Pleased to Meet You, My Name is Jamie Hamann: A Self Interview

The Challenge

Not too long ago a writer here on Hubpages, by the name of availiavision, brought forth a challenge. Availiavision had asked a series of questions to be answered in a self-interview. Some of my favorite writers here on Hubpages responded. I will list their responses at the end of the hub.

The interviews I read were entertaining and interesting and a perfect way to get to know the community of writers here on Hubpages. So I decided to give it a try. I have come up with the following self-interview. I hope you enjoy and thank you availiavision for thinking of such a creative challenge.

A Brief Introduction

Many of my hubs discuss my past and I have decided to spend this introduction discussing where I am now and where I plan on going in the future.

I live in Reno Nevada with my wife, Erika, and our three children. I work in Pharmaceutical Research and have been working in science labs since I was nineteen years old. I have a B.S. in Molecular Biology, but I am currently working on my MAT or Masters of Arts in Teaching. My dream is to teach High School Science.

I have been writing for Hubpages going on four years and I find it very motivational here. I have written on many different topics but my true love is poetry. Not only do I love reading, writing, and discussing poetry but I would give anything to be able to dedicate my life to the art. If you feel the same way about poetry feel free to share with me or start a conversation.

Of course I am a realist and accept my position in research and education. I think it was Wallace Stevens who stated, something to the effect, that he was a worker and a writer of poetry not a poet.

Well let's move on with this interview. There is much to talk about.

In the film version of your autobiography who would you like to play yourself?

This was a difficult question for me to answer. First, I do not think much about actors in films. I know that I like Phillip Seymour Hoffman and a list of others. I don't really put much effort in keeping up with who is who in the acting world.

After much thought I decided that George Clooney would fill the role perfectly. Not only because there is an uncanny resemblance, but he plays roles that I fit into nicely.

For example his role in "The Men Who Stare at Goats" which is my favorite George Clooney movie, second to "Burn After Reading," reminds me of myself when I was in the military.

I also feel that not only is George Clooney a talented actor but he is down to earth and seems to be a good guy. I would like think that even though I am painfully shy I also fall under the good guy category.

What quality or talent do you wish to cultivate?

Two things I would like to cultivate within myself. First I would like to learn how to effectively teach to our children. I would like to cultivate different styles of teaching to find new exciting ways to bring the joy of science to students.

I would like to be creative enough to not only give my students facts, but to alter their perceptions of the world, and to work on their ability to use science knowledge in their lives. Maybe even sneak in some poetry. How exciting, a mixture of science and poetry.

Second, I would like to cultivate my desire to write poetry. As a hobby I try to immerse myself in the world of poetry. Old and new, classic and contemporary, I read it all. I also try old forms and new ideas in my poetry and hope to constantly grow and move forward in the art.

Who is your favorite fictional character ever?

I would have to say that Owen Meany in John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is one of the most interesting and well thought out characters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

When I think about this I find that the narrator of John Irving's "The Water Method Man" would come in second followed by the cop from Amsterdam in "A Widow For A Year."

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All these characters come from John Irving novels and I feel that John Irving excelled at building beleivable yet complicated characters.

Also I have found that when you closely read each of Irving's novels you will see that in each book he toys around with character and plot development and you can almost feel the moments where he encounters breakthroughs.

This may be veering away from the question but I had an epiphany while reading his "The World According to Garp" and "The Water Method Man" about my true feelings on the importance of family and think that a lot of my decisions today are loosely based on this epiphany.

If you could have the career of any author who would it be?

I envy the career of Dylan Thomas. I dream of having such a public presence. Supposedly he gave these incredible readings and performances that stuck in the people's psyche.

He became a household name and a celebrity in America during his writing career. He was able to breakdown the dogma's of poetry and to entertain all classes of American life. I do not envy his personal life and his horrible struggles with alcohol, but I wouldn't mind having my poems quoted in classrooms or having lines of my poetry remain on the lips of Americans for generations to come.

I wouldn't mind living the life of Gertrude Stein or Henry Miller either. If I could move my family to Paris to sit at Cafe's and talk writing all day I may find a little slice of heaven.

I probably will never have the opportunities that these authors had but I am happy with my Hubpages family and sometimes feel like I am in Paris at a cafe.

What inspires you?

My family inspires me to try my best every day.

But I would like to mention a few hubbers that inspire me to continue to write here on Hubpages:

Mhatter - The master of the sonnet and the limerick who inspired me to create more.

Gypsy Rose Lee, Eiddwen, and Audrey Howitt - Who I consider my best friends here in the Hub world.

Billybuc - Whose persistence and excellent outlook inspires me to continue.

Jodah - John has inspired me to continue to write poetry no matter how insecure I feel.

Examiner1, Faith Reaper, annart and Kim - For your continued support for just about everything I write.

manatita44 - For our conversation on the art of poetry, this is a rare gift.

phdast - Theresa, thank you for everything.

Also I would like to say that epigramman and Vincent Moore, two poets who have moved on and found their success, fill me with hope everyday that I can publish a collection when the time comes.

