Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Warren.
Hi Elle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Elle, a writer with a passion for building community and connection among creatives. I create spaces for that connection that I desire but don’t see in existence. Most notably, I started Savannah’s weekly poetry-only open mic, The Poetry Co-op, back in January. It has become a vital, radically inclusive space for the talented poets and poetry aficionados of the city. I am proud of many writing-related accomplishments, such as my book of poems that was published by small press Game Over Books in April, but this open mic might be my proudest. It’s incredibly live-giving, hopeful, and inspiring to have a place to gather and build one another up, especially with a pursuit like writing, which can be so solitary. The space means a lot to people, including me. (If you’re interested in joining us, we’re at Perc Coffee every Monday at 6:30 – to sign up to read, show up a few minutes early!).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Organizing anything is bound to come with challenges. The first challenge The Poetry Co-op encountered was outgrowing our first space, the wonderful Two Tides, who so graciously hosted us, quite quickly. The turnout was so great that we took over their entire taproom. While this was partially a cool problem to have – I was so stoked that people were interested! – it was also a scramble to find a new location. Eventually, we did, ending up right next door at Starland Yard. This location held us for the following eight months or so until we recently transitioned to the more intimate, quiet spot of Perc Coffee. There have also been some minor technical issues with our amp and microphone equipment. My biggest priority is for people to be heard – in a very literal way. If we’re in a space that is too loud, or if the equipment isn’t working right, then people can’t be heard. To listen to one another is the entire crux of the event. Thus, we’ve made adjustments and efforts over the last eleven months to make sure people can be heard as clearly as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Poetry will always be in the foundation of everything I write. My book of poems, Come Back For a Little Bit, was published by Game Over Books in April and largely chronicles my experience of losing my mother. It also touches on queerness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and, ultimately, the fierce desire to be alive. The project I am currently working on is a memoir dealing with themes of obsessive-compulsive disorder, internalized homophobia, religious shame, grief, and coming-of-age. My writing is highly narrative and, whether it’s poetry or prose, relies on imagery to elicit strong emotions and let me reader in. I think of my work as being quite cinematic, and especially with poems, I often see them as short films.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My ability to envision what is possible and my confidence in my ability to bring that possibility into the world. This is true in both my organizing of events/community spaces as well as my approach to writing projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ellewarrenwrites.com
- Instagram: @ellewarrenwrites
