Today, Bookpleasures.com is honoured to have as our guest, Attorney, Poet, former State Senator, fund raiser-extraordinaire, educational and legislative reform leader, Stephen B. Wiley, who has been referred to as Mr. Renaissance Man.

Stephen recently published his first book of poetry, Hero Island. 

Thank you Stephen for agreeing to participate in our interview.

My pleasure.

Norm: 

Stephen, when did your passion for writing poetry begin? What kept you going?

Stephen:  

Developed slowly over the years; Had a little extra time around 2000 and took a course. I had little successes as things went along and they encouraged me to continue.

Norm: 

 As a follow up, why did you choose poetry to express your thoughts, rather than short essays?

 Stephen:

 I like the discipline of the poetic form 

Norm:

I noticed many of your poems pertain to your summer vacations in Northern Vermont. What drew you and your family to Vermont, and what do you most remember about this beautiful state? 

Stephen:

 We were drawn to Vermont, and to that area of Vermont, by my wife’s family background and by familiarity from a few visits over the years. On what I remember most, I think of the beauty of Lake Champlain. I like a fresh water lake, and Champlain is fresh and beautiful. 

Norm:

What inspired you to write the poem “Einstein Sat Quietly?” 

Stephen:

I was inspired by my memory of that visit. It moved me then and moves me now. 

Norm:

How do you come up with ideas for what you write? 

Stephen:

 I listen to my head and heart. If something touches me I figure there may be a poem there. 

Norm:

Who are your favorite authors and poets, and why do they inspire you?  

Stephen:

 I like Jane Kenyon, the late wife of Donald Hall; Zymborska, the polish woman, and others. Kenyon writes about everyday subjects and does so in a comprehensible way. Zymborska is a compelling thinker and writes in a clear, engaging manner 

Norm: 

Has practicing law helped you in any way in writing poetry?

Stephen: 

 Yes; words are the subject matter of law – spoken words and written words – and precision of language is most important. Poetry draws on the same strengths.

Norm: 

What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing Hero Island? How did you overcome these challenges?

Stephen:

  The main challenges are time, and the difficulty of getting poetry published. I was very fortunate to become acquainted with Dr. Neal Storrs and to engage his interest. He publishes a quarterly journal but had never published a book until this one.

Norm: 

Why did you entitle your book of poems, Hero Island?

Stephen: 

 It is mythical, in the sense that while there is South Hero Island and North Hero Island next door, there is no Hero Island. My location was South Hero, but Hero Island is suggestive enough, and it has a pleasant ring. More directly, the second chapter consists of poems about that Island.

 Norm:

How do you want people to remember Stephen B. Wiley? (You are not leaving us just yet!) 

Stephen:

 I know that memories fade and die, so my particular interest simply would be that, for the sake of my family and close friends in the short term, the memory be positive.

I have poured a lot of myself into strengthening my community – Morristown – and I would like to see that endure, though my role need not be noted. 

Norm:

What is next for Stephen B. Wiley? 

Stephen:

 I look forward to more writing as other activities permit, and Judy and I enjoy our - Morristown in the warm weather and Key West in the winter - regime, with the opportunity to see our children and their families in both places. 

Thanks Stephen and good luck with all of your future endeavours.

Thank you.