October 2021

 

Bare Back Magazine author interview with Bob McNeil

 

Known for writing political poetry, Bob McNeil has an eclectic personality that is both calming and exciting. His wit and charm coupled with his craft for writing make him a unique writer. He has several years of experience writing both poetry and fiction. It was a pleasure to interview him for the ezine. You can check out his poem featured in The Very Best of Bare Back Magazine Anthology.

 

 

 

NATASHA: Thank you for the interview. Can you tell our readers about yourself and how you got started as a writer?

BOB: I recall reading A Child’s Garden of Verses at the age of six.  As a result, a love of all things poetical bloomed.  Later in life, the Beats, Imagists and the Negritude Movement nurtured me. 
 

NATASHA: What genre do you write?

BOB: Primarily I am known for political poetry.  However, being an eclectic person, I compose all sorts of stories.   Over the years, I wrote sci-fi, horror, and even pornographic stories, etc.  Between you and me, certain magazines paid rather well for X-rated tales. 
 

NATASHA: How would you describe your style of writing?  And what can readers expect from your stories?

BOB: Two things are important to me in writing: imagery and rhythm.  I want words with the vividness of movies.  Also, the words should inspire my spirit to dance. 
 

NATASHA: Where do you get your ideas for your stories? And are you like any of the characters that you write about?

BOB: Life is a constant source of inspiration.  Often I want to condemn life for its prejudice and violence.  Other times, I want to praise life for its beauty.  Amidst life’s dreariness, my mind and pen search for humor.  Sometimes, I create stories and poems that serve as rocket ships to take me as far away from this planet as possible.

And, yes, a piece of my psyche appears in all of my writing.
 

NATASHA: How often do you write? And what is your writing routine to get your creative juices flowing?

BOB: I must write every day.  Creativity, like a muscle, must be exercised every day.  If I do not adhere to this regime, my imagination will become lethargic as a sloth. 
 

NATASHA: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become a writer either full-time or part-time?

BOB: I tell all writers this: read every day.  Just at the point that you tire of reading, read some more.  Read classic work and read modern work.  Read books that are considered good and books that are called trash.   Acquaint yourself with language in its myriad forms.  Allow yourself to be inspired by others.  But, under no circumstances, imitate others.  Each writer provides a fingerprint.  Readers want to see your individual print. 
 

NATASHA: Can you share with us anything you are currently working on, and/or any new releases?

BOB: At present, I am working on a manuscript of bizarre short stories.  To get a sense of the style, you would have to imagine odd dreams, fantasies, and nightmares.  Also, I am finishing a collection of personal poems.  My verses are becoming more concerned with the microcosm, not the macrocosm.  One could call the work confessional. 
 

NATASHA: How can our readers learn more about you and your books?

BOB: Max Rodriguez, the Founder of the Harlem Book Fair, is going to publish a collection of my poetry.  From what I know, the book, Verses of Realness, will be out soon. 

Otherwise, unrelated to my books, I have a CD composed of songs and poems that deal with serious social issues.  All those who are interested in hearing some deep poetry and music, the CD, Rapping You with the Facts, can be purchased for the nominal amount of $3.00, plus $2.00 postage and handling.  

For further enquires about my CD, write me at P.O. Box 144, Hollis, NY 11423 or mcneil_bob@yahoo.com.  Besides those aforementioned things, you can find some of my work on the following sites:

https://www.youtube.com/user/mcneilbob1

https://soundcloud.com/feralsleepstudy/text-to-resurrect-revolution-bob-mcneil

https://www.facebook.com/bob.mcneil.16

and 

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Horrors-III-Charles-Gramlich-ebook/dp/B075TXQDPF/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508129342&sr=1-1&keywords=bob+mcneil

 

In conclusion, I just want to say that your publication is a road to human understanding. Your literary efforts should be praised by anyone who appreciates sensual experiences and the liberating right to express those experiences.  So, while seriously considering those words, I thank you for your continued existence.