An Interview with Chantal Dalton
Chantal Dalton is a “recovering” poet. She has returned to writing poetry after a long hiatus and is delighted to rediscover her poetic voice.
Ms. Dalton is a graduate of Bates College (BA) and has a master’s degree in American Literature from Northwestern University. In addition, she has a Master’s of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, DC.
She taught English at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, serving at both the Queen’s College, New Brunswick, and Livingston College campuses.
Ms. Dalton’s primary career was as a Foreign Service Officer, first for the United States Information Agency and later with the Department of State after the Agency merger.
Chantal Dalton lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and three crazy rescue cats whom they adore.
Beyond All Knowing is Ms. Dalton’s first published poetry collection.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The working title of my book was “Derivatives.” I had more than twenty poem titles to choose from. Neither the best poem nor a pedestrian one, “Beyond All Knowing” did not become the title of the book until well into the editing process. So, it took a few months to realize that this was the better title. My website has the same name.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
When I first saw my book cover, I was in awe of the artistic team. They captured the feeling of a place that none of them had seen and translated it into a love letter to the poems. A year and a half ago, a good friend who often reads my poetry said, ‘Why don’t you publish a book? You’ve got content. I want to see you put a book into my hand.’ Somehow, that request took hold of my imagination, and I was galvanized into action to make that wish a reality. Holding my book in my hands filled me with pride and gratitude—sometimes others can see and appreciate things that you yourself don’t recognize as worthwhile.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have been writing since grammar school. In high school I had an extraordinary teacher, Miss Schely, who introduced our class to New England poets in general and to Robert Frost in particular. When I think of poets, I think of his work first. I describe his “voice” as quiet fortitude. He found startling insight and amazing strength in the contemplation of ordinary, daily occurrences. I stopped serious writing after graduate school where I majored in American Literature. This poetry collection has allowed me to recover my own poetic voice still intact even after a decade-long hiatus. Being able to write once more is a wonderful gift I have given myself and I am privileged to share that gift with others.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I come from a family of teachers – both parents, two aunts, and three cousins. Overall, ours is a family devoted to public service at many levels. I began my professional life as a college lecturer in American Literature. My primary career was as a United States diplomat, a Public Affairs Officer. I handled educational and cultural exchanges and served as an information resource for the local press. In addition, I consulted with the Ambassador and the Country Team on addressing public affairs issues.
Little-known fun fact: in a small boat at night, I have floated on the Indian Ocean!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of publishing my book is to confirm that my writing is worthy to be seen, that my voice should be heard. This book is a valentine to my younger self and to the resilience of the creative spirit that conserved a gift I thought I had lost.
It is never too late to give a dream a real life of its own. Most writers will tell you that they write because they must. My experience validates that feeling.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I have completed a follow-on collection of poetry and submitted it to Atmosphere Press for consideration. Apparently, waking up at 2 a.m. inspired to write is a real thing.
Are you a writer, too?
Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
