Interview by Esther Chen
Aja Moore’s first book of poetry hotwheel came out with Metatron Press this fall. I asked Aja about the poetic and publishing process, post-grad life, and where writing is taking her next.
When did you first start writing poetry? Do you remember the first poem you wrote? When did you first write something and thought “I can make something out of this”?
I don’t remember when I first started writing poetry, but I recently found some poems from elementary school I’d completely forgotten about. It wasn’t until maybe last summer that I felt like anything remotely valuable might come out of me.
What do you think caused that switch?
I think what changed my work was that I started to learn how to write with/from the body instead of against/despite it.
How has the past year been for you? How have things changed since you graduated (professionally, personally, socially, spiritually)?
This year has been generative and surprising. Things are changing for the better! I’m trying really hard to remember that—for me at least—the impetus to “finish” something, complete something, rush something —or even for something to be “good”—is often related to the compulsion to monetize joy. Which ultimately compromises the piece and me.
Your debut poetry book came out with Metatron recently. From your viewpoint, what was the publishing process like for hotwheel?
It was a fascinating experience for me. It was really fun and surreal—pretty unsettling too—to see your work crystalize into a book. Once something is published, it can feel very still (and poems are not, in my opinion, still.)
What is your relationship with the writing process/poetry?
I have been thinking of my practice lately as an attunement process through which I can get closer to and be more caring and thoughtful towards my surroundings—the environment, my community, my peers, friends. And myself.
When crafting your pieces, to what extent do you keep your reader in mind? Do you think about how your work will be received, or does that come later in revision?
I try to keep the reader in mind as often as possible. I think poetry is incredibly moving. It’s intoxicating and it induces trance. You have to be careful with that kind of power.
What do you think is next for you, writing-wise?
I’m working on a book-length poem (rip) and a novella. if anybody wants to get in on this, let me know!
Aja Moore is a Lunar Aquarian. Her first book of poetry hotwheel came out with Metatron Press t
Esther Chen writes and draws in Vancouver, BC. More of her work can be found on her website estherchen.tumblr.com.