Interviews
Name: Erin Fornoff
TCD Qualification: MA in Creative Writing 2014
Title: Co-Founder and Programme Director of Lingo Festival.
About: Erin is an American poet living and working in Dublin. She is known for her storytelling and musical style poetry. Erin performs her poetry at festivals and events across Ireland. Additionally Erin is the Programme Manager of Lingo Festival, Ireland's first and largest spoken word festival.
What made you decide to move from the US to Dublin?
I was working as a Field Organiser for the Obama 2008 presidential campaign, and after it ended they were trying to place the staff into the new administration. I began working with the charity Ashoka Ireland and fell in love with the life I made here. I didn’t think that I'd be here this long, the friends and colleagues I have made feels like a precious achievement.
What is the Lingo Festival and how did you get involved?
Lingo Festival is Ireland's first spoken word festival, it's everything from talks on writing, performed poetry, music and youth workshops. The magazine Stinging Fly called it "the largest poetry festival in Ireland." Two years ago myself and five friends, mostly poets, started the festival and have been running it since. I'm programme manager for Lingo Fest and we just had a sold-out weekend of amazing spoken word and music events - a raucous night with Sage Francis, a panel discussion called Kick Up the Arts with Blindboy and Panti Bliss, a Black Rhymes Matter Event that was so full we had to turn people away, and loads of other dynamic shows. We're delighted with how it went.
Where do you get the inspiration for your poetry?
For years I've drawn largely from childhood and homesickness. Apparently most poets do this at first, and they either process it or grow out of it. We'll see. My work is based around stories and people having inspirational moments, it’s a constant battle to keep the cheesiness out.
How did Trinity’s M.A. in Creative Writing influence your work?
It was amazing to have a group of people going through the writing process together -- there is a tremendous intimacy in shared creation. I still meet some of my class mates once a month for a mini-workshop. The Master’s Degree was great to give students space just to write, I should have respected that more. While doing the Masters I was working, volunteering, setting up Lingo, and performing at 60 poetry readings a year. Although I was very busy, it did change my perspective. I take myself more seriously as a writer now, and feel amongst a tribe.
Tell us about the poetry scene in Dublin as you see it?
It’s vibrant and full of eccentric, delightful madness. There are constantly new nights popping up, or opportunities to see someone or something new -- in a bar, in a library, in a squat lit by candlelight. The whole scene is incandescent.
Describe your ideal surroundings for writing?
I need a bit of background noise, no internet, and a fearsome looming deadline.
What was the one thing you took from working on the Obama Presidential campaign?
Extraordinary things can happen if you are incredibly well-organised. Also, when a chorus of people say something is impossible, don't listen.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
Never pass up an opportunity to be kind.
What’s next for Erin Fornoff?
Currently I'm working on a novel and somehow I managed to complete the first draft over the summer while completing a poetry manuscript. We're planning what's next for Lingo Festival and I am applying for citizenship. I'm also trying to learn a headstand in yoga class.