How to Find God on the Dance Floor is a moving collection of poetry centered around human emotion and the healing power of music and dance. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?

I had been going through a rough time in LA trying to get my independent films made which led to a long stretch of depression and isolation. Writing poetry makes me feel alive, almost as much as dancing. So I thought I’d write about what was literally a fight for my survival: getting back to the dance floor.

Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing poetry?

I have to get out of the house. I like to write at cafes because you can be ‘alone’ but around people. I start writing in my journal to excavate how I’m feeling in the deepest most vulnerable place. And then I start handwriting the poetry. It’s weird, poetry is more native to me than the english language. It flows like a river of unceasing word juxtapositions that I have to literally stop in order to function normally. If you saw me in the street, you’d see me talking to myself, saying words out loud to hear how they sound. I look like a crazy person. 

Do you have a favorite selection in this collection? One that resonates with you? 

My favorite pieces are the last one, because it intentionally sums up the mission of the book: coming out of isolated depression to find a greater sense of life on the dance floor – and – “Do You Have a Nice Ass?” because A) it’s funny and B) it was a weird experiment in breaking down the disappointment of online dating and finding your self worth again.  

I also love the fake, funny reviews I put on the back cover. 

What is one thing you hope readers take away from this book? 

I really hope that readers (especially the underdogs out there) feel their own preciousness in the biggest way. That they see the power in vulnerability and are encouraged to grab life by the balls and do what they love like their life depends on it.

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