Poet Maggie Smith Discusses the Thrill of Creative Challenges

NEW YORK, NY — During a recent episode of Slate‘s podcast Gabfest Reads, poet and author Maggie Smith connected with journalist John Dickerson to discuss her latest book, the intricacies of poetry, and the creative process. The conversation, which highlighted Smith’s perspective on artistry, focused on how creative endeavors evolve over time.

“When I feel like a poem is finally ‘done,’ it’s an incredible feeling,” Smith said. “There’s a thrill in both the struggle and the completion of a piece. It’s an egoless process for me, forcing me to loosen my grip and let the work shine.” Smith emphasized that while the process can be daunting, it also feeds her artistic drive—her confidence in navigating creative roadblocks has always motivated her to push through.

Smith also expressed her thoughts on the nature of the creative process: “There’s this misconception that years of experience make creativity easier. I find writing poems now just as challenging as it was years ago. It’s not about being scared of the challenge, but finding energy within it.” She likened the act of writing to problem-solving, suggesting that trust in oneself is crucial to artistic expression.

The poet remembered starting her journey in writing at a young age, noting, “I began writing poems at age 13 or 14. Despite difficulties, the excitement of unraveling a creative puzzle kept me engaged.” Added Smith, “You have to cultivate a passion for making rather than merely for the finished product.” This philosophy resonated with Dickerson, who acknowledged the importance of enjoying the process over simply celebrating results.

Recent discussions have centered on the role of discomfort in the creative journey. Smith stated, “There’s no point at which we become exempt from the messiness of creativity. If you’re not willing to enjoy the discomfort, you’ll struggle to maintain a creative practice.” This perspective emphasizes the necessity of embracing challenges and uncertainties as integral elements of the artistic journey.