We spoke to the poet Anna Banasiak.
Anna Banasiak is a poet and occupational therapist. She is the winner of many poetry competitions. Her poems have been published in New York, London, Australia, Canada, India, Africa, Japan, China, Cuba and Israel.
Why do you write poetry?
I write poetry to express the beauty of the world, to paint with words happiness and suffering, to communicate with the world and others and to better understand human nature. As I wrote in my poem Poetry
thoughtfully/slowly/I grow up to myself/I distort time with words/stopped in the land of my childhood.
Every poem is a different amazing adventure, and an everlasting process full of magic and emotions. I’m inspired by people, their histories, worlds, nature, and works of art.
You write in English and Polish. Tell us about the translation process of the book Lull me Lull.
It’s been a fascinating process. This book is very personal so it was not difficult to express emotions in a different language. I collaborated with Italian editor Fabrizio Frosini.
Tell us about the Duet series where you have collaborated with multiple authors from different parts of the world. What tips do you have for author collaborations?
I belong to the Japan Universal Poets Association. It’s full of wonderful and talented writers and it’s a great honor to work with them. English-Japanese duet series are edited by poet and translator Mariko Sumikura. The editions are beautiful and unique. It’s very important to read and listen carefully and constantly work on your style and poetic imagination.
Your favorite poet/poetry book?
From my childhood, it was Wisława Szymborska, Czesław Miłosz, Halina Poświatowska, Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda, William Collins, Edward Hirsch and Nelly Sachs. My favorite poetry book is Nothing Twice: Selected poems.
Tell us about self-publishing journey. What has your experience with Pothi.com been like?
It was a pleasure to work with Pothi.com, I recommend this wonderful platform to every author. They are very helpful.
Tell us about your latest eBook and what other poetry books you have in the works.
My latest poetry book Daddy is dedicated to Father, it’s a kind of moving tribute to every father, full of love and good memories and a fantasy book called Tales from the Land of Wasps about the Kingdom of Imagination and taming our fears. I have many writing plans.
I have many writing plans-Cuba Libro, a poetry book about love, The Wizard Comb, poems for children, etc.
Thanks for sharing your writing story with us Anna!