Congratulations to theoldPoet for winning our April 2017 contest! We are thrilled that you agreed to speak with us.

PP - Would you tell us a little about yourself?

theoldPoet -

I turn 82 years old this month. 6 Years ago I lost the love of my life to cancer and it has never really settled with me. It is only my children that have kept me going through this troubled times.

PP - How long have you been on Wattpad?

theoldPoet -

I was forced into Wattpad a couple years back, by my son, Bill. he convinced me that I could write a few poems. He helped me put things together and I must say, I have enjoyed it.

PP - What do you enjoy most about the PoetsPub?

theoldPoet -

The people. They are amazing.

PP - How long have you been writing poetry?

theoldPoet -

I wrote my first poetry back in the late 1940s. I tried to get a song published, but they told me that it was too long and it didn't get published. I never wrote much for many years, until my son started writing poems in the 1980s and I started writing a few poems for my wife.

PP - Where do you find inspiration for your poetry?

theoldPoet -

Just in life. day to day.

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

theoldPoet -

I am not a writer. I have watched my son write for many years and I drew some inspiration from him. He was the one who convinced me to try, so I did.

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

theoldPoet -

As my son always says. Just write. There is no bad writing, if it is your best. Just do the best you can.

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

theoldPoet -

I don't read much. My son is my inspiration and if I had to pick a favourite writer on Wattpad, it would be him.

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

theoldPoet -

Hank Snow . He was a favourite of mine for many years.

Dick Nolan. He was a Newfoundland artist who recorded one of the most popular songs ever to come out of Newfoundland, 'Aunt Martha's Sheep'. I played with Dick in his early years, as lead guitarist.

Gene Pike. Gene was the lead singer for "The Drifters". A band I played with for almost 20 years.

Arthur Temple. My brother and one of the best guitarists, I have ever known.

Bob Dylan. Just would love to talk to him.

Joyce Temple. My late wife. I guess I don't have to say why.

Gordon Lightfoot. A great songwriter.

My son, Billy. He still amazes me to this day.

I know these aren't all writers, but in their own right, they are amazing.

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

theoldPoet -

My son tells me that I have won more competitions at the Pub than anyone. 4 , I believe.

If I can do it, then anyone can. Just write what you feel and believe in what you write.

It is never too late to begin.

As for the Poets Pub and the group of sites that are affiliated, all I can say is, support each and every one.

They are all special.

Thank you again so very much for speaking with us, it was a pleasure learning more about you.