
Hi, friends. Recently, editor Dagmara K. at Spillwords Press was kind enough to interview me after I was named Author of the Month for April 2025 for my poem “The Bonfire.” I’m deeply grateful to Dagmara and her team for this opportunity to share a little of myself. If you’d like to discover a bit about my writing background and creative inspiration, you can find the interview here:
Q&A Author of the Month 2025 Interview with Michael L. Utley at Spillwords Press
Thank you, Dagmara, for your kindness in sharing my poetry with your readers. It’s always a thrill to see my writing published alongside that of so many talented authors at Spillwords Press. And thank you, my fellow WordPress friends, for your constant support and encouragement. I appreciate all of you more than you can ever imagine.
Congratulations, Mike. Going over to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hearted your post but could not comment so I’ll do so here. Your poetry is deeply meaningful and chillingly beautiful. Most poets write because it is the only way they can share their overwhelming emotions and thought processes. Most of us are introverts who think and feel to much.you and I share an enjoyment of horror literature as another common interest.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Robbie. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I find it really cool that you have an appreciation for horror literature, too. 😊
LikeLike
I do. My short stories are generally historical paranormal so quite dark. I hope you are well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats Mike. BTW, I share your loss of reading. During the pandemic, I couldn’t concentrate, and I either still can’t or I lost the reading habit. Things have improved over the past two years, but I read a fraction of what I used to. Like losing a good friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jeff. Totally agree. I miss reading. I think another reason for me is I need some regular glasses as my eyesight worsens with age. My cheap-o reading glasses end up making my eyes hurt if I read for more than a few minutes. Nothing like growing old, eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
congrats, and what a great interview
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Beth. I appreciate you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Mike. Very nice interview.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ernie. It’s very kind of you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wahoo! Bookmarking to read when I have a moment.😵💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Melissa. Hope you enjoy the full interview. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Author of the Month — that was a wonderful interview I just read! 👍🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kindest thanks, Carol. Always a pleasure to receive your generous words. I appreciate you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful, heartfelt and honest interview, Mike. Your kind heart shows through your words, as does your love and respect for your dear mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Darlene. I appreciate your thoughtful kindness as always. 😊
LikeLike
Mike, this is a beautiful interview. Much of what you say reads like poetry itself. Thank you for being so considered, thoughtful, and open in your responses. To read your interview is a gift.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re incredibly kind, Jane. Thanks so much. I’m happy to know you liked the interview. It’s always a pleasure to see you stop by. 😊🍁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always happy to learn more about you, Mike. Heading over.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a bunch, Diana. Your support is absolutely priceless, my friend. 😊🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🏼🌺🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
You allowed yourself to expose your vulnerability. Because you are so vulnerable in your writing, this interview spoke to the authenticity of your crafting prose and poetry. In a sense, to call to each of us to connect with our own vulnerable sides. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Annette. You’ve been such a wonderful voice in our community and your support is super-special to me. I appreciate you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Popping over to have a read now
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Joanne. I’m late in responding so please forgive me. I appreciate your kindness, my friend. 😊
LikeLike
Hopping over to read the interview!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you kindly, Liz. Your presence here is always a pleasure. Much appreciated. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Mike. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Mike, and well deserved! Also a wonderful interview! Blessings, my friend!😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Peggy, and blessings right back at you, my friend. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poetry is deeply meaningful and chillingly beautiful.
Great your interview ☺️. Iam so ….so.. glad my dear friend 💗. I pray 🙏 to God your all get achivement & go ahead always . God bless you 😇
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you dearly, my friend. I’m late in responding so I hope you’ll forgive me. Your kindness is wonderful. Wishing you a good day today. 😊
LikeLike
You always timely response my comments. You don’t say sorry. We are dearest friend. I always forgive, I don’t mind. Wishing you a good day ❤️. God bless you, Tack Care my best friend. We are very far way Live 😭.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvelous, Mike! Great to meet you again! 🤗😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Ashley. It’s always a delight to see you pop in for a quick hello, good sir! Enjoy your Thursday! 😊🌳
LikeLike
Congrats on the interview, Mike. I’m heading over now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Lauren. Truly grateful for all you do, my friend. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked the interview; the things you said about how writing connects us to other people really resonated with me:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Jordyn. It’s been so nice connecting with people all over the world through blogging, that’s for sure. Such an unexpected delight. I’m really glad this interview resonated with you. It’s always good to see you stop by. Wishing you a grand Thursday. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent interview!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Dawn. I appreciate your kindness, my friend. 😊
LikeLike
Hello dear Mike,
I read your interview and have been trying to log in to comment since yesterday, but unfortunately, it hasn’t worked—I’m not sure why.
Anyway, this was such an engaging read! Your thoughtful responses offered valuable insight into your creative process and dedication to the craft. Thank you for sharing your perspective—it’s inspiring to learn more about fellow writers, in our community.
Best wishes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very kind, Saima. Thank you. Sometimes Spillwords seems to have difficulty with its log-in procedure. I’m delighted to know you liked the interview. I always feel strange when people want to know more about me because I view myself as a rather boring guy, but these interviews are kind of fun, too. Your generous support and warm thoughtfulness are cherished, my dear friend. It’s always a pleasure to see you stop by to say hello. I’m late in replying so I hope you’ll forgive me. Have a wonderful Thursday! 😊🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Mike. I’ve been absent for a bit, so this was fantastic news for return to. Gonna head over to read your poem and the interview now..well done, my friend.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Nigel. Always happy to see you drop by. I hope you’re doing well. Sounds like you’ve been busy lately. Wishing you a top-notch Thursday, amigo. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, brother man. Yeah I’ve been in the trenches. Trying to get a groove has been difficult. I write, but not stuff worth sharing. More Journaling that anything else.
Have a blessed day, bro bro.
LikeLiked by 1 person