I didn't choose Russia but Russia chose me. I had been fascinated from an early age by the culture, the language, the literature and the history to the place. Helen Dunmore agechooseculture Change image and share on social
I could start with Mandelstam, who was a huge influence on my early writing. Helen Dunmore earlyhugeinfluence Change image and share on social
I have learned so much from working with other poets, travelling and reading with them, spending days discussing poems in progress. There is the sense that we are all, as writers, part of something which is more powerful than any of us. Helen Dunmore daydiscusslearn share on social
As individuals, we are shaped by story from the time of birth; we are formed by what we are told by our parents, our teachers, our intimates. Helen Dunmore birthformindividual Change image and share on social
I enjoy research; in fact research is so engaging that it would be easy to go on for years, and never write the novel at all. Helen Dunmore easyengageenjoy Change image and share on social
However, I began to submit poems to British magazines, and some were accepted. It was a great moment to see my first poems published. It felt like entering a tradition. Helen Dunmore acceptbeginbritish Change image and share on social
Those who try to obliterate the past are injuring the present. Helen Dunmore injureobliteratepast Change image and share on social
I concentrate on the lives of individuals whom the reader comes to know and feel with intimately. Helen Dunmore concentratefeelindividual Change image and share on social
Poets go through a very tough apprenticeship in the use of words. Helen Dunmore apprenticeshippoettough Change image and share on social
The poets whom I knew then were all men and all seemed dauntingly sure of themselves - although I am sure that really they were as uncertain as I was. Helen Dunmore dauntinglyknowman Change image and share on social
