PP - Hello and Congradulations for winning our 2017 September contest.

PP - Would you tell us a little about yourself?

claytonsharrits -

My name is Clayton and I was born and raised in northwestern Ohio. I turn 18 as of this month and I'm excited for the long and wonderful journey ahead.

PP - How long have you been on Wattpad?

claytonsharrits -

I joined on another account about two years ago, but I lost the password for it. I created account about a year and a half ago.

PP - What do you enjoy most about the Poets Pub?

claytonsharrits -

I really love the interaction between everyone - mostly being in the comment section of the posts. I love how we can all compliment and even critique each other's work and there isn't any hard feelings or resentment. I don't feel these things, I mean.

PP - How long have you been writing poetry?

claytonsharrits -

I wrote my first poem when I was in 7th grade about a homecoming football game (my first of middle school), and a wonderful moment I shared with a significant other that evening. I didn't come back to poetry until the summer of 2015 which was before my sophomore year in high school. I've been writing ever since!

PP - Where do you find inspiration for your poetry?

claytonsharrits -

I used to find my inspiration in places of solace or serenity - even if they were imaginary like a creek in a mosquito-less forest or a vast sea which I've never seen. I also found inspiration in the cosmos and all it's beauty as well as spirituality and philosophy. Around the time I started to heavily study different aspects of poetry, I went through a rough point in my life which gave me a lot of sadness and anger to write with. Lately, I've gone back to my likings of serene locations.

PP - Is poetry your main genre or do you write other things? If so what else do you enjoy writing?

claytonsharrits -

Although it has been all I've been writing, it is not what I would consider my desirable fortè. I am probably the biggest When I have the time, I always try to write my big-break novel. When I'm not rambling for a novel, I also write short stories and screenplays (mostly horror because I love a good thrill)

PP - What advice would you give to poets who are just starting out?

claytonsharrits -

To those starting out: I know it's the most common thing that is said, but you can't let your perfectionism get in the way of art. Remember that if you can make something that you are happy with, you're a success. Money is just an extra.

PP - Do you have a favorite author on Wattpad? What about outside of Wattpad?

claytonsharrits -

Joe Cottonwood (joecottonwood) is probably my favorite author. Just something about his poetry makes me smile. My non-wattpad author has to be Jack Kerouac. I can't help but love his flow of words and how they stitch together to create such beautiful stories. He is by far my biggest inspiration.

PP - You are throwing a dinner party and you can invite any 10 authors, living, dead or fictional. Who do you invite?

claytonsharrits -

If I had to, It would be probably Joe Cottonwood, Jack Kerouac, Gregory Corso, Stephen King, Chris Crutcher, Marcus Aurelius, Alan Watts, Henry David-Theroux, Neil Peart (yes - the drummer and lyricist of Rush), and Mark Twain to keep the laughs coming.

PP - Thank you so much for speaking with us. Is there anything else you would like to add?

claytonsharrits -

All I have to say is thanks for the interview and thank you for enjoying my work! I hope to earn your appreciation again! Thank you all!

PP - Thank you so very much for speaking with us, it is great to learn more about you. We look forward to seeing you around the Pub!