We recently connected with Zane Frederick and have shared our conversation below.
Zane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
The first time I was exposed to poetry was in the fourth grade and it captivated me. I learned of its intricacies throughout my education but it didn’t really make an impact until high school. I was an angsty teen who found poetry as an outlet for all the big feelings that were had.
A crucial component of the learning process with poetry, is reading and writing. Read all kinds of poetry to help expose you to different genres, styles, and voices to help curate your own. Easier said than done, but you have to write a plethora of drafts and bad poems in order to crack through the ones that shine and show your true poetic voice. An essential skill is to be open to the learning process of practicing and absorbing. It can be a slow but steady journey that is so worth the work.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Zane Frederick and I’m a local poet and writer in Phoenix Arizona. I have published four poetry collections, both in traditional and self publishing. I’ve been in the industry now for about ten years. I’ve submitted numerous poems to online literary magazines, and connected with amazing writers and resources at community events such as slam poetry, and on social media.
It’s been a proud privilege to have published poetry books, and give my emotions a place to rest. To physically have a representation of my own emotional experience has done wonders in this never ending healing journey. Turning to poetry has guided me in ways I wouldn’t be able to maneuver solo. Through writing, I have learned more about myself, my emotions, others and the world around me. Almost always, it allows me to zoom out and look at the bigger picture of why we’re here and why we create.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
What really drives my passion in poetry is its subjectivity. I almost make it my mission to emphasize that aspect of writing and art in general. Yes, one may argue there are certain parameters and standards that makes a poem a poem, or a song a song, but I’m a firm believer in the sole expression of the artist is all that counts. You don’t need to write the most profound, universe altering poem, as long as it is honest, then it counts as a product of one’s emotions. The arts give humans so many outlets to express themselves and find which medium connects with them best. In a society centered around social media, we cannot let comparison steal our joy, especially in the making of art.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the human connection and community aspect being creative fosters. For centuries, art has literally connected people in ways that make others feel heard, seen, and validated in their experience. When we can’t find the language to articulate or communicate our feelings, it’s a blessing to turn to art and artists who have expressed it in a way that others connect with. It feels less isolating, less lonely, and more empowering for both parties. To know that this human experience is universal in ways that relates to the widest range of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zanefrederickwrites.wixsite.com/poem
- Instagram: @zanefrederickwrites
Image Credits
afternoon studios
thems phx