LQ Magazine catches up with Deanna Jackson

 

 

From just 11 years old, Deanna Jackson, discovered her passion and talent. “I already loved poetry from a young age. It’s a way to free your emotions and let them out – it’s a way to express yourself,” Deanna recalls. 

 

After writing for the past four years, Deanna now has a vast amount of poems and experience in writing them. “I just seem to be good at poetry,” she explains.

 

Deanna writes a range of different genres. “My poetry is quite emotional, especially ones for my grandma who is no longer with us. I like writing them for my grandma and when I visit her grave, I write her a poem. I’ve also written a poem for the soldiers in the war. I’ve got one called ‘Remembrance Day.’”

 

“Recently, we did a school assembly so I wrote a poem about drugs and their effects, and I read it to the audience.”

 

The great response for her talent has been uplifting. “People’s encouragement makes me want to write even more. My English teacher, My mum, Michelle, and Sir Christopher Hatton Academy give me encouragement.”

 

It was an amazing experience when Deanna had her first poem published for the first time. “My nan sent my poem ‘The Sea’ into a magazine and it got published in the very next issue. Even more recently, my English teacher just entered me into ‘Foyles Young Poet of the Year 2013’ competition.”

 

“My favourite poem that I’ve written is ‘My Angel.’ It’s to my grandma and it’s personal to me.”

Deanna’s inspiration comes from other talented poets & writers. “My favourite poet is Carol Ann Duffy. She was the first woman to win the ‘Laureate Poet of the Year’ award. My favourite authors are Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl and Michael Morpugo.”

In the future, Deanna is looking forward to a career in Accounting, but writing will always be a part of her life. “I will always have poetry as a hobby and I’d love to have my work published as a successful writer.”

 

So what advice would Deanna give to aspiring young poets? “My advice is never give up on your dream and don’t give up just because you have writer’s block. Sometimes I’ll write a verse whilst I’ve got 5 minutes in town. Sounds inspire you. I get my ideas when I’m walking somewhere. Sounds conjure up different ideas.”

 

Read Deanna's poetry online at www.poetrysweetgeek.wordpress.com