Jordan Stewart
Interviewed Under the Cupola

1- What is your first memory of being a writer?
My first memories of writing on my own time go back to when I was in grade four and I entered the Remembrance Day poetry contest.

I was immediately taken by the freedom of creative writing, I could do whatever I wanted really, the options were limitless. I think I came in second that year, which netted me a fancy certificate and a $15 cheque, my biggest writing payout to date.

2 - How did your artistry grow?
I wrote a lot of angry, terrible poetry as a teenager before actually reading other people’s work and discovering the difference between good and bad writing. I started an online blog and wrote every day, for better or for worse, and continued reading as much as I could.

3 - What influences were there along the way?
The great writers like Salinger, Vonnegut, Bukowski, Whitman and a million others.

Things that influence me most though, are just really, really great pieces of art. It doesn’t matter what it is, writing, music, paintings even. I look at something that’s so good and creative and full of passion, and it just makes you want to create something too, but at the same time changes the way you want to do it.

4 - Were their local influences that have enabled you to grow as an artist? Are there others?
I’m a huge fan of Saint John’s local music scene. Almost all of my friends are musicians, and I’m constantly learning and being inspired and influenced by their talents.

I’m also a part of a local writers group called The Vagabond Trust. We meet every two weeks to share what we’re working on, and I’m continuously blown away by the quality material that comes out of that group.

Not to mention our very own, late, great, Alden Nowlan, whose memorial plaque I could get drunk under any day of the week.

5 - What has been the most profound experience for you as a writer?
I think that would be the charity that I did for the past two years, Words for Wishes. Basically I spent three weeks as a “poet for hire” selling books and writing custom poetry for people while donating all the proceeds to charity.

It was very humbling, witnessing so many generous people and working with them to make a customized piece of art for a good cause.

6 - What inspired your latest book?
I wanted to do something different, which for me was writing short stories rather than poetry. I hadn’t planned on making a book, at least not at first, but was then approached fairly early on by Loose Teeth Press with the proposal. I accepted because I like making books and not paying for them. Plus I did a reading with Joey and Mike (of Loose Teeth) in Halifax once and we got drunk under a bridge.

I guess getting drunk under things is a major inspiration for me...