The Storyteller's Scroll: Interview with Christy Critchfield

Friday, October 15, 2010

Interview with Christy Critchfield - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

Read at Your Own Risk is Christy Critchfield's poem. It's the last poem in the book, and so too, she is the last of our "Eyeball" poets to visit The Storyteller's Scroll.

Yeah Gayle! Thanks for this opportunity!

#1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection?

I have always been drawn to the humorous; therefore I am a big fan of William Shakesperry’s poems. I love Rise and Shine, and Ghost Fish. I also adore Debra Leith’s Winking Wot Warning and M. Sullivan’s The Giant’s Pocket. Then… I will read a poem such as Laura Wynkoop’s The Highland Train and I think to myself “Man, I wish I could write like that.” But, if I had to choose a fave it would be Shakesperry’s Haunted. I have read it so many times I can recite it from memory. My kids have all assured me that if they had known Greta Lynn, they would have been nice to her… thank goodness!

#2. Where did your inspiration come from for your particular poems?

I am not really sure where the inspiration for Mad Scientist or Read at Your Own Risk came from. I have five really goofy kids, so ideas come easily. As far as Monster in My Bathroom goes… inspiration came easily. This poem pretty much describes me on any given morning!

#3. How does feedback from the other poets affect your final decision?

I would say about 90% of the time I take into consideration what my group has to say and make corrections accordingly. Of the other 10% of the time (when I don’t listen to my group)… 90% of that time I will come to regret it. But… then there is that glorious 1% of time, when I completely ignore what the others have to say, and my poem is better for it… HA!

#4. How long have you been a rhymer?

My first words (just moments after exiting my mothers womb) were… “Dark inside… what a ride!”

Seriously though, I came across this poem recently that I wrote as a child. It appears I have always had a love for rhyme (and a slightly warped sense of humor).

My Body (by Christy age 9)

My nose is sort of overgrown.

My head is kind of shaped like a cone.

My hair is bright green.

My stomach is very lean.

My knees are hairy.

My face is scary.

My feet are stinky.

My hands are inky.

My eyes are blurry,

But don’t you worry –

Cuz I’ll be worse when I’m grown!

#5. Do you write varied forms of poetry for children?

My poetic brain only seems to work in rhyme. I love to play around with different forms and rhyme schemes, but if I attempt to lose the rhyme altogether it just feels weird and wrong somehow! (Besides... if I were a poem, I think I would be sad if I didn't rhyme.)

#6. How are you personally promoting your group’s debut book?

I have had a strong show of support from great friends. At last count I had over 80 of my own friends who are fans on Facebook’s Eyeball in My Garden fan page. “Thanks y’all… now if you are really my friends, you will go buy the book!”

Also… this year trick-or-treaters who come to my house will be getting a promotional “eyeball” bookmark. I figure I will probably hand out candy as well so no one tries to eat the bookmark.

#7. Do you plan to do any book signings? If so, where can fans find you?

I am an introvert, I prefer to keep to myself - so if you try to find me… you may find yourself face to face with my shiny new Shrinking Ray-Gun! (See Mad Scientist)

Actually... it seems that higher powers are attempting to trick me into doing a book reading at my local bookstore soon. If so, I promise to leave the Shrinking Ray-Gun home, but unfortunately I can’t guarantee you won’t leave the event as a toad! (See Read at Your Own Risk)