A Poet’s Voice: An Interview with Charnjit Gill, author of For the Moment

I have an MA in Creative Writing and a BA in English Literature & Creative Writing. I am a private tutor and have been writing and performing poetry for over nine years. I was a member of Apples and Snakes’ The Writing Room. My work has been published in the London Spoken Word Anthology 2015-2016 by Gug Press, Typishly, Minerva Rising Press, From Whispers to Roars, KYSO Flash, Ghost City Press, San Fedele Press, Starfeather Publishing, and Poets Choice. I have two poetry collections, Impression and For the Moment, which is published by Atmosphere Press.

You can buy the book here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It was such an amazing feeling to see the book cover because it was exactly how I had imagined it in my head. It was even better to hold the book in my hands and the reality of it—the fact that I have a second poetry collection—dawned on me.

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 for many years but found my voice in poetry. I am a huge reading fan and have been inspired by so many writers over the years. Music has definitely had a huge influence on my writing and performance.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I work as an admin assistant in a high school. I am also a private tutor. I have recently started freelance editing and helping other poets craft their work. I am an admin assistant for The Poet Life.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part is when the readers receive their book. I love having that personal connection with readers when I sign their books or send a copy out to them. It’s wonderful when readers order the book and are really impacted by it. It’s an opportunity for them to share their story and I’m privileged to be a part of it.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

From This Moment – Shania Twain (mostly because the title is similar)

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Readers use the poems as affirmations and find them to be really useful. It is the type of book you can come back to at any time and interpret differently based on how you’re feeling and going through.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am currently working on book three and helping other poets on their creative journeys as well.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I really enjoyed working with Atmosphere Press, so much so that I even published the second poetry collection with them. They have such a brilliant team who really walk you through each step and I want to work with them again. They understood my desire to create an equal if not better book than my first collection.

You can buy the book here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.