: About Me

An Interview:

Madonna Wilt

Speaks About her Writing

Q: Why do you write?

A: I write to create, but, more than that, I write as a form of expression.

Q: So you write to express yourself? Can you explain a little?

A: Yes, it's easier for me to put feelings and thoughts into words when I write them down. Sometimes, I find it difficult to express my feelings in everyday speech. When I speak to people, I often find that the message must be tempered to match the audience. And, of course, with writing, I can go back and change things around. You know, sort of the pause, rewind, erase effect.

Q: Do you do that a lot, change things after you have written them?

A: Yes.  I find that it is easier to just write and let everything flow onto the page.  Later, I am able to go back and rewrite and edit to my heart's content.  But I try to ignore my censor during the initial writing.   I often find that the writing process uncovers some hidden connections that I never realized were there.

Q: How so?

A: After I've written something and I go back with the intention of editing out some, seemingly unnecessary passages, I realize that they really do belong. There's often an unintentional thread, certain objects, ideas and words, which tie together perfectly. It's weird, because I don't think that I could do this if I intentionally set out to create a thread.

Q: So it just comes naturally?

A: Yes, I think that it's one of those things, where you just have to trust your voice - really listen to what it wants to say. Writing is one of the few opportunities we get in life, where we can just be ourselves - if we allow it writing can be a very natural process. 

Q: Have you always been good at writing?

A: I like to think that writing is a natural talent.  Either you have it or you don't. Writing does take a require a lot of work and a tremendous level of dedication.  Again, it's a natural process, but there's always room for  refinement and improvement.  Writing is something that I really love - and I've had some great teachers along the way.

Q: Who has been most influential?

A: My father was a great influence. He encouraged me to read a lot and to expand my vocabulary. He also taught me to think and speak for myself. He praised my writing, but he also encouraged me to have a back-up plan. Another big influence has been Dr. Melody Ziff, my writing coach and mentor.  She has helped me to build my confidence and to refine my skills.  I have also had the great fortune of studying under Claudia Emerson.  She is a wonderful and patient teacher.  The depth of my poetry has grown substantially under her tutelage.  She has been a great resource in the areas of voice, form and meter. 

Q: What is the hardest thing for you about writing?

A: It is very intense. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the power of my own writing. It scares me sometimes, and I don't think that everyone understands it. It's a very personal thing. I try to express myself in a way that others can understand. They may not agree with me, but hopefully, they understand. I think that most people, today, have difficulty dealing with these kinds of intense feelings in themselves and others.

Q: What do you want others to take away from your writing?

A: Writing is a way for me to make it real. It's a release and a work of art. I hope that others can relate to the feelings, that they can find something of themselves, or at least something of the plight of humanity, in general, within my written words. Perhaps, some, like me, may even find release for those feelings. That is my hope.

My passion is ...

writing and art

I know too much about ...

cars

My parents always told me ...

write but have a back up career

My childhood ambition ...

to write and illustrate children's books

My favorite memory ...

spending summers at Lake Messalonski in Maine

Why I write ...

For me, writing is an art. I am always awed by the way that the words transform themselves when artfully woven.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Criminal Minds, Fringe

My first job ...

Bowling alley, I was 14

My best moment ...

My best moment was when I finally figured out how to parrallel park, without hitting anything!

My inspiration ...

My father always taught me to question everything. He made critical thinking an art form.

Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) Ice dam prevention: How to avoid roof damage

2 of 12

Following heavy winter snows, ice build-up on rooftops can lead to major roof damage.   Ice dams are formed when parts of the roof are at or below freezing, while others remain above the freezing mark.  An ice dam is a layer of ice that forms on the edges the roof.  It occurs when snow located on warmer portions of the roof, usually the highest point and the middle, begins to melt while the snow on the edge  remains at freezing. The melting snow runs down the roof, mixes with the ice, then refreezes a...

More..

• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Helium Charter Member