Dirty South Haiku sketches a childhood and young life shaped by family legends, Southern landscapes, and the mix of sweetness and grit that sits in so many memories. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?

Growing up in the South, I was surrounded by family stories that were passed down almost like folklore, along with landscapes that left a lasting impression. I wanted to capture the sweetness and grit that often sit side by side in Southern life without overexplaining them. These haiku became a way to sketch moments from childhood and young adulthood in brief, distilled scenes. In many ways, the collection serves as a prelude to my upcoming Southern short story collection, where those same themes will be explored in longer narrative form.

What is it about the format of haiku poetry that you enjoy, and why did you choose to tell your story in this format?

A visit to Japan deepened my appreciation for haiku. The form encourages attention—to language, to silence, and to what can be suggested. That approach felt well-suited to memory, which often arrives in flashes rather than complete stories.

How much do real-life events and personal experiences influence your writing?

My writing is strongly influenced by personal experience, but I’m more interested in emotional truth. Real people, places, and moments often serve as a starting point, then evolve through reflection and imagination.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?

The biggest challenge was learning to sit with restraint. I had to accept that some moments would remain unresolved on the page, much like they do in real life. Allowing the haiku to stay open was a challenge, but it felt true to the nature of both the form and the memories themselves.

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