If you follow the local spoken word/poetry scene, Sierra DeMulder doesn’t need much of an introduction.
If you don’t know much about the scene, this is a good time to check it out. DeMulder, who is a two-time Poetry Slam champion, tours internationally and is now releasing her fourth book, “TODAY MEANS AMEN.” The release show is Friday 2/6 at Honey.
DeMulder has also been great at organizing the local spoken word community with Button Poetry and many live events.
It was great to find out her process, and how she gets it all done while doing so much. If you’re an artist of any medium, her advice fits, as we all try to put ourselves out there.
Rift: What is your process for writing poetry?
Sierra: My writing process is half-emotional and half-clinical. I used to be incredibly driven to write by inspirations or my emotions. However, over the years, I learned how to just sit down and “clock in” to my writing. Once poetry became more than a hobby to me, poems still had to happen regardless of whether inspiration decided to show up or not. As for how I like to accomplish my work, I tend to write at home in my bed or office and preferably alone as I often write out loud. I’m heavily influenced by the way words sound when they are sewn together.
Rift: You told me that this new book is sort of a diary for your life and others around you. Were there times you thought you went too far and had to hold back, or is everything on the table?
Sierra: That’s a good question. I rarely censor myself in the actual poem but, instead, withhold certain pieces from publishing for the privacy of the parties involved. However, as selfish or potentially problematic as this may sound, the people closest to me in my life are kind of used to it. My father always jokes he doesn’t want to upset me because it will end up in a poem. I am incredibly mindful of using the stories and experiences of others, though. I don’t exploit the truth in my life–I’m just heavily inspired by it.
Rift: It looks like this is your fourth book published. Are there good and bad in self-publishing or having someone else publish it?
Sierra: Yes, Today Means Amen is my first published on a national press. My first two books were published by an independent press called Write Bloody. Publishing with them was a wonderful experience and helped project my work into the world, but Andrews McMeel (my current press) allows for greater distribution. Some people may think that self-publishing allows you greater autonomy and independence over your product. However, I had a great experience with my publisher. They allowed me to make the majority of the big decisions regarding this book.
Rift: It looks like you keep yourself pretty busy, Button Poetry, etc… Does that help, being more of a full-time artist and being in the craft full time.
Sierra: I am incredibly busy, and I like it that way. It is a privilege to be a full-time artist but, at the same time, it’s incredibly challenging to stay diligent and motivated. I’m lucky enough to truly love what I do and to have a sort of dual professional personality. One part of me is an artist and loves to create art and writing. The other part of me is an organizer who loves to create experiences. I find equal joy in writing a poem and publishing books as I do in organizing readings and running my summer poetry camp for high school students.
Rift: Is there another book in the process already and what are your upcoming plans.
Sierra: I’m working on my first children’s book! It’s an illustrated chapter book similar to the style of the legendary Roald Dahl. I can only hope the quality is comparable!
Rift: What’s your impression of the local literary and art community.
Sierra: I love the Twin Cities literary community. Without a doubt, it is what made me the writer I am today. There is so much diverse talent here, not to mention the insane amount of opportunity for artist betterment including from readings, classes, and grants. Many of my fellow peers and I owe a lot to local organizations like the Loft Literary Center, McKnight Foundation, MN Spoken Word Association, Truartspeaks, Intermedia Arts, and Springboard for the Arts.
Rift: I liked your A Confession In Three Parts on your Tumblr page. Is self-promotion one of the hardest things about being a writer, but necessary?
Sierra: Self-promotion is terribly hard! I think, in order to be an artist, some part of you much enjoy the work you create. However, societally (and often mentally) we are taught not to flaunt our pride or our accomplishments. That seems so backwards when you think about it. Shouldn’t we love what we do? Shouldn’t we be proud of ourselves? Also, promotion is crucial to being a professional artist! Opportunities aren’t going to find you unless you put yourself out there. And yet, we are supposed to be demure and humble about our work? It doesn’t make sense. I’m trying to create a culture that is more open to self-celebration. It has to be possible to be both humble and a hustler.
Rift: If you could give advice about anything at all, what would it be?
Sierra: I think my advice would tie into my previous answer. I believe all people tend to sell themselves short. We lessen ourselves because it feels more natural than actually believing in ourselves. I want us to divorce from that struggle–that urge to censor our joy or put ourselves second to other people’s comfort. One of the biggest crimes I’ve identified in both my past (and the lives of others) is molding myself to fit other people’s desires of me, whether that be emotional, professionally, physically, etc. I lost myself in them because no one told me I was enough of my own. So, I guess that’s what I’d like to say. You’re enough. Your story is important. Your art is important. You are your greatest asset so take yourself seriously. You deserve it.
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