We were lucky to catch up with R. M. S. Thornton recently and have shared our conversation below.

R. M. S. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I worked on was my latest poetry book, Poet Without a Cause. I released it in 2020 along with a new edition at the end of 2021.

It was an interesting time because COVID was still in full swing and it truly felt like the world was imploding. So, I flung myself full throttle into my work, eventually releasing what I believe is the best composition of works I’ve ever released.

People generally have this idea of poetry that it needs to be deep, serious and meaningful. Sometimes, sure, this is the case. But my prose are a bit more flavorful and usually espouse comedic element. From a poem about titled “Impeach Me, Baby: A Trump/Pelosi Love Poem” to a Christmas poem about a fictional scenario where O. J. Simpson and I save Christmas, I’ve found an undoubtedly unique niche.

I hope that my success continues, for this is truly something I love doing.

R. M. S. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Believe it or not, writing is not my primary career. I’m actually an attorney. I attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, becoming a member of the Arizona State Bar in 2016.

I got into poetry after law school. I’d always wanted to be a right, and post graduation, I work a few fictional works. I then had a friend ask me to write her a poem. I did and fell head-over-heels for the craft. I’ve been doing it ever since.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This is going to be a bizarre answer, but the best thing society can do is continue to be chaotic and unpredictable. When things become too certain, that’s when I feel creative malaise sets in. Art and creative works are a reflection of its time, whether the artist or author knows it or not. It’s this inspiration that fuels the creative regions of our minds.

I’m not trying to sound like the Joker here and beg for continued disorder and upheaval. However, there does need to be some heathy balance between a well-order society and the relentless angst that often boils beneath the surface. Such outlets to release these disconcerting feelings are needed now more than ever, else they lead to destructive impulses.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people read your works and watch as they genuinely enjoy them. More than anything, that’s what I love most.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://rmsthornton.blogspot.com/
• Instagram: @rmsthornton
• Twitter: @rmsthornton
• Yelp: @rmsthornton