Wing Williams is a talented author who became popular for his trilogy of poetry books. The Bear Within, As a Wolf Breathes, and Owl of the Moon. Talking to Wing Williams – Let’s get to know more about the man himself up close in this personal interview.
How long have you been writing or when did you start?
As a young boy of 7, my family and I moved to New Hampshire. It was there in the northern woods I began to write. Journals at first, of birds, animals, spirits, earth, observations and descriptions mostly. I found writing to be the best way I could untangle my mind and begin to understand everything that whispered, lurked and thrived around me. Growing older, writing was a favorite practice in school, the no-ceiling challenge I needed. Picture of a tiny door by the broken chair, create a story about it. Poem of our dead cat, discovered by me, raking leaves, mangled and buried. Research papers, dreamscapes, education into written words and so forth. After writing many papers for students in college, a monetary exchange, I finally embarked into my 20s with an old vehicle, open road and enough blank parchment to fill many books. These I journaled upon and inked to the edges as adventures exponentiated.
When I turned 30, I decided to begin my true writing career. Determined to publish and share what I must, unwilling to wait for anyone to grant permission, I dove in with my first book of poetry, The Bear Within. My rookie card opened doors I never imagined, successfully selling on 6 continents it became evident that this is what I must continue to pursue and share. Thus came As a Wolf Breathes and Owl of The Moon, and the next book is soon to be released. In short, I began writing as a child and I shall write until I die.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I grew up reading much and still do, so in a way all of the books and authors inspired me to write. I always knew that I must write, in order to breathe, stay sane, think and grow. Frost, Tolkien, Hemingway, Snyder, Kerouac, Dickinson, Twain, London, Camus, Abbey, all powerfully impressionable upon me. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George was my favorite childhood book.
Do you have a lover/muse in your life right now that invokes inspiration?
A lover yes, she is my Flower, although such inspiration for me extends far beyond. The moon is my muse, the wind is my muse. Spirits, mental illness, love, heartbreak, pain of this world, seasons, music, ethereal hums, trees, mountains, rivers and vast titian deserts, each living creature, all that has been and will ever be is my muse. To write a poem for each molecule of existence, this is my Herculean commitment.
What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?
Purpose, honesty, and beauty. As all is duality, balance and evolution, both light and dark, good and evil, each season of soul must be represented. Write to paint a scene that pulls in the reader, to evoke emotion, write without holding back, bare all as all is.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Existence between the pages – and editing. Having always dealt with mild dyslexia and as an adult vertigo and dizziness, I still find obvious typos I should never have overlooked. Although I embrace my raw imperfections, I continually strive to mature in every facet of my writing.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Freedom and long views to occasionally stare into. When writing at home, I prefer to have music with no words playing, such as classical, jazz or instrumental beats, with a few plants nearby. When writing in public I prefer a mellow tavern, cafe or bookstore. The natural rhythm of vitality acts as the foundation to my flow. A window or door preferably ajar, better yet flung wide open. I write outside more than any other place, here I do not feel contained.
What books did you grow up reading?
Schooling was unique as my family moved a lot. Five years of childhood education were homeschooled, my other years I managed to get expelled from most schools I attended. As a result, reading along with music, was a major focus of my youth. My favorite books involved animals, myth and adventure. The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley was a dear favorite. My mother ensured the Bible was dutifully read; historical novels and biographies, along with great epics such as The Hobbit, LOTR and medicinal plant guides nourished my budding youth. As I grew older my reading evolved into philosophy and poetry, along with the underground beat writers which I explored passionately.
What is your favorite book to read?
Still talkin’ ‘bout books I like to read eh? While many top this list, such as Dharma Bums by Kerouac, my favorite read is probably The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?
Although I am quite content to be living at the time I am now, despite all of its utter ridiculousness, I would very much like to time travel to about 400 BCE, to Ancient Greece, and learn among great philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, Diogenes.
What does your typical evening look like?
Like a renaissance painting, for each evening is quite different yet full of life. At times they are wild, smoky, full of whiskey, wine, bonfires, bongos, howls and deep conversation. Others are full of dancing, cooking, making love, laughing over loud piano slams and singing gentle lullabies. Writing is involved with each night, whether sat upon a bench with my dog watching the sunset, or late into the owl’s opaque, as I too am much like the owl. Occasionally I take a quiet evening to read, meditate, sit and think, to explore the stars or the freckles of my lover. Rarely do I see the sunrise unless I have yet to sleep, for it is hard to slow this brain down, until it throbs and aches and I must.
How would your friends describe you?
Hopefully they would speak positively of me, I truly believe they would. Wild, for certain, but also loyal, gifted and deeply introspective. A brother to them who passionately cares and listens. They think I can be a bit much, and to prolong my own life they at times tell me to slow down. People usually tend to love me or strongly dislike me, not much apathetic in between. My friends are utmost to me, as I believe I am to them. They would probably say I am a creative nut, a lot of fun, and certainly one of the most adventurous souls they have ever known. I hear them whisper in passing at times, “there goes Wing, that’s the poet I was telling you about.”
What is your favorite movie?
Much like books it is hard to pinpoint a top favorite. I love the old classics and intelligently created soulful films. Most of Hepburn’s, the Bogart and Bacall’s, Wes Anderson’s and Tarantino’s are all revered by yours truly.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
To watch – football, baseball, basketball and nearly each Olympic sport, but to play the list is long. I thrive in most sports or games I partake in. I am quite determined and competitive. Billiards, chess and poker top my gaming list. Baseball, soccer, tennis and basketball top my traditional sports to play.
What is the most daring thing that you have done?
I’m going to stick with the legal…Thru-hiking both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails alone. I was less daunted by the PCT having already successfully completed the AT, for it was there in Georgia, southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, at 24 years of age, I stared into the dark forest knowing I had thousands of miles of unknown trials ahead. Hiking these trails taught and built more strength than anything else I have ever embarked upon. I’ve future books to be written on such pilgrimages, many poems I have already scribed, however the first hand Louisiana novel about Hurricane Katrina 9th Ward families comes first.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Myself of course, and if that could not be the case, then I suppose lil Wing Galaxy Jr. if he ever arrives to this world.
Go to www.wingwilliams.com to purchase his awakening poetry books. For inquiries, contact management via Instagram @thehotwing & @adriannewhite.