poems, before slitting his wrists.
I’ve been influenced by several women writers. I recall reading the book, “The Women’s Room,” by Marilyn French and being blown away with the realization that it was okay for a woman to say what she was thinking. Of course, I am a Sylvia Plath junkie, as well as being addicted to Anne Sexton, Shirley Jackson, Rita Dove, Diane DiPrima, Lyn Lifshin, Marianne Moore, Jill Battson and Anais Nin.
what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
I think that some people might see me as a “dirty” hippie, radical feminist. I shave my legs, paint my toe nails, and love the color pink. I just detest stereotypes and censorship and have no problem speaking up and out when I feel the need to do so.
what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
I think being a writer/poet allows us the freedom to put it out there for others to read. Writers are able to make a strong impact in the way people think. To make changes and to help people.
I think the weaknesses lie within the bestsellers list. There is so much mainstream writing, that a lot of really great writers get overlooked. The newer flash fiction stuff kind of irks me. It’s like the microwave version of writing. Pop it in and serve it up. It lacks flavor.
how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
The Internet has been a great tool for writers. It has allowed us to connect and network and discover writers we might not have known existed.
what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
Probably the same thing that I have always told my children. Don’t use the word “hate.” Don’t hit people. Don’t tattle unless unless it’s danger and never judge anyone else, because you have no idea what they are carrying in their heart. We are all just trying to make our way.
where can we find you online?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1344979786
https://sites.google.com/site/essaysbydianamaywaldman/
http://mitchwaldman.homestead.com/AWomansSong.html
what are you reading at the moment?
Helping Her Get Free, A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women, by Susan Brewster.
what are you listening to at the moment?
The hum of the refrigerator, the clanking of coins in the dryer, and the morning laughter of children getting on the school bus.
anything else we should know?
I wear a size 6 shoe. : )