Interview: Genna East
Meeting Genna
Genna East is a gracious, lovely and warm presence in HubVille.
Many race to her hubs when published, as she is one of the most compelling, well - composed and creative writers in our community.
To me, Genna is like fine chocolate and champagne. I know I cannot have it every day, but her work is to be savored when offered.
Join me in finding out more about this beautiful lady, in her own words:
The times I feel most relaxed are ....
… usually during the early morning and evening hours after a brisk walk or run by the ocean.
The times I feel saddest are...
… when I think about the rather ominous direction in which humanity seems to be headed. I have faith that the more positive elements of the human spirit will ultimately succeed, but not without significant loss and sacrifice along the way.
Something I'd like to teach others...
… to encourage teachers to approach history with a different perspective as it is too often poorly written and taught in our schools. (We need more Alastar Packer’s.) People are more than names on a page, a photograph or an artist’s rendering. Asking us to become engrossed in a compressed salad of dates, places and events is foolish. It’s like asking us to appreciate an elementary sketch of the human form drawn by someone who doesn't understand human anatomy. We are told that history is ‘his story.’ Very well then - who was he?
My secret passion is ...
… to learn how to write compelling song lyrics. I sometimes compose song melodies on my piano, but never lyrics. I'd love to learn how.
If you peeked in my junk drawer, you'd be surprised to find ...
… things I forgot were there in the first place. It's really more hubby’s drawer than mine. I have large storage drawers instead because of all the family memorabilia I squirrel away like nuts for the winter. I think of my grandchildren that have yet to arrive; they may find enjoyment and discovery from the past, as well as a sense of continuity.
My date from Hades ....
I've never had a date from Hades, nor can I imagine one. I have a tendency to take a negative and turn it into a positive. Seriously though, my dream date would go something like this: It is evening, and the setting is an outdoor table with an ocean view at Sarento's on the Beach in Maui. Ernest Hemingway is seated at my left, and Vincent Moore is on my right. (Two of my favorite writers.) Can you imagine the stimulating conversation between these two gentlemen? I would take copious mental notes as I sipped my red wine in the ocean breeze.
My worst/ or funniest vacation story ....
Several years ago, we flew out to San Francisco for a few days in December for the Christmas holidays. Snow storms hit pretty hard that year, and between the return flight layover in Chicago and added delays into Boston Logan, it took nearly two days to get home. It was one those vacations where we needed another vacation to recuperate from the joys of traveling.
A life goal on my bucket list ....
… is to visit Tuscany, ‘’the art palace of Italy.” It also has a rich, natural beauty I would love to experience.
What I most look for in a friend...
My good friends are wonderful people I treasure. They are from varied walks of life, but one of the qualities they all have in common is that they are exactly who they say they are. I have very little patience with phonies. (This lack of patience is something I'm still working on.)
Something I will never part with...
My piano. It's a mid-sized Steinway grand that has been in my father’s family for generations, and will be eventually passed down to my son, Bud. My mother began to give me piano lessons on the Steinway when I was 6 years old, and I, in turn, gave lessons to Bud. Music has given so much to my family over the years; this piano is - in a sense – at the heart of this gift.
A life lesson I will never forget ....
… is to listen to my instincts; they may not always be right, but at times they can be my best friend.
The worst part of getting older...
Actually, I don't yet have a ‘worst part’ yet. The best part of aging is the ability to laugh at ourselves...especially, when we look back at our impatience during those very young and ‘I am immortal’ years. We were too young to understand that tomorrows will arrive much sooner than we think, and yesterdays will be missed.
A writing lesson I learned the hard way...
I wouldn't define it as ‘the hard way,’ but what I've learned, personally, over the years is this: Read and write often. Read as much as we can in addition to the popular literature of the day; the classics, biographies, mysteries, science, history, and so on. Get out into the world. It's one thing to read about a Jackson Pollock painting; it's quite another to see it with our own eyes.
At some point in our lives, we discover that everything involving the human condition exists in relationship. It's pretty amazing when that happens, and is a very humbling experience.
