What’s the purpose of poetry anyway? In these troubling times of ecological challenge, political vitriol, and social unrest, it’s easy to wonder about the value of the arts in all forms. But for Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge, the answer is simple. Poetry isn’t merely a distraction from the world, it’s a necessary element of surviving in it. She sees herself as living between the worlds, the one our bodies inhabit and the one from where poems come. She’s dedicated much of her adult life to inviting others to join her in a world of words, taking poetry out of its rooms in high towers and making it accessible to anyone.
Susan’s book, Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words (now in its 30th Crown/Random House printing) was number 7 on a Penguin Random list of the best books on writing. Anne Lamott wrote, “This is a wonderful book—smart, wide-eyed, joyful, helpful, inspiring. You’re going to love it, and love writing poetry more for having read it.”
Susan has held workshops on journals, creative writing and collage with thousands of adults and children and has worked in over 80 rural libraries in sessions sponsored by Poets & Writers Org. Susan has a chapbook of poems, Bathing with Ants, and a book on creativity and collage, Foolsgold: Making Something from Nothing and Freeing Your Creative Process (Crown).
Social Media Links:
- Website: www.susanwooldridge.com
- Instagram: Susan.Wooldridge
- Twitter: SusanWooldridge
- Facebook: Susan Wooldridge
Congratulations to both of you for really being able to let us See you, even though you are not images on a screen. I feel Susan’s sprit unfinished after all the events of the past decades. And Poemcrazy is better than ever. Thank you for having this great conversation, and for sharing it.
Thanks so much, Dan. I loved having this conversation with Susan and so happy you enjoyed it too. She is a wonder, to be sure.
Betsy, I so enjoyed your conversation with Susan. I love to hear the back stories to see how people get to where they are now from where they where then.
I’m so touched that you listen in. We share a fascination for backstory. I find it amazing to learn what people have endured to arrive where they are. It’s such a testament to human resiliency and to their determination as well.
This is wonderful! Thank you so much! I love Susan! She’s been my (online) friend for several years, and more recently my poetry mentor! I’ve read poemcrazy sooo many times! What an inspiration! Thank you both!!!
Absolutely wonderful! I found, and your book “Poemcrazy” in a charity shop in Llanelli, South Wales, UK a few data ago. I’m a 71 year young guy and I can’t say that I’ve ever been really into poetry. But your writing and poetry is most alluring “Alive”! I’m even finding my dreams are now incorporating and featuring what I can only now call “brand new” view of the magic of words and life. Moreover, as if the former is not sufficient, I’m also finding myself using what I would call “double wording.” In other words, marvellous metaphoric musical Life! I’ve already introduced your book to a truly wonderful friend. My sherbet Shraddha is about to explode…Big Huge thanks to you. And I also just love your chat with Betsy Fasbinder. I’ve really found two wonder sisters. With my love and deepest apprection. With raspberry delight and sugarplum respect. Raymonde J. Harries