Poetry as Discovery with Mimi Khalvati

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This week’s guest on The 21st Century Creative podcast is Mimi Khalvati, one of the foremost poets currently writing in the UK.

Mimi was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up on the Isle of Wight in England. She is the author of eight collections of poetry published by Carcanet and the editor of several anthologies. Her latest book is The Very Selected Mimi Khalvati, published by smith|doorstop.

Her awards and commendations include a Cholmondeley Award and being shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize. Mimi is also the founder of The Poetry School, where professional poets teach the art and craft of poetry at its London centre and across the UK.

Fifteen years ago, I walked into Mimi’s class at the Poetry School, and it changed my life. Mimi challenged and encouraged me in a way no other writing teacher has ever done, and I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for the difference she has made to my poetry.

Mimi has a rare gift – not only is she an outstanding poet herself, but she has an extraordinary ability to read other poets’ work and give them feedback that helps them get to the heart of their own writing.

I’ve been quoting Mimi’s words of wisdom for years, with coaching clients, in my books and on this podcast. So I’m delighted I was able to record this conversation and let you hear her for yourself.

In this conversation Mimi talks about her own practice as a poet, and offers some unusual insights into the nature of the creative process, especially the role of criticism, that will apply to you whatever your creative discipline.

Not only that, but Mimi also reads several poems from her latest book, The Very Selected Mimi Khalvati. (Amazon US. Amazon UK.)

Portrait photo of Mimi Khalvati by Caroline Forbes.

About The 21st Century Creative podcast

Each episode of The 21st Century Creative podcast features an interview with an outstanding creator in the arts or creative industries.

At the end of the interview, I ask my guest to set you a Creative Challenge that will help you put the ideas from the interview in to practice in your own work.

And in the first part of the show, I share insights and practical guidance based on my 21+ years experience of coaching creatives like you.

Make sure you receive every episode of The 21st Century Creative by subscribing to the show in iTunes.