I see the shape of the poem before I start writing, and the writing is just the process of arriving at the shape. Carol Ann Duffy arrivepoemprocess Change image and share on social
If I felt, in the event of a royal wedding, inspired to write about people coming together in marriage or civil partnership, I would just be grateful to have an idea for the poem. And if I didn't, I'd ignore it. Carol Ann Duffy civilcomeevent share on social
The moment of inspiration can come from memory, or language, or the imagination, or experience - anything that makes an impression forcibly enough for language to form. Carol Ann Duffy experienceforciblyform Change image and share on social
Edinburgh is my favourite city. We'll be doing a lot of children's theatre and galleries. Carol Ann Duffy childcityedinburgh Change image and share on social
Christmas is taken very seriously in this household. I believe in Father Christmas, and there's no way I'd do anything to undermine that belief. Carol Ann Duffy beliefchristmasfather Change image and share on social
Auden said poetry makes nothing happen. But I wonder if the opposite could be true. It could make something happen. Carol Ann Duffy audenhappenmake Change image and share on social
Every day is a gift with a child, no matter what problems you have. Carol Ann Duffy childdaygift Change image and share on social
Poets deal in writing about feelings and trying to find the language and images for intense feelings. Carol Ann Duffy dealfeelingfind Change image and share on social
When you have a child, your previous life seems like someone else's. It's like living in a house and suddenly finding a room you didn't know was there, full of treasure and light. Carol Ann Duffy childfindfull Change image and share on social
My prose is turgid, it just hasn't got any energy. Carol Ann Duffy energyproseturgid Change image and share on social
