Rowe Carenen
ORP: What inspired you to begin writing or creating? Has that source of inspiration changed throughout your life?
Rowe Carenen: When I was little, Doogie Howser, MD was prime television, and every episode ended with a voice-over journal entry. It hit me even then that sometimes the way to figure out what I thought or how I felt was to try to write about it. I think I was in fourth or fifth grade, and I wrote my first one on a word processor. I felt very cool. My first poem was a love song to the boy from summer camp who kissed me in front of a bonfire. And I just haven't stopped. I still surprise myself when I start writing about an image or a moment, and it turns into something else entirely.
ORP: What does success as a writer or artist mean to you?
RC: That someone felt seen through my words. That someone is reminded that they are not alone, even if we never meet.
ORP: What does vulnerability mean to you as an artist and/or writer?
RC: For me, it means not hiding behind words and form, but allowing myself to be fully exposed by them.
ORP: What books have you read many times?
RC: The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
ORP: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing or creating? What advice would you give to another writer or artist?
RC: Penny Niven was my mentor and friend, and when I was a student in her class, I told her that I wanted to grow up to be just like her. She graciously smiled and said, "Thank you, but wouldn't it be better to grow up and be yourself?" She was the first to teach me how to cultivate my own voice, rather than trying to mimic others.
