"I think it would be difficult not to write here in Somerville." —Denise Provost

1. What is your connection to Somerville?

I've lived in Somerville since 1981—my entire adult life. I live, breathe, eat, sleep in, and constantly think about Somerville and its people. I remember its past, consider its changes, and reimagine Somerville. I identify with Somerville. I went to work for the City of Somerville in January, 1984, and served as Somerville's advocate in the courts, the City Council, and in the state legislature. I've worked on dozens of political campaigns, including many of my own.

I live in the house I moved into in January of 1988—the longest I've ever lived anywhere. My children grew up in his city and attended its public schools. This is our home, the place we have our roots.

2. How did or does living in Somerville influence your writing? Or, what does it mean to write from this place?

The first section of my book City of Stories consists of poems about Somerville and the experience of living here. Somerville, because so closely packed, is an urban village. It's not hard to get to know, if that's your desire.

My first book, Curious Peach, follows the cycle of the seasons. But it's about the fringe and remnants of nature in this heavily paved and built up city. Though it may not be obvious, its poems concern street trees, local birds, banks of shoveled snow, glimpses into tiny gardens, the Mystic River.

To write from—not simply in—any place requires some significant knowledge and connection. Cities have many layers and corners; it's helpful to visit and understand as many as you can. Longevity in a place can bring about this familiarity, but so can delving into it—walk around, talk to people, look and listen.

3. What do other/aspiring Somerville writers need to know?

Local writers first need to discover how much of a relationship they want to have with Somerville, and what kind. That is best done, I think, through exploration, and deciding if you want to make connections. There are many local writers, some of whom network with other writers, and meet socially or form writing groups.

Check out the Lyrical Somerville section of the Somerville Times, a weekly newspaper. Local publishers include the Ibbetson Street Press—which publishes a nationally respected literary journal twice yearly—and Cervena Barva Press. Check the public library's notices about readings, book clubs, book launches, and other literary events—or organize your own—our librarians are wonderful and helpful.

Somerville's libraries are fine places to write, and to research Somerville—in the main library's local history collection, for instance. There are also has many wonderful cafes, some tucked away outside the squares (please buy food and drink—don't just use free internet!) The Somerville Museum is one of many cultural hubs, a good place to mingle.

Personally, I think it would be difficult not to write here in Somerville. There is much to write about, whether non-fiction, poetry, or other forms of fiction. It's also a good place to find other writers, and to find an audience, if you're resourceful.

—Denise Provost

Order Curious Peac here.