Five of my poems are published in The Open End Magazine this month – a batch inspired by archaeology, genetics with a few rogue wolves thrown in there for good measure. Since nearly all of my recent magazine publications have been based on archaeology themes (such as in Morphrog and Jellyfish Whispers) this brings me to the question…why am I not still working in my former career as a Field Archaeologist?
Digging deep
Archaeology is the study of humanity. Where our ancestors lived, what they ate, what they did. Funny then that during my time working as a professional archaeologist, people were what I was missing! Often I was working in a deep trench or cesspit by myself, digging for eight hours a day with only lunch breaks to catch up with colleagues in our site port-a-cabin. I decided that this was too lonely an occupation and changed career to teach English in Japan, for the now bankrupt Nova corporation.
Keeping my spirits up!
The whole time I worked as an archaeologist in Northern Ireland, I never once found gold. But now I’ve found my nugget…working my experiences into my poetry and fiction is a whole lot more satisfying than digging in the dirt on an often fruitless search. This time the rewards are brighter and shinier too. Want proof? Read my debut collection, A Model Archaeologist (available from my publisher Eyewear Publishing and from my online store Meandi Books) and find out more!
Scrubbed up
Isn’t it funny where life takes us?
Leilanie Stewart 