On a side note: When completing a writing project, always walk away and return later for a ‘cold read.’ Either that, or keep an editor or two in your junk drawer. Toss in a couple of red Bic pens, and they'll feel right at home. J
My favorite movie and why...
Nelle Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, for the same reasons I love the novel that comes alive in the film adaptation. I can't imagine anyone other than Gregory Peck playing Atticus Finch.
“Scout” reminds me of when I was a young girl in my tomboy years; Lee’s candid reflections often strike that chord. Yet regardless of my age, her wonderful novel continues to prevail with compelling and timeless significance. The brilliance lies not only in theme, but the how and the why of what she later recalls, and the straightforwardness and fluidity of her words.
Mockingbird is a superb example of how the best writing goes beyond the genesis of the narrative -- it is in the telling of the story itself.
What subjects/genres do you enjoy reading/ about ?
I'm an eclectic writer and an omnivorous reader who finds a number of subjects and themes interesting. So perhaps it might be easier to emphasize what I don't enjoy reading: Politics, modern political science, or whatever they're calling it these days. It’s disheartening to discover how many published authors have not done their homework, and/or write with a particular bias that is couched in convenience thinking. Whatever happened to facts?
What would be a subject/genre that you would like to read more/ about...
I would like to gain more insight into how to write a compelling mystery short story. I've never written one before, and I think it would be great fun -- as well as challenging. I'm still a novice at Haiku, and look forward to learning more about this genre.
Can you take us to a favorite piece of writing on HubPages …
There are veteran, talented writers with HP that I greatly respect and admire. I'm also impressed with some of the youngsters. Early last year, Amy Becherer recommended a new hubber, Chris Warner (chriscwarner), a student at Northwestern University when he briefly joined HP. I once commented on one of Arb's excellent hubs: “Good writing does not seek to do a tap-dance on our foreheads. Like your poem, it takes us by the hand and jars our imaginations as it connects us to something we are ‘seeing’ for the first time". Chris' work, Momentary Passing, is another illustration of this talent.
What song makes you want to pack up & leave the party...?
It's not a song I hate – quite the contrary – but it carries a special, poignant feeling for me that isn't ideal for outdoor barbecues or fun get-togethers with friends.
Including my folks, I've lost five people I loved most dearly -- two before their time. I carry them all in my heart, and they appear in my poetry at times. This song is more than gratitude and hope; it is my tribute to who they were, what they meant to me, and the ways they continue to enrich my life.
♥♥♥ My Heart Will Go On-Celine Dion ♥♥♥
Thank you, Genna....
I was touched when Genna asked to include this at the end of her interview:
On a closing note, I want to thank Maria for giving hubbers an opportunity to learn more about their fellow writers. I’m so very shy when it comes to talking about me. But I trust Maria, and she has made this interview process both easy and fun! J
Genna, I wanted to select a Supremes song that has a timeless classic beauty, just like you.
As such, I hope you enjoy their rendition of: "Somewhere", one of my favorites ever since West Side Story. Thank you for taking the time to share yourself with us.
© Maria Jordan (revised September, 2014)
Supremes-Somewhere
Comments
Hi Shyron and Maria...
Thank you for those lovely comments! Shyron, I like your song choice. Happy Sunday to you both. Hugs.
What song makes you want to pack up & leave the party...?
"Holding on to nothing but the wheel"
It was great reading about you Genna and Maria did such a great interview.
I admire you both.
Blessing my friends.
A beautiful article with Gina, I love her choice of method and I thought her closing note was just lovely!
I passed along a big hug from you to both ladies on their special day. They missed having their virtual friend present among the party goers. Mom mentions you often. :)
Hello Maria, After reading through these delightful interview questions and the terrific answers that Genna East provided, I couldn't find my comment among the amazing responses here. Wow, I apologize for the long delay. I know I read this some time back and probably got distracted - that sounds like me.
Bravo for highlighting such an entertaining author and incredible writer. Genna seems to be the real thing and I'm happy to follow her work.
@BeckyKatz Thank you! I know you have many hours of enjoyment with the your piano. :-)
@B. Malin Hi there! Thank you for those very nice words. I always look forward to reading your hubs as well; they always bring a smile. Yes, we are like family here. :-)
What can I say about Genna, that hasn't already been said. I Love her Hubs, always a Rich and Rewarding Read...She is one Talented Writer! We have been Following each other for a long time. I always smile when I see she's left some Comments on my Hubs. We are really like a "Family" of Writers here on Hub Pages. So Glad to include Genna!
