Sadiqa de Meijer on poetry, essay writing, attention, and mixed identity

On Creative Writing host Sheelagh Caygill welcomes essayist and poet Sadiqa de Meijer, based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Sadiqa provides a thoughtful meditation on what it means to belong, to create, and to live attentively in a fast-paced world, and also reads the poem 'Living Rooms of Qaf' from her new collection, Qaf's People.To prepare for this interview, Sheelagh read Sadiqa's writing and listened to quite a few podcasts interviews with Sadiqa, and thinks of this episode as, unofficially, part three of conversations Sadiqa had with Liisa Kovlova, host of Women Writing - listen here, and with Hollay Ghadery, host of New Books Network - listen here. Sadiqa was born in The Netherlands and moved to Canada with her parents when she began high school. In this interview, she reflects on her mixed Dutch-Kenyan heritage and how this duality profoundly shapes her perspective as a writer. Sheelagh and Sadiqa discuss the complexities of cultural identity and the nuances of the immigrant experience, exploring how these themes surface in Sadiqa’s essays and poetry.Sadiqa shares how her upbringing and family background have influenced her sense of belonging and the way she navigates questions of home and language. She describes the challenges and rewards of writing from a place of hybridity, where multiple cultural influences intersect and inform her voice. The discussion touches on the importance of honouring one’s roots while also embracing the fluidity of identity, especially in a multicultural society like Canada.A significant part of the episode is devoted to Sadiqa’s creative process. She emphasizes the vital role of feeling and intuition in her writing, explaining how she tunes into her emotional landscape to access deeper truths. Sadiqa offers practical advice for writers at various stages of their writing careers. She advocates for the practice of attentiveness—being fully present and observant in everyday life—as a wellspring for creative inspiration. She also highlights the value for writers of keeping a notebook and journaling, not just as a records of events, but as a tools for exploring thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences in greater depth.In addition to writing, Sadiqa says that drawing and other visual arts can enhance a writer’s powers of observation. She encourages writers to experiment with sketching as a way to slow down, notice details, and engage with the world in a more mindful way. This holistic approach to creativity, she suggests, can lead to richer, more authentic work.Sadiqa explores the intersection of art, identity, and mindful living. She discusses how writing can be a form of self-discovery and a means of forging connections across cultural boundaries. Her insights will give listeners a deeper appreciation for what's involved in essay writing, and particularly essays infused with poetry, as well as strategies for cultivating creativity and self-awareness. Discover Sadiqa de Meijer’s unique perspective on writing, identity, and the power of mindful observation. Links:Sadiqa's Q&A with Oncreativewriting.com.The long poem Sadiqa references: The Conference of the Brids.One of the essays Sadiqa reads from is, 'After Etty', is about Etty Hillesum, the Jewish-Dutch diarist who was imprissoned in Kamp Westerbork and then murdered at Auschwiz concentration camp on November 30, 1943.The essays titled 'Dwaallichtjes': Dwaallichtjes is the Dutch term for the eerie-looking lights hovering over bogs and swamps that are usually the result of swamp gas (e.g. methane) oxidizing in the dark. In Dutch folklore tales, dwaaslichtjes are described as the souls of unbaptized children, mischievous elves, or spirits of the dead attempting to lead unwary travelers into danger. Read more, or listen here. (English term: Will-o'the-wisp).The film Sadiqa mentions which influenced the poem 'Living Rooms of Qaf' from her new collection Qaf's People is Universal Language.