Mark is an award-winning poet, author, podcaster and host of The 21st Century Creative, as well as a coach for creative professionals. He is also someone I’ve had the pleasure of calling a colleague and friend for nearly a decade. When Mark told me about his latest project, a new podcast titled A Mouthful of Air, I knew I had to bring him on DIY MFA Radio to talk about it.

The podcast centers around poetry, and episodes alternate in focus between contemporary works and the classics. For episodes featuring contemporary poets, Mark invites them to read a single poem and talk about the writing process behind it. In other episodes, he reads classic poems and talks about what we can learn from them as writers.

This is an awesome podcast, and one that writers of all genres can learn from and enjoy. A Mouthful of Air has been awarded funding for the first 2 years of the show by Arts Council England, and I can’t wait to see where it goes!

In this episode Mark McGuinness and I discuss:

• What effects a good poem can have on the reader that transcend academic understanding.
• What method poetry is and the writing processes of contemporary poets.
• How reading poetry out loud—even just to yourself—enhances the experience.

Plus, his #1 tip for writers.

About Mark McGuinness

Mark McGuinness is an award-winning poet based in Bristol, UK. He has just launched a new podcast, A Mouthful of Air, where he invites contemporary poets to read a single poem and talk about the writing process behind it. He also reads classic poems and talks about what we can learn from them as writers. A Mouthful of Air has been awarded funding for the first 2 years of the show by Arts Council England.

Outside of poetry, Mark has been a coach for creative professionals since 1996 and he has published 4 books of career guidance for creatives. He also hosts the popular podcast for creatives, The 21st Century Creative.

You can find Mark at his podcast, A Mouthful of Air, or follow the podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also follow Mark on Twitter.

Link to Episode 387

(Right-click to download.)

If you liked this episode…

Head over to iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Spotify, or Google and subscribe so you’ll be first to know when new episodes are available.

Also, remember that sharing is caring so if you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please tell them about it or leave us a review so other listeners will want to check it out.

Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome!

The post Episode 387: A Mouthful of Air: Poetry as a Spoken Artform – Interview with Mark McGuinness appeared first on DIY MFA.

I’m so excited to share with you today my conversation with Mark McGuinness. I first met Mark at the 99u conference in 2013. At the time, I had a young son at home and was struggling to balance being a first-time mom and also running DIY MFA. Mark gave me a litmus test, a mental image that helped me find balance while respecting both my family responsibilities and the work that I loved.

These days, I have the pleasure of counting Mark among my friends and creative colleagues and make a point of reading (actually devouring) every book he writes. It is my honor and privilege to welcome Mark at DIY MFA Radio. In this interview, he shares his wisdom and insights about motivation and creativity. Listen now because it’s going to be EPIC!

In this episode Mark and I discuss:

• Myths and misconceptions that creative people have about motivation.
• Strengths and challenges that creative people have.
• How motivation works.
• Being ready to capture inspiration when it hits.

Plus, Mark’s #1 tip for writers.

Tweet this.

About Mark McGuinness

Mark is a poet and coach for creative professionals. He’s based in London, UK, and coaches creative professionals worldwide via the magic of the internet.

He has also published a popular blog for creatives for the past 10 years, and has just finished his second book titled Motivation for Creative People.

Resilience: Facing Down Rejection and Criticism on the Road to Success
Motivation for Creative People: How to Stay Creative While Gaining Money, Fame, and Reputation
If you want to know more about Mark McGuinness and his amazing books, you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, or visit his website.

Link to Episode 69

(Right-click to download.)

If you liked this episode…

Head over to iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe so you’ll be first to know when new episodes are available. Also, if you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please share!

Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome.

The post Episode 69: Motivation for Writers – Interview with Mark McGuinness appeared first on DIY MFA.