Interview with John Kaniecki

Interview with John Kaniecki


What genre do you write and why?

I like to write poetry and fiction: horror, fantasy and science fiction. In my poetry I really express my heart and world views. In my fiction I just go wild. I primarily write for the enjoyment. Also I hope to make a living off of it soon.

Tell us about your latest book.

Poet to the Poor is my second poetry book. Poet to the Poor has my best poetry in it as it is my first full length book. About 40 of the poems had been previously published. It is a book that touches both the heart and the mind.

Who are your favourite authors?

As far as poetry goes, my favourite poet is Langston Hughes. He is consistent in his excellence. I also admire the way he addressed social issues. He could take the ordinary and make it extra ordinary. I also liked the way that he didn't have a strict format while still incorporating rhyme and rhythm. I admire Langston Hughes in addressing both social and political issues of great importance. It is very important to speak on the defining moments of our times. To anything else is in my opinion a sell out. I also admire T.S. Eliot a great deal. However his volume of work is very small and his outlook on life is just too depressing.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Read a great deal. That will not only help you with style but it will also give you a lot of ideas. A few poems in the book were motivated by reading something and then having an experience where I was compelled to write. I find writing both prose and fiction enhances my writing skills. Be prepared to take rejection, it will come no matter how much talent you possess. Write what you love and don't let anybody else define you. Never sell out, no matter what. I'm not saying you can't compromise but don't sell out.

What's the best thing about being a writer?

The best thing about writing is sharing the thoughts and ideas that I have. I am a man of ideals and try my best to live up to them. I want to change the world for the better and in my poetic communications I feel that in some small way I have done something positive.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?

http://johnkaniecki.weebly.com/   This is my website.

http://www.johnkaniecki.blogspot.com/  This is my blog.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=john+kaniecki     This is my Amazon page.

Or simply Google "John Kaniecki Poetry"

Why do you think readers are going to enjoy your book?

I think that people will find the poetry beautiful and thought provoking. Thought provoking to the point where it will become challenging.


How long did it take you to write your book?

This book was really written over a lifetime. As I said it incorporates my best poetry from over the years. I started writing poetry in earnest five years ago when both of my parents passed away. It served as an emotional outlet. You can see the passion in the poems.

Who inspires you?

Inspiration for the book comes from historical figures and people from my life. But in truth inspiration comes from just about anywhere. Poetry is an art that can make the mundane come to life. I am particularly inspired by revolutionaries. Brave people who stand up for what is right.

What is your work in progress? Tell us about it.

I have a book of my memoirs soon to come out. It is called 'More Than the Madness'. It deals with my early years in life. In particular it examines me as a person with bipolar disorder. It is a book of humanity. Also I have a horror book called 'Scarecrow Scarecrow' to be published by Fat Lip Press. Other than that I have five other books looking for a home. "I Should Have Been a Rock Star" is a science fiction book. "Fallon from the Farm" is fantasy. "Tremendous Tales of Tatakana" is a book about the development of a people. "Mareze's Mold" is a short science fiction book. "In the Mind of Maggoo" is horror. This is in addition to numerous short stories of various lengths.

What are you currently reading?

I am constantly reading and rereading the Bible. I am reading a horror book as well.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I volunteer as a missionary in the inner city of Newark at the Church of Christ at Chancellor Avenue. I also take care of my wife who is ill. I write late at night when my wife is sleeping, usually to be awakened early.



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