Beautiful interview with Genna. I have read a few of her works and need to go visit her again. I have an upright Grand. Upright but huge, it was given to my mother by her mother when she was learning the piano.
@Arb: Thank you, kind sir; I am overwhelmed. You have been so supportive of me and others on the Hub. Hubbers like you make this journey so worthwhile, and rich with substance and enjoyment.
@Kash: Hello my Tom; still my favorite avatar on the Hub; and Escape to the Other Side is still one of my favorite hubs. Thank you!
@Pamela: It’s a pleasure meeting you too. I can’t thank Maria, enough, for making this experience so delightful and unique, and for the opportunity to meet other hubbers.
This is another wonderful interview. I don't know Genna so this is a great opportunity for me to explore her writings. Great job Maria. Hugs.
A great hubber,a beautiful lady and awesome tribute to one of a kind writer here on HubPages .
Great job Maria! Vote up and more !!!
There are many good and worthy poets to be found throughout hub pages and I suppose such tribute is subjective to the many who go in search of them. Genna's poetry, however, makes many of us good and worthy poets acknowledge that there is yet another category of poets. Those few engaged our love for poetry and collectively we gasp in appreciation. Genna's poetry is an illustration of what seperates the few from the many.
An insightful interview with one whose insight is worthy of our interest. Such a fascinating poet is revealed in a fascinating woman.
@Snakeslane & Carter06 Thanks so much. Maria made this so much fun; she has a gift for this.
@Girishpuri : Thank you.
@Hyphenbird: Thank you Brenda, for those kind words. Maria is such a marvel with these interviews.
@Gypsy Rose Lee: Thank you, Riga. :-)
@Docmo: Thank you! And many thanks for magic of your Pooh series and the Art of Living and Loving, which I just love!
@Lucky Cats
Thanks so much for those nice words. I hear you about the ‘cold read.’ I still have not yet mastered this rule of writing. When will I ever learn? Good to see you. :-)
@Shai77
Thank you!
@Vincent Moore
Thank you for those wonderful thoughts. You are one of my favorite, remarkable poets. There should be new words for ‘favorite’ and ‘remarkable, as these words seem somehow inadequate in praise of Vincent Moore. You are the writer’s writer; the poet’s poet…and always will be. Hugs.
@Alastar Packer
Thank you Alastar for those nice words. You are indeed the best teacher of history on the hub. Waiter? Absolutely not… you can pull up a chair and join us. :-)
@Moon Lake
It’s good to meet you here; Maria has done such a wonderful job with her interviews.
Mar, this is just a delight and truly fitting for such an amazing writer..Genna it's so nice to meet you here and I may not have met you without Mar's warm, intuitive, succinct introduction, I will def be coming by your way soon...
Mar you are truly lovely to do this informative and inspiring series ...Voted UUABI & shared...cheers
Mar, I am enjoying your "Getting to know' series, you have a knack for bringing people together. Thank you for this interview with Genna East (love that name), clearly a well respected Hubber and one who loves to share. A lunch with Vincent and Hemingway, wow! Way to turn that question around. Will be looking forward to your mystery short story Genna, and sampling your pages. Regards, snakeslane
Genna has always been a generous supporter of my writing from the time I joined hubpages. She is erudite, evanescent and utterly awesome. This series is like a jewellery collection- each writer a precious stone. and Maria the master craftsman that sets them in their best light. Genna East dazzles as always in this warm, wonderful interview.
Wonderful Maria. Genna sounds like a great lady. I love her thoughts on how history should be taught. Voted up and awesome for sure. Hugs from Riga.
This is a wonderful interview with Genna East. What a great and peaceful heart she has! Somehow she feels like a person one has known forever. I enjoyed everything about this interview. Thanks to both of you.
Maria,
It's so nice to introduce your fellow Hubbers this way, you are very nice and indeed it's nice to know more about Genna. voted up.
