Q&A with Author, Natalie Cooper
Natalie Cooper – Author Bio
Natalie Cooper is a Child and Family Educator who spends her days working with families and her nights writing poetry and creating digital art. Natalie’s writing has appeared in Monash University’s 2023 Verge, Mudgee Valley Writers 2022 Anthology, Paper Road magazine and Positive Words magazine. Natalie’s photography has been included in exhibitions at the Museum of Australian Photography (STAGES: Life in Lockdown) and the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (Make A Fuss). Currently Natalie resides on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong country (Victoria, Australia) with her trio of mischief making children and partner in crime husband.
Q&A
What is it about dragons that you love so much?
I love that dragons can embrace a variety of different roles including: hero, villain, victim, friend, queen, etc. They are beautifully multifaceted and can superbly exhibit a spectrum of personalities, emotions and desires. Similar to humans, but better because they are made up of gorgeous radiant scales, they can fly freely wherever they want and they have the amazing ability to wield exceptional power over the elements and laws of physics.
I am also mighty impressed with the authenticity that dragons possess, they know who they are and what they’re capable of. They can trust in their potent fiery breath to expertly defend themselves and they can take comfort in their amazing wings in assisting them to soar amongst the clouds. What isn’t to love about dragons?
Why do you enjoy writing about dragons?
I enjoy writing about anything that tickles my creative funny bone, inspiring my imagination and dragons are the embodiment of inspiration and creativity. I love the freedom dragons have in the literary world and enjoy going on creative journeys with them, discovering all sorts of interesting and remarkable things about the earth and it’s history, as well as uncovering more about myself along the way. As I write a lot of young children’s picture book stories, dragons (plus other magical beings), often provide a fantastic subject matter or engaging principal character. Plus stories, poems, films, art, etc. that feature dragons, never fail to impress people with their phenomenal awesomeness.
What are some of your favorite books to read featuring dragons?
I just cannot go past a sumptuously illustrated book featuring dragons and other magical beings; because they so eloquently bring together two of my favourite things – creative writing and art. The following are some of the children’s story books my kids and I regularly reach for, featuring dragons in various capacities; Zog by Julia Donaldson, Room on the Broom also by Julia Donaldson, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N Munsch and The crocodile who didn’t like water by Gemma Merino (which is one of my absolute personal favourites).
In addition, I also enjoy reading origin stories; delving deep into the murky depths of history to discover the how, the why and the when magical beings and their stories came to be. Most recently I’ve become a little bit obsessed with ancient Japanese dragons and witches, as I find their cultural significance and their inherent meanings to be quite fascinating. I often end up reading obscure articles or accounts discussing the lore of these magical beings, into the wee hours of the night or morning, depending on how you view things. Moreover, I like to find out about the differing versions of the myths that are born from various community groups and their vast interpretations/perceptions of these beings.
What got you into writing?
Throughout the years, I found that creative writing, especially poetry was an excellent way for me to reflect upon and reframe the things occurring in my life; thusly becoming the perfect conduit for exploring the various themes and meanings of life and how it all relates to me.
Writing is also an excellent way for me to express myself in a more measured and cohesive manner, as I am somewhat of a tempestuous person when it comes to certain topics; I’ve been know to occasionally shoot my mouth off. So the writing process assists me to thoroughly contemplate my thoughts, feelings and perceptions about particular life topics and then phrase them in a more appropriate, coherent and productive way.
I like to experiment and try out different styles of writing, (recently I had a go at a drabble and I loved it), but I really do have a soft spot for haikus, tankas and micro poetry. I love the razor sharp focus of these types of impactful short and sweet poems as well as an appreciation of the carefully chosen words used to fit in with the parameters of these styles of poetry.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to other writers, what would it be?
Keep writing – never let anyone dissuade you, including yourself! Find a meaningful or inspiring quote/mantra to use in times of procrastination and avoidance. I like to use a phrase I came up with when I was younger, stemming from a conversation I had with my
beautiful aunty, “Do things your future self will appreciate.” And boy does that phrase motivate me to get on with things. Another easy and helpful thing I do to assist me with my writing is to use the four R’s: Reflect, Research, Reframe and Rest.
Where can readers follow your writer platform?
Learn more about Natalie at: Instagram