Q&A: Maggie Rainey-Smith
Author photo by John Rainey-Smith
Earlier this month, we hosted the online launch of Maggie Rainey-Smith’s debut poetry collection, Formica. It’s already made fans, such as Dame Fiona Kidman who said “The characters in these poems are typists, returned servicemen, teachers, people without pretension but with their own colourful inner lives. The title poem ‘Formica’ is subtle yet so rich with imagery that it brings to mind a compressed Alice Munro story.” Maggie answers our quick Q&A.
1. How are you and what have you been up to lately?
I'm recovering from a broken wrist which has slowed me down a litte, but still on a high from the wonderful 'virtual' launch of Formica (thanks to Eamonn of Good Books from his bedroom!) and The Cuba Press. I'm also working as a co-editor on an exciting upcoming anthology of both local Kiwi and French writers to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Randell Cottage Writers Residency. And I've snuck in a few swims in the sea since my cast came off.
2. If you were working in a bookshop, how would you hand-sell your book to customers? What would you say to convince them to buy and read it?
I have worked in a bookshop and I could always sell my favourite books. I would tell a customer fondling the beautiful cover of Formica, to dip into a memoir that takes you from the 1950s to the 21st century. That they might be surprised how much this story relates to their own lives, or the lives of their mothers. I'd warn them there are sexy poems and sad poems and poems to make them laugh out loud (hopefully)!
3. What books (or other art/media) influenced you while writing this book, or generally in your life?
These poems have developed over many years, but the editing process began when I was in MIQ having returned from three wonderful months with my grandchildren in Korea in 2021. I feel very lucky to have this cross-cultural connection. Some of the poems have been inspired by this special time.
Ever since 1998 when I joined Greg O'Brien's Poetry Course at Victoria University, I've dreamed of being a published poet. So, I'm very proud of this collection. Having friends who are poets has been a joy and an inspiration for me. I read a lot of New Zealand poetry and love that we have such a wide range of unique voices.
4. What good books have you read lately?
My favourite read last year in Korea was My Brilliant Life by Ae-ran Kim. It's a truly delightful story and hard to describe without giving away too much. Absolutely a highly recommended read.
One of my favourite authors is Michele de Kretser and I've just finished reading Scary Monsters. I love all her work and in particular I really enjoyed Questions of Travel.
While I was in Good Books recently, I purchased Siri Hustvedt's Mothers, Fathers and Others... I hadn't planned to buy it, but the title and the cover lured me in, as it lay on display. It's great, serious and absorbing.
Right now, I'm reading The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak and loving it. A fig tree talks to the reader now and then. Plus there's instructions for baklava both the Turkish and the Greek way.
Buy Formica (The Cuba Press), $25
