Meet Polly Hall – Winner of Poetry Category, Hysteria 2014

Polly Hall is the second of our category winners in the Hysteria Writing Competition 2014. Her background in holistic therapy and healing has given her a strong foundation in understanding the interconnectedness of life and, as a result, is rarely shocked by anything. She is fascinated by people’s motivations and backgrounds and loves getting into the meaning of things and her aim as a writer is to make the reader feel something whether that be a sense of dread or joy. She published her first book, The Art of Foot Reading, in 2009.

What is one thing that no-one would usually know about you?

I’m almost too open about myself so if I do have any secrets they will be mine to keep, for good reason. If anyone thinks they can fathom me out, I’d be grateful if they could get in touch!

Do you have any hints or tips for aspiring writers?

I’m no expert at writing. Although I have been told by more experienced writers that the key is to just get on with it. No-one is going to write your book for you. And don’t get distracted by the internet! Turn your phone off unless you’re expecting an urgent call.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Normally this appears as a sentence that just pops into my head or I might see something like a dead fly and it triggers a poem. I’m also inspired by art or nature e.g. a Rembrandt painting or the sea. You can turn almost anything into a story.

Tea, Coffee, Water, Juice, Wine or Beer … which do you prefer when writing?

I normally have a glass of water or juice. But sometimes I’ll make a coffee and dunk a chocolate digestive.

Are there any habits you wish you didn’t have?

Procrastination. I’m the typical daydreamer who can use up time by just wandering or pondering. I need a sign saying – ‘Get on with it!’

If you could commit the perfect murder where would you hide the body?

In a pie!

********************************************************************

Where can I find more about Polly Hall?

You can meet Polly on her website at: skywomb.blogspot.co.uk/ and on Twitter at @pollyfeet

Hysteria 3 – the anthology of winning entries from the Hysteria Writing Competition is now available to order in Kindle format on Amazon here:

• Hysteria 3 – Amazon UK
• Hysteria 3 – Amazon US