Location: South Orange, New Jersey
Education: B.S. in Advertising and Public Policy from Syracuse University,
MFA in Creative Writing from The Vermont College of Fine Arts
The Writer
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing seriously since 9/11. I lived in New York and felt helpless during that time. Writing was my only comfort. At the same time, I was working in advertising and writing radio commercials for Courvoisier Cognac that turned out to be spoken word poetry. I didn’t even know what spoken word was at the time. But that’s how it began. My spoken word phase is long over and now it’s all about the page, but I still love to read my work.
Do you see writing as a career?
I hate to admit this, but I can’t see anything that I don’t get paid for as a career. Too many years in corporate America jaded me. Writing poetry for me straddles the fine line between passion and obsession.
What is your ultimate goal as a writer?
As a mother of young children, it’s hard to have an ultimate writing goal when you’re simply trying to find an hour here and there to write. But sure, I’d love a bunch of books and a cushy Writer-in-Residence position. A girl can dream, right?
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
To recognize that my poetry has value. I write so much in isolation, with periods of no validation, it’s easy to look out the window and think, “What am I doing?”
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
My poem “Gardening the Forest,” is about an old man in Switzerland who scouts out trees for Stradivarius violins.
Is there a main theme or message in “Gardening the Forest?”
I would say the theme is the beauty and meticulousness of old-world craftsmanship versus our modern, fast-paced world and how they still co-exist, thankfully.
What inspired this piece?
The poem was inspired by an article about this man that was read during my chamber music rehearsal. I could not get his story out of my head. I thought it was so fascinating, I had to write about him and this process.
How long did it take you to complete “Gardening the Forest?”
The first draft came quickly, but I revised it for a year.
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
I’m currently revising and sending out my chapbook, What Can’t Be Learned from Cadavers.
What inspired this work?
Basically, after 10 years I realized my full-length collection wasn’t ready. Like many first books, I had a lot of disparate voices vying for attention. I took some of my favorite poems that fit together and compiled a chapbook.
The Methods
Where do you write?
I usually revise work in my cozy attic office at home, but often poem ideas and first drafts come when I’m lying in bed, so I just grab my journal and write. Random lines or first lines seem to come when I’m out and about, so I always have a little notebook in my bag to scribble into.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?
For me, traditional all the way. If someone is anxious to get something out there or has a niche genre, then more power to them. But I need that vote of editorial confidence and I think many readers do, too.
What are your thoughts on writing at a computer vs. writing longhand?
Unless I’m writing from a prompt, it’s always pen to paper. I feel like once I’m at the computer I don’t take as many risks creatively. I reread the poem and try to “fix it.” I also like misreading my handwriting and going to more interesting places.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
Oh, it’s such a happy day! I dance around, text my husband, try to explain to a 3 and 5-year-old why Mommy is so excited all of a sudden.
What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer?
I had this week recently where I decided I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. I really took the mantra on and that took the pressure off and I was writing for the sheer joy of it, and painting! How to get that back? Who knows. But here’s the real advice—Share your work with a few trusted friends to get feedback on a regular basis. I exchange poems on the full moon with three of my grad school friends. We’ve been doing it for almost 10 years. I don’t know if I would still be writing if it weren’t for my moon ladies.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
“A Year with Rumi” by translated by Coleman Barks (daily poems that serve as meditations and mantras from my favorite poet.)
What is your favorite word?
Caramel
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Drew Barrymore.
What’s in that cup on your desk?
Lemon water.
What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
This is cliché, but my firstborn’s shriveled up apple face when he emerged into the world.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Caramel
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
The Stones
Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams?
Tennessee Williams-blasphemy!
Additional Reading on Marcia
Personal website/blog: www.marcialebeau.com
Such an inspiring interview–reading this is a great way for a poet to start the weekend!
Your interview shows what passion and hard work can yield. Congratulations!
I love this. This poet has such a wonderful outlook that is both optimistic AND realistic.
I have been reading Marcia’s poetry for years. The dedication to her art continues to pay off. “Gardening the Forest” is by far one of her best yet. What an inspiring poet!