Public Eye
Interview with Celia Hope the Poetry Peddler
HCAC: When were you first introduced to Poetry?
Probably as a child. I loved books and reading particularly rhyme. AA Milne was a favourite. I’ve also always enjoyed writing and wrote some poems at high school but then didn’t write any until my first marriage broke up.
HCAC: What drew you to become involved with?
I moved on from writing poems to get over the break up to explore other ideas. I lived in Ontario, Canada for 5 years and joined a poetry group there for a short time so when I came back here I was keen to find something similar. After doing a weekend Continuing Education poetry workshop,, other participants and I decided to start a group (Poets Alive). By default I became the coordinator but a few months ago I stepped down and now we take turns at facilitating our meetings.
HCAC: What are some of the Poetry events you are involved with/have previously been involved with?
Currently organising events for National Poetry Day this Friday 30th July, especially the celebrity Phantom Poetry Poster reading and the open mic event. I organised the open mic at the Hamilton Gardens Festival in February this year and a Poetry Party in Garden Place last July on the day after National Poetry Day. I have also helped HCAC organise a couple of open mic nights and read some of my poetry at an evening event for National Poetry Day in 2005.
HCAC: How did you get the name The Poetry Peddler?
I cycle wherever I can and many of my poems come into my head when I am out cycling. I cycled across Canada with a group of 24 people in 1997, one of whom is now my husband Tim. Several of my poems were inspired by this too! Then last year when I was organising the Poetry Party I coined up the name when I was “selling the idea” or encouraging people to participate in the event.
HCAC: What drives or inspires you to write poetry?
See question above. Also in response to things/ issues I feel passionate about.
HCAC: Who is your favourite Poet or idol and why are they your favourite?
I don’t really have a favourite but I really enjoy Billy Collins (humour and images), and Norman McCaig (the weaving of words and images). I need to read more though and more widely.
HCAC: Do you have any advice for people wanting to write their own poetry?
Read and listen to poetry but also just get on and write. Finding someone to read your work to is important especially if they can give positive critique.
HCAC: What do you do when you are not involved in Poetry events? Tell us a little bit about yourself, what are your hobbies and interests?
I started my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher (and especially enjoyed the language side of it) but now teach ESOL Literacy to Refugee and Migrant women for Wintec’s Centre of Languages. Although just 3 days per week, I spend a lot more time than this preparing work, on relationships with the women and their families and as an advocate for them. I am also involved in producing readers for new learners of English with English Language Partners Waikato and recently our team had our first 7 readers published. I wrote and took the photographs for 2 of these. Photography is another interest as is cycling, walking (also a member of Living Streets Hamilton) and gardening. We have a gully and I have spent many hours clearing the weeds and replanting eco-sourced native plants. Actually I have so many interests that I don’t have time for them all and struggle to let some go!!
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