Linda Kleinbub is a lifelong Queens resident and award-winning poet. She is the founding editor of Pink Trees Press, a nonprofit publisher that highlights diverse writers celebrating resilience. Linda is the author of the poetry collections Cover Charge and Appear to Dance, and co-editor of the Silver Tongued Devil Anthology. This anthology was archived by the New York Public Library’s Tompkins Square Branch and was featured in the exhibit “Indie Indeed: 50 Years of Independent Presses.”
Linda is an active member of prominent New York literary collectives, the Unbearables and brevitas. She was one of only six local poets invited to read at the Americas Poetry Festival of New York in 2021.
Linda’s work is widely published in such places as Best American Poetry, Poets of Queens 2, The Brooklyn Rail, The Observer, Sensitive Skin Magazine, LiveMag! and numerous anthologies.
NB: Other than the amazing diversity, what do/did you love most about living in Queens (or Queens in general)?
LK: I love all the green space in Queens. Besides the great parks, we have many cemeteries, a peaceful escape from the hustle of city life. As a child, I often rode my bike through Mount Olivet Cemetery. It was great because there were no cars, and it was filled with animals like rabbits, pheasants, and many birds.
NB: How does Queens inspire you? What are some of your favorite places to be inspired in Queens?
LK: I love Rockaway Beach, the roar of the ocean, and the shells on the shoreline. I always feel renewed after a visit. Whenever life gets overwhelming, I throw my troubles into the sea. Riding the 7 train and looking out the window at all the different neighborhoods in Queens also inspires me. All the different neighborhoods filled with food, music, art, and culture help fuel my senses.
NB: What advice do you have for readers who are hoping to develop their writing or artistic practice?
LK: The most important thing one can do to develop their writing skills is to write often, daily if possible. Another important thing is to read widely and push yourself to read things beyond your comfort zone. We are never too old to learn. Writing workshops and retreats are also wonderful ways to develop as a writer.
NB: Is writing or artistic talent innate, and/or can it be taught/developed?
LK: I believe that writing initially is innate. I was born a writer. No one ever told me to write; it was something I did on my own from a very young age. I also believe you can develop writing skills by studying with writers you admire. I’ve taken many classes at Poets House, through The New School and beyond. Some of the people I studied with were Anne Waldman, Fanny Howe, Dorianne Laux, Elaine Equi, Susan Shapiro, Jason Schneiderman, Star Black, Annie Finch, and Barbara Henning. I still take classes; we never stop learning.
NB: How important is personal connection and communication (networking) in your industry?
LK: It’s very important. A writer should get involved in a writing community. This can be done by attending reading series or taking workshops. The more people you meet, the more you can learn from them
NB: Who are some of your favorite artists, poets, event hosts, writers, and other creatives with a Queens connection?
LK: Some of my favorite Queens musicians are Simon and Garfunkel, The Ramones, and Cyndi Lauper, and writer Jimmy Breslin, who captured the grit of the city in the Daily News when I was young. I also love the artwork of Linda Wulkan, who is the cover artist for Pink Trees Press.
NB: Favorite places to write, perform, or have your work performed?
LK: I love to write at Rockaway and Elmhurst Park, the former site of the Elmhurst gas tanks. I love to read at The Muse Exchange hosted by Kenny Gordon when it’s at Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven. Kenny is a fun, charismatic host, and Neir’s Tavern, NYC’s oldest bar, is a great space. I also love Olena Jennings, Poets of Queens series at Q.E.D.
NB: What is something you wish I had asked? Please let me know what that question is and answer it. Thank you.
LK: How do you give back to the literary community? I share my knowledge through teaching. Currently, I’m teaching a 6-week class at the 14th Street Y called Forms of Poetry. The next workshop will begin this fall. I also host many literary events. If anyone wants to be added to the events mailing list, they can contact me at pinktreespress@gmail.com.
NB: Do you have any events or projects coming up that you’d like to promote?
LK: Yes, I host a summer reading series at a fabulous garden called the 6th Street & Avenue B Community Garden on the Lower East Side. We have a 4-minute open mic, and everyone is welcome, including poets, storytellers, dancers, and musicians. We have shows planned for June 20th, July 12th, August 30th, and September 26th. All shows are 2 to 5 pm with sign-up beginning at 1:45 pm. Pink Trees Press will have a table at the New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island on Saturday, July 18th, and will be reading from the Blackbird Stage on Sunday, July 19th, starting at 1 pm. Pink Trees Press will also host book launches for our two new publications written by C.O. Moed and Juanita Kirton this Fall. Time and place are still being determined
—Nicollette Barsamian
For the complete story, visit QGazette.com.
The Local-Express interview series was originated on July 3, 2013 by Nicollette Barsamian.