Episode 137 – Christopher P. Locke – Breathtaking Essays & Stories

The Make Meaning Podcast

The key to great writing, says Christopher P. Locke, is to be vulnerable. Don’t worry about what people will think. Don’t censor yourself. Just share your realness and that will help others feel less alone.

In the latest episode of the Make Meaning Podcast, host Lynne Golodner interviews Christopher P. Locke about his writing journey, their shared memories in the MFA program at Goddard College, the importance of great mentors and taking yourself seriously as a writer.

In this episode, Lynne and Chris discuss:

• The arrogance of youth
• Straddling genres
• Believing that you and your voice matter
• Why you’ll be the most passionate promoter of your work
• Why you can’t be a good writer if you’re not an avid reader
• How writing allows for exploration of loss, discontent, struggle and suffering
• Why bad choices make good stories

Links and Resources:

• Michael Klein
• Jane Wohl
• 25 Trumbulls Road
• Music for Ghosts
• Without Saints
• Black Lawrence Press
• NYQ Books
• Black River Chapbook Award
• Denis Johnson

Find Christopher P. Locke:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll like these other Make Meaning Podcast episodes:

• Episode 133 – Sara Henning – Poetry about Loss & Redemption
• Episode 120 – Jacqueline Suskin - A Poem Every Day
• Episode 79 – Laura Munson – How to Find Refuge in Writing
• Episode 73 – Jim Reese – Why Teaching Writing in Prisons Helps Everyone
• Episode 68 – M.L. Liebler – How to Use Writing & Performance to be an Activist
• Episode 2 – Barbara Jones – Stories Can Change the World