Jonathan Galassi

I think poetry was always where I went to deal with my deepest feelings.

I've always used poetry to explain myself to myself. These things just sat in my psyche and then came out.

I've always loved the poetry in 'Pale Fire.' I think it's wonderful.

Poetry is really about your mental state or intellectual, and where you are, and you're trying to evoke that, explain it to yourself, whatever, you're trying to dig into it, analyse yourself.

Be patient, work hard and consistently, have faith in your writing, and don't be afraid to listen to constructive criticism.