Teachers & Writers Collaborative
December 2008
Alisa Malinovich is a poet, writer, and educator living in New York City. Her work has recently appeared in Oxford Magazine.
What is the most essential part of a story or poem that makes it worth writing?
The transmission of human connection and experience. The way words can touch something more than themselves.
How much do you revise?
I generally revise a lot when I write poetry.
How do you “practice” your craft?
I like to read poetry aloud.
In your work, are you more interested in the language or the message?
In my life’s work, I’m more interested in messages than in language, and poetry is most important to me, in a broad sense, as a vehicle for communication. When I work on my own poems, however, language is very important to me. I strive to honor my own particular gift for using language in a beautiful and exciting way.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Sometimes writing a poem is like solving a riddle or cracking a nut. I like that moment when I finally crack the nut.
What book have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
It was sort of poppy… THE DOUBLE BIND by Chris Bohajalian.
Are there any aspects of writing that you feel can’t be taught?
I almost feel that everything about writing can and cannot be taught.
How does teaching influence your work as a writer?
Teaching, for me, is part of my work as a writer. Teaching lets writing be what I want it to be—a tool for community and expression in a way that is non-competitive and heart-based. Teaching helps me stay honest and connected, and helps me bring my heart to my own work.
What’s your favorite in-class writing prompt?
I like finding and inventing new ones to keep things fresh. Dream poems are a favorite.
How do you create lessons to appeal to as many students as possible?
One rule is that I always do the exercise myself first. If I don’t enjoy doing it, why should they?
How much of yourself—your personal interests, your approach to writing—do you share in a classroom?
Quite a lot, and at the same time, I maintain boundaries.
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