#TheWhiskeyShot: Poet Spotlight – Sue Finch

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Meet Sue Finch, a poet whose craft has blossomed in the rich soil of academia and community, nurturing a depth in her work that captivates and challenges. Her journey has unlocked a dark, visceral essence in her poetry, which she embraces with open arms. Finch’s approach to creation is both spontaneous and disciplined, ‘If I have a fleeting thought I like to put it on a blank page in my writing journal and then spend time with it.’ This process allows her to explore and expand upon these initial sparks, even though not every attempt blossoms into a poem. Such moments of seeming disappointment do not deter her; instead, they fuel her creation.

Inspiration for Finch often springs from the unexpected and whimsical, ‘I loved the way discovery was split over a line once in something I was reading and became disco very and I mixed that in with a dream I had about watching a pelican dance on the patio’. These sparks of creativity are further nurtured by vivid dreams and the rhythm of life, with writing sessions accompanied by the backdrop of Stress Test on Soho Radio or the profound works of poets like Caroline Bird and Elizabeth Bishop. Finch finds solace and ignition in workshops, coastal walks, and the arts, each experience weaves its way into her writing.

The sanctuary of Finch’s creativity is a modest desk in the corner of her lounge, a space where silence and solitude allow her thoughts to flow uninterrupted, ‘This lets me be in my head and get into the flow of thoughts.’ This sacred spot has witnessed the birth of many drafts, including sessions of undisturbed writing in the vast, quiet expanse of a church during a choir rehearsal—a testament to her ability to find inspiration in the most serene of environments.

Finch’s poetry is a testament to her belief in viewing the world from multiple perspectives, with all her senses engaged. This immersive approach has not only helped her discover her unique voice but also to own the narratives she weaves. Her collections, such as Magnifying Glass and Welcome to the Museum of a Life, stand as invitations into the rich, nuanced worlds she creates, reflecting a life deeply felt and meticulously observed.

‘you watched in wonder as she gathered honey in her hands’

Sue Finch, Holding the Humming of Bees

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