I don't know Genna but she seems to be a very nice lady and hubber. Will have to head over and read her hubs. Thanks Maria for this hub.
Reading Genna's answer to 'the times I feel the saddest' was an instant communion of spirit with this lovely lady. And then...well, I'm humbled is all. How eloquent and wise you are. Pretty good with a metaphor, too. Would love to be your waiter on Maui, sans tips of course. Genna, thank you for welcoming us with your answers here- you are one very remarkable person and writer and an advanced soul if I may say so.
Maria you are continually astounding me with your brilliant lady author/poet picks to interview. Genna East is one of my favourite poets bar none in the Hubs. She captured my heart with so many of her magnificent works and this one in particular slew me and the Saddlerider at the time.https://hubpages.com/literature/Daniel-of-Lucid-Dr...
Thank you my sweet poet for the mention of my name and to place it alongside of one of the greatest authors of his time Ernest Hemingway is truly an honour I must say. Yes indeed we would share some exciting banter back and forth and the wine would flow and we would glow having you there with us to share the scenic views of Tuscany.
Genna I must thank you publicly for always coming to read my latest work, you have no idea how you honour me with your presence. You and other great poets in the Hubs inspire me to keep going and I do my best to scribe without interruptions. However my tired pen falters at times and my Muse has to coax me to pick it up. I grow faint at times from my plight of being alone and thus I think often of Sylvia, Poe and Ernest and how they ended their lives. The time grows nigh yet I will push on towards the mark. Peace and blessings I send to you my sweet poet. Hugs
Beautiful, what a lovely tribute. Excellent hub!
Hello Genna East. It is very good to get to know you and your wise words are inspirations for all of us. I LOVE your suggestion to walk away from something one has written, and return to do a cold read...too often, I DO NOT do this and then, upon revisiting, find so many errors on so many levels.
Yours is a very positive interview...and I come away having absorbed a bit of wisdom and sensibility and a keener way of walking in this life...on a positive road.
I thank Maria..as always and a day...for sharing this interview with us. What a gift, Mar....to open our horizons to others and their experiences, attitudes and life lessons which we, in return, can apply to our own lives. Many thanks to the both of you. Kathy
@Maria
I loved that Supreme’s song – thank you!!
@HappyBoomerNurse
I enjoyed reading your interview too, thanks to both you and Maria. I only wish there were more hours in the day. I envy your retirement, Happy. I can’t wait. :-) I look forward to reading more of your hubs. Thank you for those nice words.
@Sunnie Day
Thank you. What can I say, except there is only one Sunnie Day. It’s not just your compassionate heart; it’s that you also write with such diversity and imagination. You sometimes give voice to things that often go by, unnoticed, in a way that captivates us all. Your profile quote from Wordsworth fits you, perfectly.
@Tillsontitan
Thank you, Mary! Maria does this so well. She makes it easy for us to talk about ourselves; the people we love; the things that are important to us and the world around us; with humor and honesty. It’s like having a friendly, ongoing conversation. She has that gift.
@Writer20
Thank you, dear Joyce, for that lovely comment! Maria has done a wonderful job here. :-)
@Thebluestar
What a nice thing to say…especially, about the sense of humor. I don’t get a chance to communicate that very much in my hubs, and it was such fun to do a little of that here. Thank you.
@Rosemay
Actually, I do ‘float around’ because it seems I never have enough time to read and comment as much as I would like. Thanks to these wonderful hubs Maria has created, it makes it easier for hubbers to get to know each other. Thank you…and the pleasure is mine as well.
@Faithreaper
“Forthright” is very accurate. Perhaps, a lttle too forthright at times. :-) I write so many different thigns, butpoetry is my first love. I’ve so enjoyed meeting you here, and can’t Maria enough for making this possible. Thank you for those wonderful words.
@Femmeflashpoint
Thank you, Femme. :-) Yes, as Nell said below, Gregory Peck IS Atticus Finch. What a splendid actor and individual. He won the Oscar for his portrayal; it’s as if he understood this man and “walked in his shoes.” If there is such a thing as having a crush on an actor, I’ve had one on Mr. Peck for years (RIP).
