AUTHOR PROFILE
Linda Jo started writing poetry at the onset of the Covid pandemic to record history in the moment, process strong emotions, and grapple with mortality. It soon became a daily habit. During graduate school in biochemistry she developed a passion for restoration ecology. Her curiosity about the natural world ranges from molecules to ecosystems and beyond. Linda Jo enjoys connecting with other creative and inquisitive folk. Some of her recent work has been published or is forthcoming in Wordpeace, Spank the Carp, and Clackamas Literary Review.
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Linda Jo's work appeared in Pond 89
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Why do you write?
Poetry helps me remember
compels me to be concise
keeps me alert
& amazed
compels me to be concise
keeps me alert
& amazed
What other creative activities are you involved in?
Music has always been an important part of my life. Over the years I have played piano, flute, euphonium, trombone, cello, doumbek, autoharp, trumpet, and hammered dulcimer. I have sung in choirs and small ensembles from madrigals to barbershop, arranged music, and conducted vocal and instrumental ensembles. My latest instrument is the banjo. I love being a beginner! There’s so much to learn. Lenape language revitalization, line dancing, tango, swing, waltzing, photography, and experimental baking also fill my bucket.
Currently I am transforming a yard, previously dominated by brick and grass, into a welcoming substrate for native plants. I am working toward a Backyard Habitat certification, by creating a playground for co-evolved pollinators, birds, and other critters. The idea of expanding territory for these species one residence at a time brings me joy. It’s an empowering small step.
Currently I am transforming a yard, previously dominated by brick and grass, into a welcoming substrate for native plants. I am working toward a Backyard Habitat certification, by creating a playground for co-evolved pollinators, birds, and other critters. The idea of expanding territory for these species one residence at a time brings me joy. It’s an empowering small step.
Who is your favorite author and why?
Robin Wall Kimmerer. I appreciate how, as a scientist, she communicates the complexities of botany and ecosystems in a relatable and intimate manner, informed by an indigenous world view. Her prose is poetry to my ears.
Tell us about the mechanics of how you write.
There is a time between sleeping and waking when insights are most likely to occur for me. I try to grab onto those thoughts and start writing before I am fully awake. If I am lucky, my pen will move faster than my internal editor. I do my most creative writing when I am processing emotions in the moment, or when I’m being playful. Editing happens after my words have set for a spell, usually weeks later. Once a month I bring recent work to a poetry critique collaborative and gather ideas for revision from the group. I learn so much from my fellow poets.
Finally, what do you think about Carp, the fish, not our website?
I built a pond in my backyard years ago, and populated it with koi/goldfish hybrids. One fish (her name was Buttercup) had a wonky swim bladder and spent most of her time swimming upside down. I set up an indoor aquarium for her, where it was easier for me to tend to her overinflated swim bladder. Unfortunately, after a couple of years, despite my best efforts to provide a safe habitat, the outdoor fish were consumed by raccoons. Heads bitten off, bodies lined up at pond’s edge. Buttercup outlasted them. I guess you could say I have cared for carp.