Catamitebastard has done me the honor of allowing me to interview him. The sweet man gave me more than I asked for, as I believe he does anyone who asks for help. Here he answers Verbal Remedy's insightful interview questions as well as bunch of other things I felt like asking him. Like the food bank visitors, I got a feast. Enjoy!

What is your favorite post on your own blog? What prompted you to write it? What did you learn from the comments others posted on that blog?

The Sea of Green Beans And Corn Series. I wanted people to understand basic need, but to also understand volunteerism as an alternative to despair. There is no greater reward in our lives than a ‘now’ where we serve.

What do you admire about the writing of others on OS? What particular blog would you recommend that others read? Can you quote a paragraph or so and explain what you like about it?

This one is easy. Verbal Remedy has the most incredible sense of language here. And TIME. She’s incredible.

I’ll forgo a menu (but it would include roast duck). I’d I invite Odette, JanieSmithie, CCC, Verb, Deven, and Dakini. If one of them couldn’t make it, Lonnie, ‘cause he’s got a really nice ass to look at.

What famous non-OS writers influence your writing? Who do you read and what do you like about their writing?

Sigrid Unset. She cuts no corners.

What would you like others to know about you as a writer or person that you feel has not been adequately presented through your previous blogs?

That I’m OK, and that as tough as it is considering my load (I’ll be a camel, and not call it burden), I’m essentially fine.

Can you provide a photo of the space in your house where you do your writing or of areas around your home that inspire your writing?

No. I am a photo-Vampire.

What one thing causes you hesitation in writing on the OS?

Many times, I hesitate to comment upon posts regarding strictly feminine issues because I’m a male. As a member of Radical Women and an (adult) life-time member of NOW, I often feel that while I ‘get’ the issue discussed, I have little right to the discussion. But then I sometimes get that feeling when it’s a ‘guy thing’ about men’s issues where a queer perspective is not welcome.

What one piece of advice would you give to a new writer on the OS?

Be honest right now. This will result in poetry or prose that soars if you’ve really got chops.

How do you choose what to write about?

The moment. Write now. And if you can’t, write as if you are then.

I’m happy with my published works. But if I had to point to ONE thing I wished I’d penned, it’d be Anne Sexton’s "In Praise of My Uterus". There is no better verse on this planet.

What are your goals as a writer?

I want my Pulitzer. I also want that Oregon Book Prize that I lost to that complete HACK.

What the first thing you wrote? How old were you? How did people react?

I wrote poetry (metered – ugh!) at six. My teachers and parents loved it. Looking back, I sucked.

Who do you write for?

Depends what I write. If it’s about Mom, I just have to get it out. If it’s about hunger or critters, it’s because I want readers to pause and think. If I’m writing verse (little now), it’s because I want the universe to stop a moment and look at blood.

As for inspiration, see above. Trigger? My mother’s father taught me to read so young that I was reading at a high-school level at four. I have never not needed to write, nor have I ever not written since then. Grade school teachers REALLY hated me…but especially over the math thing. They couldn’t understand me asking ‘why’ 1+1 = 2 instead of 8 or 6 or 362.

What does your craft consist of? How do you make it good? How do you know when it's good?

I am, at heart, a poet who has lost his way. With prose here on OS, I simply try to make it salient. I don’t think I ever know that any of it is ‘good’, but if I’m satisfied I’ve done my best, I hit publish.

Did you grow up in a dysfunctional or nutty family? Does that find its way into your writing?

I was the most loved child ever, by two lovable parents, and raised in the most bucolic possible setting. We didn’t know we were poor, because sometimes the sun shone, and wasn’t that NICE? And they’d keep us kids out of school to go camping, and sometimes in winter we’d take all the pans out of the cupboard and bang them with wooden spoons just for the pure joyful noise of it. Then we’d go out and freeze doing the farm’s chores and come back to cookies or pies. Or the floods would come and we’d move upstairs. And we didn’t know anything else, and my childhood was a precious thing. I grew up on a small island in a river. It doesn’t get any better than that. Every pollywog had a name and grew up to be something which sang on summer nights.

I am THE lone wolf. I don’t need others at all. And that’s a lie. I only continue to live while others need me. As long as someone needs me, I’ll stick around. Then I’m done.

If you won an award for something (make up any award--most soulful eyes, best omelette, best dressed) what award would it be?

I.Make.The.Best.Crab.Cakes.EVER!

I’d kill child molesters. Horridly, slowly, efficiently and with great cruelty. No judge, no jury, no ‘circumstances’.

Read my post, "Lord, I miss Daniel."

(not minute goes by…)

Who or what can't you write about? Hints are ok.

I can’t imagine...a single thing I couldn’t write about except for things for which I have no information.

I am the least sensual person I have ever known. This is a lie. I was sensual. I have forsaken sensuality. I am the most intellectual person I have ever known. This is a lie. I have a tendency to confuse intellectualism with curiosity. I am curious about everything. When I look at stars, I want to know their weight and composition. When I see a blade of grass, I am reminded of the biology of photosynthesis. This is trivia...

Have you discovered any good tricks to help the muse? Any advice for the novice?

The Muse is a complete bitch, with all her unexplained and unannounced trips abroad.

The page will become less white when you place something darker upon it.