Featured Polis Writer – Frances Carolyn McCanless
I
have been writing since 1992 and have written over two hundred poems, numerous
song lyrics (spiritual, love, and country) and some short stories. I started
writing when situations in my life became overwhelming and I found that I could
express myself better through the written word rather than the spoken word, so
writing became part of my healing process. I use rhyming quite often in my
poetry, and I feel my poetry is straight forward leaving the reader with points
to ponder.
I have self-published a book of poetry entitled “Someone's
Child”. Various printers supplied copies, which I delivered to jails, detention
homes, social service agencies, school counselors for middle and high schools,
and college counselors including CVCC, in Lynchburg and the surrounding cities
and counties.
As a child my mother read as well as recited poetry to me, and I came to love it. Some of my favorite writers were Robert Frost, Rudyard Kipling, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. My inspiration for writing comes from my everyday life - from my own experiences; articles and books I read; movies I watch; people I meet and their stories; and situations I observe on a daily basis.
I have been taking classes at CVCC for over 30 years and have enjoyed the classes and meeting fellow students. I completed a class in December 2009, and I hope to take another class in the fall of this year.
I have contributed to the Polis Journal from 2005 through 2008 as well as this year. I have enjoyed reading the works of others who have also contributed to Polis, and I am thankful to Lana Velez and the Polis board for their efforts in providing a creative outlet for the CVCC students and faculty.
My advice to anyone who wants to have others read their work is to keep writing, and your opportunity will come. Also, remember reading makes for better writing.