Garry Gottfriedson is from Kamloops, BC. He is strongly rooted in his Secwepemc (Shuswap) cultural teachings. He holds a Masters of Arts Education Degree from Simon Fraser University. In 1987, the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado awarded a Creative Writing Scholarship to Gottfriedson for Masters of Fine Arts Creative Writing. There, he studied under Allen Ginsberg, Marianne Faithful and others. Gottfriedson has 10 published books. He has read from his work across Canada, United States, South America, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. Gottfriedson’s work unapologetically unveils the truth of Canada’s treatment of First Nations. His work has been anthologized and published nationally and internationally. Currently, he works at Thompson Rivers University.
1 - How did your first book change your life? How does your most recent work compare to your previous? How does it feel different?
The first book validated that my work had a place in Canadian literature. It gave me some hope that other Indigenous authors work would offer a place on the Canadian literary scene. I think my most recent work is much more toned down from my previous works. It feels differently because I think the more recent work feels more crafted in the art of writing.
2 - How did you come to poetry first, as opposed to, say, fiction or non-fiction?
I came to write poetry by being influenced by other Indigenous poets who had work published. And their work amazed me. When I first started writing, it was a struggle getting into the Canadian publishing world. Much has changed since then. Writing fiction or nonfiction calls for a totally different voice to write from. For me, writing free verse style of poetry comes naturally, and writing other genres is much more challenging for me.
3 - How long does it take to start any particular writing project? Does your writing initially come quickly, or is it a slow process? Do first drafts appear looking close to their final shape, or does your work come out of copious notes?
I continuously write, so one project bleeds into another. I seem to be a bit of a binge writer, too. I can write nonstop for several days, and then I start to edit the work and shape it. When I've gone through that process, I begin to write more, feeding off the poetry that has been written on that particular project. I also carry around a small notebook and write phrases of words that I might hear, and that line of phrase then becomes a poem later on.
4 - Where does a poem usually begin for you? Are you an author of short pieces that end up combining into a larger project, or are you working on a "book" from the very beginning?
A poem usually begins by hearing or thinking of a line or two and then it works itself into a poem. I just work with a continuation of poems. I don't think that I've premeditated a book of poetry. It just flows from one poem to the next.
5 - Are public readings part of or counter to your creative process? Are you the sort of writer who enjoys doing readings?
I enjoy doing readings. I think some poems are meant to be read, while others are meant to be heard out loud. I enjoy the conversations with the audience, because I get to hear their interpretations of the poetry and how they respond to them. For me writing and reading for an audience is an act of exchanging experiences and learning from cultural perspectives.
6 - Do you have any theoretical concerns behind your writing? What kinds of questions are you trying to answer with your work? What do you even think the current questions are?
I think all poets are concerned about current issues and how those issues affect society. I don't necessarily think about theoretical concerns but more of current issues that affect our society and I try to offer a poetic opinion of many of those issues, particularly those that affect Indigenous or people of colour in Canada. I think that in Canada, the current questions are related to the political and colonial coverups that Canada has hidden from Canadian citizens. The general public in Canada doesn't fully understand Truth and Reconciliation for example. And they are shocked to learn of the Canadian Government's policy towards Indigenous peoples in Canada.
7 – What do you see the current role of the writer being in larger culture? Do they even have one? What do you think the role of the writer should be?
I think the writer's role in a larger culture is to entertain and teach. And I think writers have a very important and significant role. Culture needs writers, artists, musicians and all other forms of art to be at the forefront of culture, otherwise our culture would be flat and boring.
8 - Do you find the process of working with an outside editor difficult or essential (or both)?
It depends on the experience of the editor. Some editors don't have enough insights into particular cultures to understand the intricacies of specific cultures, therefore, it becomes a struggle.
9 - What is the best piece of advice you've heard (not necessarily given to you directly)?
The best piece of advice I've heard was to never compromise your writer's voice.
10 - How easy has it been for you to move between genres (poetry to a book for children)? What do you see as the appeal?
Like I said above, each genre calls for a different skill set and a different thinking process. For me, it is difficult to maneuver between genres. The appeal is that you are writing for two different audiences, and sometimes I like that challenge.
11 - What kind of writing routine do you tend to keep, or do you even have one? How does a typical day (for you) begin?
I wake up early in the mornings and begin writing and editing. I don't write every day, but when I'm focussed on a writing project, I just go for it. Seldom do I write in the afternoons or evenings because my mind isn't as fresh as the day goes on. I am much more productive in the mornings.
12 - When your writing gets stalled, where do you turn or return for (for lack of a better word) inspiration?
I go for walks in nature. I love to 'people watch'. I hear a line from a song, or phrase spoken in a movie and then it sparks inspiration.
13 - What fragrance reminds you of home?
The scent of smudge always reminds me of home.
14 - David W. McFadden once said that books come from books, but are there any other forms that influence your work, whether nature, music, science or visual art?
The political atmosphere in Canada and globally are other forms that influence my work. Also, a part of the answers is listed above.
15 - What other writers or writings are important for your work, or simply your life outside of your work?
Writings from other Indigenous people or people of colour are important to me.
16 - What would you like to do that you haven't yet done?
I would like to write a novel at some point, and work on a screenplay.
17 - If you could pick any other occupation to attempt, what would it be? Or, alternately, what do you think you would have ended up doing had you not been a writer?
My whole life has centred around my career as an educator and rancher. There are many sides to me that interest me, writing is only one of them.
18 - What made you write, as opposed to doing something else?
Please refer to question 17.
19 - What was the last great book you read? What was the last great film?
The last great film was Bones of Crows by Marie Clements.
20 - What are you currently working on?
I'm working on a new book of poetry focussed on the discovery of the 215 unmarked graves found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.
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