@Nellieanna
What lovely words. It does seem we do have some things in common. I feel that at times when I read your poetry, which I do so love. I am an eclectic writer, but poetry my first love. A spinet – oh what a treasure, Nellieanna! I will definitely read those parts of “The Story of Civilization,” as I always want to learn more about who people were and how they lived throughout history. Many thanks and hugs to Maria for enabling us to “meet” in this way. It’s been such a pleasure. :-)
Genna, I've not had much of a chance, really, to get acquainted, which is my loss! We've met more in comment threads on hubs of people we both obviously like. Now that Maria's interview has shown me more about you, I find we have more in common than merely some favorite hubbers.
I must admit that you seem much better at some of these traits, such as piano. I, too, have played and loved it almost all my life, but it's not my great talent. At the duet with you and Martie, I would simply be an enthralled audience!
I also have a piano I would not want ever to part with. It's a little antique spinet grand: - a grand piano in every sense except size. It can fit into a space 4'x4'. The keyboard is only 77 keys. It was a gift from my parents when I graduated from high school in 1948 and was a bona fide antique then. Now we are both more so!
I love "To Kill A Mockingbird", also, and for many of the same reasons, except that I wasn't a tomboy like Scout. Gregory Peck IS Atticus Finch!
I learned to love history after school, when I discovered Will and Ariel Durant's accounts in "The Story of Civilization". They offer more 'inside information' about the people of the times, but in smaller print, so that it's a choice. I devoured those parts.
Dear Genna, your authentic grace and gentle beauty shine through your entire interview. I truly admire and LIKE you! I've no doubt that everything you write reflects in the same manner. Thank you - and Maria - for giving us a chance to see you in this way!
Mar,
What a lovely mind you've introduced me to. :)
I've not yet read her work, but am intrigued enough to investigate it. Especially since it's you making the recommendation. I know it will be well worth my while!
I was sold when I realized she shares my sentiments regarding Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, as well as the knowledge that people are more than names and artists renderings, and that we need more folks like Alastar Packer to deliver history in such a way that ignites a love for the learning of it, if one didn't have a love for it already.
Wonderful, job, Mar.
Genna will have a new fan before I shut down for the night. :)
femme
Thanks so much for this very real interview. Genna is the real deal, such a class act and forthright person. Voted Way Up across the board. Genna is a very lovely person no doubt. From just reading her profound and positive statements here, I know I must read her writings - if the interview is this awesome, her writing must be stunning and powerful. In His Love, Faith Reaper
Thank you Maria for this wonderful introduction to Genna. I have often seen her floating around, but perhaps 'floating' is not quite the right word for Genna. Love the very positive attitude that flows through this interview.
Absolutely loved listening to Celine Dion and a wonderful choice to make a tribute to the 5 loved ones that are carried still in her heart. Also love 'Somewhere' great choice Maria
I have only recently had the pleasure of meeting Genna.
Beautiful hub for a very beautiful and talented lady, Maria. Genna has her own sense of humour and a warmness seldom found in others. I don't read as many of Gennas hubs as I should do, but I will definitely try to catch up. You are writing with such heart hunnie, I look forward to meeting many more of the fantastic females in Hub land. x
Great hub, I love to get know Genna more and this hub is what you have
given us which is so wonderful, thank you.
Voted up awesome and beautiful, Joyce.
What a gracious and talented lady Genna is. I am moved by her answers and the wonderful comments that have followed her hub. Of course you know I'm headed over there to take a look! Thank you Genna and Maria for this wonderful hub.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
@Marcoujor
Maria; I can’t thank you enough for that very lovely introduction. It’s funny; chocolate covered strawberries and champagne is my favorite desert. When I'm lucky enough to have it. :-) Hugs, dear Maria; there is no one else like you!
@Billybuc
Thank you, Billy. I’ve enjoyed your hubs; especially the ones on living simply with passion. There is much wisdom and grace to your words, as well as character. :-)
@fpherj48
What a nice thing to say, thank you. Your comment made my day. I look forward to reading your hubs as well, and am so happy to meet you. And Maria does rock!
