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Interview with Amanda Johnstone
Interviewed by LA Judge

This month I had the opportunity to speak with a lady that has graced us with her poetry for several years. Poet Charlotte Brown spoke with me about the way she crafts raw emotion into poetic gold. Using poetry as a means of expressing the emotional rawness in life, Charlotte has let us all in on the journey she calls life

LA.: Greetings Charlotte and welcome. I am glad we could finally coordinate schedules and meet in real time.

Charlotte: I am too

LA.: You have been a member of the VC Poetry list for a number of years and have shared some amazing work with us. Thank you. What is it that first brought you to the VC?

Charlotte: Hmm... I think that I was simply searching for stuff on the internet and stumbled upon the main site

LA.: Did you have an interest in vampirism or were you seeking something more of the creative darkside?

Charlotte: More of the creative dark side.

LA.: That is quite different than most that come here - it is usually the other way around. But quite cool.

Charlotte: Yes I know, but the vampiric aspect of the site attracted me a bit as well.

LA.: The VC Poetry list is one of the larger poetry e-lists on internet and you been active here for quite sometime. I love the way you craft words and story tell with your work. It has quite a polished feel. How long have you been writing?

Charlotte: Honestly, since I learned my ABC's. Writing has always been an outlet for me.

LA.: Lol - that is quite awhile then. What is it that you find so seductive about words as an outlet?

Charlotte: The simple fact that you can do anything with them that you want, they are completely submissive.

LA.: Humm submissive....some of your more outstanding works have been where the story you are conveying invokes a gut level emotion. Talk a bit about that if you would.

Charlotte: Well that 'gut level emotion' as you put it is what drives my work. Everything that I write comes form that subconscious part of my mind that feels the most pure emotion. If it's anger what I write will come out as pure rage, if it's sadness it will come out as total depression, etc.

LA.: That is quite an elegant and raw method of working. Is that something that you did naturally or did you have to learn to have that comfort level in opening yourself up so emotionally?

Charlotte: It's something that I did naturally. It started when I was younger; writing was the only way that I could truly and safely open myself up. And now, even though it is not my only way to open up, it's still one of the few ways that I do. Sometimes it even gets to the point that what I write simply flows out of me and I don't even think about it.

LA.: So it is more of an energy connection for you - from the emotion to the words. I take it there are times when you MUST write and others when you cannot even produce a single word. How do you deal with those two extremes?

Charlotte: Yes, that is exactly how it is. Sometimes I will write piece after piece for hours on end, and others there is nothing. It's very hard to deal with because sometimes I feel the need to write but when I sit down to do so I can't. At times, it sends me into a state of emotionlessness because without my words I have no way to let some things out so I become totally numb. It's an awful feeling.

LA.: I can relate - as a fellow artist - those dry periods are horrible to weather. You wonder if your creative muse will ever return. Your work over all has sort of a tragic noir undercurrent to it. Is that the way you approach the world or just what comes thru in your poetry?

Charlotte: It's just what comes out through my poetry. In person, I'm actually VERY happy. My happiness I think is due to the fact that I let out all of my negativity in what I write. If I'm having a bad day instead of letting it get me down I simply write about it and I'm instantly in a better mood.

LA.: That is a quite cool way of grounding that negative emotional energy. You are a young woman right now, do you see yourself continuing to work in that method for a number of years?

Charlotte: Yes I do. As I said it's been such a major part of my life that I really don't know if I could ever move away from it.

LA.: You have been writing for a number of years - how would you say that your work has changed and has the feedback and exposure that you have had here in the VC had any impact on your work?

Charlotte: My work has changed because my inspirations have changed. My work is influenced by my life, by EVERYTHING in my life. When I first started submitting to VC my work was that of a brooding young person trying to move past tragedies. Now I'm a young adult working out her life. The exposure that the VC has given has been great because it's made me less afraid to show my work to others. And also it's shown me not to be cocky, but that I have a talent.

LA.: That is quite a life change and very cool that your work is continuing to chronicle the changes in your life. It quite nice that you are using the VC poetry list as a way of helping your work to mature, we that read the poetry list definitely are enjoying your journey. Are there other places where we can read some of your works?

Charlotte: Well yes on my MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/art_is_war_fight But there is nothing on it yet. So I will be sure to inform you when I get it up and running.

LA.: Ooo that sounds cool - and I am sure your work will have quite a following. I know those of us here always look forward to your poetry. Are there any words of wisdom you would off to those just starting to write?

Charlotte: Follow your heart. Whatever you feel like putting to paper is what you need to. Don't let anything hinder your art. By doing that you will feel the most amazing freedom in your soul.

LA.: That is brilliant advice! Thank you so much for joining me here, it has been a real pleasure getting to know more about you.

Charlotte: No problem, I have really enjoyed this.

For Questions, please contact the VC Magazine Staff at VCMagazine_Staff@yahoogroups.com

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