Written Author Interview
- What inspired you to write this book?
Warcrimes basically came pouring out after I wrote and self-published my first book Warcries. There were poems about my deployment to Iraq, my homecoming, and other observations and desires that didn’t make it to appear in the 1st book—they wouldn’t have “fit,” but still cried out to be seen and heard.
2. How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?
I chose the title Warcrimes after living with the fact that we as a country, as a society, demolished Iraq during the war and got away with it for 20 years or more. I think that through my work I was publicly admitting that by choosing to be present in Iraq in 2003 I was an accomplice to illegal, horrid atrocities, along with other soldiers and our government who ordered us there. Confessing those moral and ethical mishaps gave me some relief in my spirit, and it helped me combat the insanity of moral injury till this day.
3. Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?
My process is just working with the time I’m given. As a single-mother much of my time went to attending to the needs of my kid. So, I got into the habit of multi-tasking and dividing my attention. I practice those “maneuvers” still. LOL.
4. Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?
Outside of facing my own “demons,” no writing Warcrimes was smooth sailing, wink*.
5. How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?
I am nervous, enthralled at the same time.
6. Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
I wrote a poem and addressed it to Toni Morrison. She was a big inspiration to me.
7. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
That war is a beautiful Hell.
8. Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?
I went to Morrocco on a self-pilgrimage. I found Casablanca to be beautiful.
9. What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?
That I would be “seen,” as an artist and listen to.
10. Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?
Several plans for several projects.
Follow and Connect with GoodW.Y.N
About
Nicole Goodwin is the 2013-2014 Queer Art Mentorship Queer Art Literary Fellow, as well as the winner of The Fresh Fruit Festival’s 2013 Award for Performance Poetry. She is also the finalist for the Poet House 2013 Poet House Emerging Poets Fellowship Program. Recently, she published the articles “Talking with My Daughter…” and “Why is this Happening in Your Life…” (Personal essay/Review for award-winning documentary Tough Love) in the New York Times’ parentblog Motherlode. Additionally, her work ‘”Desert Flowers” was shortlisted and selected for performance by the Women’s Playwriting International Conference in Cape Town, South Africa
Social Media
FB Handle: Nicole Goodwin
IG Handle: @goodw.y.n9
Leave a comment