@Martie Coetser
Thank you! You’re on with that duet. How very cool that would be. Any time…I look forward to it. :-)
@Tammyswallow
Thank you. Poetry is my # 1 passion in writing, and probably always will be, so it is nice to hear such kind and thoughtful words.
@TheFrogPrince
Thank you, sweet prince. :-)
@Mckbirdbks
Hi Mike. Ohhhh…please ask Ernest to give me a call. ;-) And what a perfect setting.
I always enjoy your hubs…especially, Emerald Wells Café (I am completely hooked). You have been a loyal supporter. I so appreciate what you give to us all at HP, not just as a fellow hubber, but as a wonderful person. Thank you for being you.
Lord De Cross
Hi there and thank you. The Narragansett you read is my first foray into a crime mystery (aka ‘soap’ – the perfect description), ‘cause I’ve always wanted to write one. I LOVE your sense of humor, and your comment – LOL!
@MovieMaster
I so appreciate those kind and gracious words. Thank you!
@Always Exploring
Ruby; you are such a treasure, and someone I am proud to say is one of my favorite writers and hubbers. I love your limericks and other poetry that is so genuine, sincere and straight from the heart. You are one of the hubbers that makes HP such a pleasure. Thank you for those nice words. Cheers!
Thank you Maria for such a compelling interview of one of our most intriguing and sophisticated women here on hubpages. She is forever supportive of he hubbers and talented beyond belief. Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview.
Sunnie
I love the way Genna effortlessly turns what could be negatives into positives and I could tell right away from this heartfelt interview that I must start reading her hubs.
I wholeheartedly agree that we need people like Alastar Packer breathing life into the dull history that's usually taught in schools.
And I'd love to be a fly on the wall at Sarento's, tagging along on Genna's imaginary date with Ernest Hemmingway and HubPages poet extraordinaire, Vincent Moore!
Also enjoyed the Supreme's rendition of "Somewhere" and got choked up a bit listening to "My Heart Will Go On," knowing that it was Genna's tribute to the 5 close people in her life that she's lost.
Voted up across the board and shared.
This is a beautiful interview. Genna is one of my many favorite writers. I am always thrilled when i see that she has written a hub. The story she is writing now is a mystery and I am hooked. I also admire her ability to encourage other writers. Her comments on my page makes me feel like a friend in this Hubville community. I can see her sitting at the piano playing that hit song she just composed. Thank you Mar..Bravo..
A beautiful interview with Genna, I love her choice of song and I thought her closing note was just lovely!
Thank you to you both!
Wonderful answers from Genna. Just a few weeks ago I did bump into her writing...and dang..! She can write a real soap opera. Nice to hear from another wonderful lady from HP. Congrats to both!
I loved Genna's warm, heartfelt self-analysis. The songs were quite calming, complementing well the peaceful content of the interview!
Good job, both of you!
I was talking to Hemingway the other day. He told me his dream date would be with Genna East sitting to his right and someone named Vincent. His preference was in Tuscany near Italian cypress and golden hills.
Not many writers here on Hubpages can weave a tapestry of words as fine as those found on a publication by Genna East.
oh, mckbirdbks = Mockingbird Books, a story for another time
mar you did a wonderful job
SIGH...
The Frog
It is wonderful to learn more about Genna! She is one classy lady and one of Hubpages best poets. Well done Mar!
Maria, your interviews are so real, I could clearly see you and Genna as if we were together in one room. I always appreciate Genna's visits in my corner; her comments are relevant and thought-provoking.
Genna, your answers prove your deep and positive thoughts, and how I wish I could play a duet with you on the piano.
On my way to read a hub in Genna's corner :)
Maria...A very special "Thank You," for this lovely look into a hubber I have not yet met (unfortunately, for me). and a sincere vow, to now make up for lost time.
Genna, wonderful interview, filled with the authentic, intriguing and impressive comments from what I refer to as, "A woman of substance, intelligence and talent." All the virtues & attributes, women seek to cultivate throughout a lifetime. I look forward to reading your work, benefiting from your wisdom and interacting on a personal level.!
Maria.......you Rock. It's as simple as that.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady! Anyone who favors "To Kill A Mockingbird" is alright in my book.
Great job Maria! I love this series!
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