Interview with Passionate Poet and Femme Positive Writer, Mimi Flood

Trigger Warning

Papers: We understand that you began writing around thirteen—what sparked that creativity for you, and how did that younger you evolve to be the writer you are known as today?

Mimi: I remember writing Mirror, Mirror, my first poem, and it was about depression. I had just found out my friends at the time were not really my friends, and the boy I had a crush on had rejected me. I thought I wasn't pretty, and felt it was because I was fat. Where I grew up wasn't the best—there were drug baggies on the steps and used condoms on the street. I didn't really understand what I was going through because no one around me talked about it, and certainly not at my school. I felt I couldnt get control. There's this part of you that always believes that you are the only one experiencing things like this, so you go through it alone. I think a lot of my childhood initiated a spark in my writing. 

My poetry now doesn't sugarcoat reality. Whatever I’ve gone through I wear it, and I do so strongly. I used to not let anyone read what I wrote, but now it's like, here you go! 

Papers: You just released Provocative is a Girl’s Name this past February, which speaks earnestly in regards to the mistreatment of women, slut shaming, and destructive misogynistic behavior. What was the blueprint to telling this story, and while creating this piece of work, did you have any drawbacks or hesitations?  

Mimi: When I was writing Provocative is a Girl's Name, my thought process was quick. I would go from Bark like a Dog—which is about catcalling to (Finger Snap), Why didn’t you just leave?, How could you have let this happen to them?, which is specifically about victim blaming. I was constantly thinking of what women go through or what they experience, to concepts and thoughts of being labeled a slut if you like to have sex, and a prude if you’re a virgin. Also talking about innocence, and telling your mother you were raped, to people claiming you can't be raped by your husband. You are taught to bite your tongue and swallow your blood because sexual abuse is too emotional—stop being sensitive or a crybaby. You’re also taught you’re stronger than that because boys will be boys, and in the same breath be told you can’t be better at something than a man. The grip of laws that are in place for abortion, where they would rather see you die than you having control over your own body. To social media influencers selling you their code to get buccal fat removed, or sell you flat tummy tea.

It was all extremely fast pace and exhausting. I wrote it in 2 weeks. The way I write is raw and honest. This could be a lot for a reader. But, I wanted to make this book meaningful and powerful. 

Papers: Your poetry builds a moment in just a few sentences, and that was one of the reasons we were so thrilled to publish your work on our site. Do you draw most of your writing from personal experiences, and how has writing changed the way you perceive life? 

Mimi: It depends on what the subject of the poem is—it could be personal or storytelling, or a merge of both. I always find myself trying to hook the reader within the first few lines with depth or a pop. I don’t think writing has changed the way I perceive life. Life is beautiful, ugly, joyful, and sad. Writing has made me understand myself more, and how others perceive my writing. Reading poetry has made me more understanding and observant of other’s perceptions and experiences. What we all experience has significance.

Papers: You’re a pretty prolific writer having two books out and an extremely vibrant IG account. Who would you say are some of your biggest supporters?

Mimi: To name a few:

Emily Perkovich @undermeyou

Adam Shove @thepoetshove

Solange Aguilar @shesanargonaut

Gysophila - Art and Literary Magazine @Gypsophilazine 

Kristy “Kiki” Johnson @kiki_poetry 

@dempoems 

@tomic.ritter

You guys ♥

Papers: Where do you see writing taking you in the next few years, and what is something you would want to tell writers with a similar backstory to yours?

Mimi: I got what I always wanted—I wanted to be a published author, which I never thought would happen. I still get taken a back when someone likes my poetry, and I hope I continue to evolve in my writing. I think there's always more. Maybe another book will be published within the next few years. I would also like to try to write stories and perhaps be the next horror novelist, maybe even be better than Stephen King lol. 

Writing can be therapeutic—draw within yourself, let it be your healing. Don't let rejection and doubt get to you. Dont ever stop because you’re not getting what you think you should get from it. Dont compare yourself to other poets. If you want to get better - keep writing. Write the pain. The rage. The tears. The love. The shit. The block. Write through it all.