Meeting Iain McGrath, Winner of Hysteria 2025 Poetry Category

This month, I’d like to share an interview with Iain McGrath, this year’s winner of the Hysteria Writing Competition – Poetry category. His entry, Mother Nurture, was published in the Hysteria 11 anthology and will be available to read on the website later this year. As part of his prize, Iain will publish a seasonal miscellany with Crystal Clear Books later this year.

The Iain McGrath Interview

What is one thing people wouldn’t usually know about you?

I’m absolutely useless at DIY.

How do you choose titles for your writing?

They usually occur to me when I’m writing the piece itself, and unless I’m using the poem’s title as the first line, I try to pick something reasonably short that best summarises the poem’s feel.

Do you have any hints or tips for aspiring writers?

Never be afraid to start writing a piece, even if (especially if) – you have no idea of where it’s going. Reading a lot of poetry in as many different styles as possible has also helped inspire me to try original ways to use language.

How do you remain sane whilst writing?

I take regular breaks to do something else, it helps clear the mind.

Are you jealous of other writers?

No – what’s the point?

What was the most important thing you learned at school?

Don’t let other people define you

Do you have a favourite writing resource to share with my readers and other writers?

My favourite is a book called ‘How to be a Poet’, by Jo Bell and Jane Commane, but the RhymeZone App is also very helpful.

What did your worst review say about your work?

Muddled, inconsistent and one dimensional.

Have you ever wished you could do, or be, something else?

My boyhood dream was to play for Manchester United.

Do you think there is any elitism attached to different writing genres?

Not that I’ve come across.

(Image by Vilius Kukanauskas from Pixabay)