Yes, I do often write poems from the mind, but I hope I don't ignore feelings and emotions.

I'm not really quiet or shy. Ask any of my friends! But I always ground my poetry in life itself. Poetry is an art of language, though, so I am always aware of every word's meaning, or multiple meanings.

I remain loyal to Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert in music and to Shakespeare and Jane Austen in literature.

When everything is for 'fun' nothing is for the good.

There comes a time when you have to trust your own judgment, when you must close your eyes and let your instinct rule you.

Peter Lucas and I live in Durham but spend a great of time in North Wales, where we have a cottage in the mountains, and in Vermont, USA, with my sister - who is a children's writer married to a poet.

I think a poet, like a painter, should be a craftsperson.