Karisma Price Interview
Interview with TWFest 2025 Poetry Judge, Karisma Price
By Reine Dugas
What is it about a poem that first captures your interest?
I’m a sucker for beautiful language and the ways poets can “weird” a phrase. Poetry does not always have to follow chronological order or logic; therefore, poetry can both bend/play with how both words and time are used.
What are you always happy to see in a poem? (a symbol, theme, place, poetic device)
I like it when a poem has repetition of sound and image. Those two devices build upon each other and can create multiple layers to further a poem’s thematic elements. I’m also happy to see when writers take risks with form and show readers that there is no one “right” way to write a poem.
What advice do you have for new poets or prose writers attempting to write poetry?
Read. Read. Read. Read work that you like and read work by writers you may not like. I feel that it would be helpful to do both to further understand what you’re interested in writing about, and it will help you learn how to write in your own voice. Often, we have writers that we look to for inspiration, but we need to be mindful as to not try to mimic their style because it will diminish what we have to say.
What poetry have you been reading lately?
I just returned from the Cave Canem Poetry Retreat, so I’m spending the rest of the summer reading poetry collections by my CC instructors: When I Waked, I Cried to Dream Again by A. Van Jordan, Intermission by Tracie Morris, Primitive: The Art and Life of Horace H. Pippin by Janice N. Harrington, No Dictionary of a Living Tongue by Duriel E. Harris, and The Way of the Earth by Matthew Shenoda.
How would you describe the New Orleans poetry scene/community?
I would describe the community as very small and close-knit. I don’t feel that there’s any competition between writers. The writers that I’ve met have been very kind and open and gracious with their time and are always down to grab a drink or coffee and hang out.
How can poets connect with other poets here in the city?
One of the biggest things you can do if you’re looking for a community is to attend poetry readings. I’ve met a lot of the writers here by attending readings around the city. Once you start going to readings, you start to see the same people. Introduce yourself. They don’t bite. Some readings I enjoy going to are LMNL Lit and The Splice Reading Series. I would also suggest attending workshops in order to feel like a poetry student again (we never truly stop being students). Litwire.org is also a great resource to see what literary events are happening in New Orleans.
Can you tell us what you’re working on right now?
I’m currently trying to finish a first draft of my second poetry collection. I’m also working on a novel idea and have started writing a play (I don’t know how to be idle).
Learn more about Karisma and her work at karismaprice.com.
