Jennifer Militello

I recently had the privilege of speaking with the fantastic New Hampshire Poet Laureate Jennifer Militello. She is new to this position and can’t wait to get started. Jennifer was born in New York City and grew up in Rhode Island. She has published six poetry collections including, Flinch of song, Knock Wood: A Memoir, Body Thesaurus: Poems, A Camouflage of Specimen and Garments, Anchor Chain, Open Sail, and most recently, The Pact. 

Jennifer’s interest in poetry began at the age of 10 when she picked up Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe. She thinks poetry is something that is based in passion, emotions, and challenging interests, which, “many people go through life never finding something like that.” To find such a sacred place can be rare and she hopes to inspire others in ways poetry has inspired her. As teenagers, we have lots of room to grow and find our hobbies or jobs. In the world of poetry, finding your voice is the first step in discovering who you truly are. 

Before writing a collection of poems and wanting them to be published, it is important you find your style. Jennifer Militello says, “really allowing your style to solidify in a way that is different from everyone else’s,” is what you want to find before wanting to publish your own collection. Experimenting with magazines and journals is a great way of finding your voice in the poetry world. Help guiding young adults into this genre is important to Militello.

She talks about the standardized testing happening in schools that can’t truly examine, “creative thought, creative writing on any level.” To start analyzing literature in the first grade can, “destroy your desire to read, it destroys your interest in writing.” Finding the self-expression that most students want to discover in themselves is really where the inspiration of art comes from. Keep on reading, so you can keep on writing because we can use everything around us for inspiration as we bring to light our voices. 

Jennifer Militello says her role right now is about, “the visibility of poetry in the world because we are in a very fast, digital culture.” Poetry may encapsulate parts of art that other parts can not. It still holds true value in the world. She also finds that, “making sure that younger people have the opportunity to be connected with experiences that prioritize poetry,” is important in her role. 

I can’t wait to hear more about her adventures, events, and experiences as New Hampshire Poet Laureate.