TC Ferrers, London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Poetry Finalist, 'Slippers'

London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Poetry Finalist, 'Slippers', TC Ferrers

-Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

I am a carer for my partner who has FND and in between that and making music I write whenever I can

-When and how did you get into writing?

At school I would write stories and poems, later I focussed on lyrics when I was in various bands or playing gigs as a singer songwriter

I turned a poem of mine into a song called Thief Of Love which featured on Women Of Substance radio

 - How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

I write down thoughts and ideas in the morning and focus more on projects in the evening.  Things that interest me are psychology, history, politics, history and more - I love the fact that London has so many interesting buildings and structures, you can never get bored.  I enjoy wildlife and seeing it thrive, even in built up areas in London I get to see so many kinds of bird and foxes etc.

 - How does it feel to have your work recognised?

It's a lovely feeling to know that somebody else has appreciated your work, that the snapshot you helped to bring to life has had an effect on others too.

- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing poetry? 

The most challenging thing about creating poetry is making it flow in the way that suits the material, it has to feel just right

 -  How did you develop the idea for your LISP-selected poem? Is there a story behind your poem? And, how long have you been working on it?

The idea came to me when I was walking through central London.  A long time ago I was homeless but I lived in a hostel in another city, it wasn't a happy time but you found little joys where you could.  When I saw the slippers outside the tent a few years ago I was struck by the image, how that tent was somebody's haven and they were making it as homely as they could.

 - Can you please give us a few tips about writing poetry?

If an idea or an image sticks with you and won't go away, roll with it and work on finding the best way to express that idea in a way suits you.  Experiment with various permutations, flip sentences around, swap words, see what flows and if the verse conjures up what you're trying to convey.

 - What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions? 

The best is that it gives your work a chance at getting heard by more people.  It can also make you work harder at completion and presenting the piece.

 - Lastly, do you recommend the writers submit to LISP?

Yes absolutely!  Get your work out there, seen and heard by others.