Featured Poet: Ell Miller
WE RECENTLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW ELL MILLER ABOUT HIS APPROACH TO POETRY.
Can you describe your creative process?
I try to spend a lot of time in nature, it’s very soothing and it's where I get most inspired. I tend to make a lot of notes throughout the day; a word, a phrase or a sequence of words that I find interesting. And then I will sit down and try to tie them together with a coherent concept. I do a lot of reading, I listen to a lot of music, and I try to meditate every day; so I’m constantly being bombarded with inspiration. Having said that, I’m a master procrastinator, so it takes work to convince myself to get things done sometimes!
What is your motivation for writing?
Ell Miller (poet)
Art and music were my first loves, so from an early age I had a deep infatuation and relationship with things that moved me. Language, too, has always fascinated me. Ever since I was a child, I have viewed words as a vibrant currency; and the eloquent person was always rich with wisdom in my eyes. So once I developed a grasp on how to use language as a creative tool, I ‘found my voice’ as it were. I have always been creative so I constantly need to have an outlet, whether it be creating art, writing music or of course writing poetry.
How did you become a Poet?
Along with art and music, literature blossomed into an obsession for me during late childhood. I began writing poetry at around the age of fourteen, as my developing infatuation with Jim Morrison led me away from his music and into his poetry. I was entranced by the eternal quality and peculiar beauty of Morrison’s work. I neglected the pen for a few years, as I was preoccupied with playing in bands and writing music, but when my attention was redirected to poetry, its power moved me profoundly.
Ell Miller (poet)
A particularly dark time in my life possessed me to begin writing again. I hadn’t yet discovered the work of poets and writers that I now cite as significant influences; such as Allen Ginsberg, Bukowski, Walt Whitman, Leonard Cohen, Jack Kerouac among countless others. I did, however, have an innate control of language and a burning creativity that just had to be exploited. After I started cultivating poems, I really wanted to share them; so I made an instagram profile and the response has been amazing. It means the world to me that people are enjoying my work, it gives me the motivation I need sometimes! So thank you to anybody that has taken the time to read a poem or two!
What do you think the role of technology should play in the future of poetry?
I think that technology is an incredible tool, especially as a creative. However, personally, I feel that it can take a little humanity away from the creative process; so due to that, I am very wary of how much I use technology when I’m in the creative zone. But of course, the notes app and my laptop are incredibly useful! Ultimately, you have to find what works best for you. Social media admittedly, despite my personal qualms, has been a fantastic conduit for my work and great exposure.
Has the coronavirus pandemic changed how you approach your craft?
It’s been an incredibly difficult time for everyone, and we are all vulnerable to loneliness; just as much as the virus itself. However, I’ve had much more time to dedicate to creating art, writing, devouring books, meditation etc. So, along with ample inspiration, that has made for a productive period for me.
What does literary success look like to you?
Success is a funny word, I try not to define it. I certainly have aspirations, such as having my own anthologies published with a wide readership. I guess I would like to sustain my everyday life with my craft; so a little money would be nice! But I don’t do it for reward, I just want to share my work; and maybe inspire someone to do the same along the way!
Where can readers read more of your work?
I am currently at work on my first anthology, that I aim to have published within the next year. Train River Poetry were kind enough to feature two of my poems in their summer 2020 anthology! Other than that, you can find my poetry on my website: www.ellmiller.com, on Instagram at @ellmillerpoetry, and I’m also on Facebook and on Twitter.
