Today we feature Lori Desrosiers, author of The Philosopher's Daughter. Welcome, Lori! 

1. Why did you choose that title?

My father, Leonard Charles Feldstein, was a real philosopher. He taught Philosophy at Fordham University until he died from brain cancer in 1984, when I was 28. The poems in this book are a tribute to my father's advice, which was never to lose the sense of wonderment we have as children. It also delves into personal philosophies from both the child's and the woman's points of view.

2. Which is your favorite poem in this collection? Why? Can you tell us a little about how that particular poem came to be?

My favorite poem in the book is "That Pomegranate Shine." In a compressed fashion, it is basically the story of my first marriage, and also serves as a portrait of a woman who has to lift herself out of the river of her mistakes and reinvent herself. I got the idea for the poem from a song at a concert of middle-eastern music. The epigraph is from an Armenian song, "Two brides arise from the river, shivering and shining like pomegranate seeds."

3. What is the hardest part about writing for you?

This is an interesting question, since I am usually very driven to write. I think the hardest thing is finding the next idea for a series of poems. I have this book and Three Vanities, a chapbook, both of which came primarily out of two years listening to my mother's stories about the family (she is now 89). I wrote another collection (which I am currently shopping) of poems inspired by music and the concept of time passing. I'm not sure where the next book will go, but the easiest thing to do is to try to trust my instincts for new work. I also use prompts to help me break the occasional feeling of being "blocked."

4. What do you like best about writing poetry?

I like the place my mind goes when I'm writing. It is deeply satisfying and energizes me.

5. Share one surprising fact about Lori Desrosiers.

I am a singer and songwriter as well as a poet. I kind of left songwriting behind when I fell in love with poetry ten years ago (one obsession at a time, I guess), but I still sing and play once in a while. Singing was handed to me by my mother and grandmother, and my daughters also sing.

6. Where can people buy the book?

The book is on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and also is available directly from the publisher at http://salmonpoetry.com.

7. Anything you’d like to add?

I'm so glad you liked the book, Donna. Thank you for having me on your blog. I'm touring with the book here and in Ireland this summer. My tour schedule and links to other published poems are on my website at http://loridesrosiers.com

Thanks so much for dropping by! I’m sure readers will enjoy the book!