My full name is Gregory James Muscroft, but most people call me Greg. I am 35 years old, I was born in Rotherham in England on the 9th of April, 1981.
I attended East Dene Junior & Infant School and then Clifton Comprehensive before going on to study for a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Rotherham College Of Arts & Technology
My Dad is very intelligent, but nothing like me in personality. I am much more like my Mum. I have 1 younger brother.
I worked for 15 years in the bingo industry, but now I work as a barman and, of course, a writer.
How and when were you first introduced to poetry?
I stumbled upon poetry a bit by chance in September 2011, when I was invited by a friend to an open mic event in my hometown. I had no idea at the time if the people were reading recognized poets' work or poetry they'd written themselves. I discovered it was the latter, and I wrote my first poem, "They Came In Planes," a tribute to the 911 terrorist attack in America, there and then, while listening to others perform. Unfortunately, I have since lost that poem.
Would you say you have a certain style of poetry writing?
My writing style has changed over the years. I started out thinking it was important to rhyme everything, only to be told, quite rightly in my view, that I should look for other words that didn't rhyme. I started to really think about what it is I truly want to say. I guess my writing now is more prose poetry. I usually write poems about love and loss.
My writing style has changed over the years. I started out thinking it was important to rhyme everything, only to be told, quite rightly in my view, that I should look for other words that didn't rhyme. I started to really think about what it is I truly want to say. I guess my writing now is more prose poetry. I usually write poems about love and loss.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your poems?
An ex-girlfriend is my muse for the most part. Most of what I wrote before the break up was for or about her. I continue to write about love, but in the past 12 months it is probably on a broader scale.
My inspiration for writing comes from listening to my poet friends' words.
I also find that songs are a big source of ideas where my writing is concerned.
When did you feel confident enough to unveil your work to
the public?
I have always been confident about performing as an actor. I am used to performing in front of people.
I do, however, find poetry harder to perform, as it is opening my heart up to people. One is never quite sure how people will react. So yes, I unveiled my work straight away, and it was well received, much to my relief.
I have always been confident about performing as an actor. I am used to performing in front of people.
I do, however, find poetry harder to perform, as it is opening my heart up to people. One is never quite sure how people will react. So yes, I unveiled my work straight away, and it was well received, much to my relief.
Do you only write poetry, or do you dabble in other
styles of writing?
I used to short plays at college and imaginative stories at school, but now just stick to poetry.
I used to short plays at college and imaginative stories at school, but now just stick to poetry.
Name some of your poetic and/or literary influences.
My main poetry influences to be honest are my writer friends.
My main poetry influences to be honest are my writer friends.
Do you have any current works in progress or ready for
publication?
I am working on a book of my poetry and hope to publish in the near future.
I am working on a book of my poetry and hope to publish in the near future.
What advice would you give aspiring poets?
My advice to other aspiring poets I guess is to not let rejection stop you from doing what you enjoy, oh and also write from the heart no matter what anyone says. Be true to yourself.
My advice to other aspiring poets I guess is to not let rejection stop you from doing what you enjoy, oh and also write from the heart no matter what anyone says. Be true to yourself.
Where can readers read and/or purchase your work? How can they get in touch with you?
I have a Facebook page where I enjoy sharing my work and videos of open mic readings.
You can view it here: Greg J. Muscroft Poet
You can view it here: Greg J. Muscroft Poet