Thank you to everyone for your inspiration and love.

When did you first realize you were a writer?

I always wanted to be one, I had a romantic notion as far as I can remember.

I don't consider myself a writer now but I will keep at it for the rest of my life.

Here are some other interviews from this challenge:

• Meet Shanmarie: An In-Depth Look
  Did I just do this? Yes, I believe I did. I'm used to doing interviews, but interviewing myself is not something I ever thought I'd do.
• More Than You Wanted to Know About cam8510-An "Interview With Myself" Writer's Challenge
  On Hubpages, availiasvision, aka Jennifer Arnett, has issued a challenge which I have accepted. To interview myself. Here are the results.
• Meet DzyMsLizzy | A Self-Interview
  A self-interview with the author, in response to a challenge from another Hub Pages author.
• Meet Dr. Bill - A self interview with William Leverne Smith (Homeplace Series)
  Dr. Bill interviewed as a writer. Personal background, interests, and insights as part of a writer's challenge series. Comments welcomed and encouraged.
• Meet Bill Holland aka Billybuc: The Interview
  A few tidbits about yours truly in response to a challenge
• MEET 'annart': an in-depth Interview with Ann, a Hubber of almost 5 years' Standing
  Finding out about Ann's background, likes and dislikes, why she writes and where her ideas come from.
• Meet Bravewarrior (a self-interview writing challenge)
  As is true of most writers, I'm not comfortable talking about myself. However, as writers, we grow when we accept challenges and venture outside our comfort zones. Read on to learn what makes me tick.
• A Chat With Jodah: Interview Yourself Writing Challenge
  An interview with poet and writer Jodah. In response to a writer's challenge issued by Availiasvision.
• Challenging Questions - Answered by Tillsontitan aka Mary Craig
  What's a good way to get to know a writer? By interviewing them of course. This interview may or may not fit in that category.
• Meet Availia's Vision
  Who is the elusive Availiasvison--the girl in the red jacket who is always writing about her fantastical adventures and vivid short stories? An interview with Availa.
• An interview with suzettenaples - a Hubpages writing challenge
  Well, this is a first for me; interviewing myself for a Hubpages challenge from availiavision. I hesitated at first to take on this challenge because I find it difficult to write about myself. I am from that generation that believes you are not...

Comments

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on January 12, 2015:

Thank you Jo it is good to hear from you and to know that you are well. Jamie

Jo Alexis-Hagues from Lincolnshire, U.K on January 11, 2015:

Jamie, it looks like I've missed a lot, but will try to catch up. This is illuminating and so well done. Yes I do see the resemblance between you and Clooney. :) You're an amazing poet and family man, love of family shines through your poems. Good luck with the teaching career, I hope 2015 brings much joy a happiness.

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on January 07, 2015:

Thank you Jo Harley I hope you are having a great New Year so far! Jamie

Joleen Friesen from Alberta Canada on January 06, 2015:

interesting! I voted it up and am sharing it:)

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on January 06, 2015:

Thanks Kevin I am excited to see your comment here, I also enjoyed your interview very much. Jamie

The Examiner-1 on January 06, 2015:

That was very interesting Jamie. It was nice to learn how much you really enjoy poetry, although I believe I already got that feeling from the poems that you wrote. I voted up++, shared, pinned and Tweeted it.

Kevin

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 30, 2014:

Thank you so much ignugent17, I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday season. Jamie

ignugent17 on December 29, 2014:

Nice to meet you too Jamie. Thanks for sharing a part of yourself to your readers. It is always good to know something about the author. You are an inspiration. Have a wonderful day!

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 23, 2014:

It is very nice meeting you shanmarie, feel free to come over and visit anytime and I will try to do the same. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Jamie

Shannon Henry from Texas on December 22, 2014:

A pleasure getting to know you better through this interview. Also, thanks so much for including me with the other self interviews.

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 22, 2014:

Thank you teaches12345 and Happy Holidays. Jamie

Dianna Mendez on December 21, 2014:

It is nice to read about you and to discover what makes you complete. Keep writing and I hope you reach your goal to write more poetry. You have shared some wonderful thoughts for all readers to consider, especially about getting inspiration from family other fellow writers.

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 15, 2014:

Smilealot, Faith, Aloveu, and tillsontitan I am so glad you stopped on by for the conversation! Thank you for all you kindness and I hope that your holiday season is treating you well. Jamie

Mary Craig from New York on December 12, 2014:

How nice to get to know you better Jamie. Your poetry is always a pleasure to read and I love the photos you share of your beautiful family.

Reading another writer's works gives us a bit of insight and shows us the writer's house but this wonderful challenge gets us through the door. I must admit I admire you more having learned of your desire to teach and with such gusto!

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

April Love from East Boston, Massachusetts on December 11, 2014:

What I like most about this post. Is as much as you are humble, you're just as passionate. Not only about poetry and science, but the desire to teach and maybe even inspire the youth of today to find what they love, and share it with the world. Something I can relate to, the want, need and sense of purpose to share what you love and inspire others to do the same. And with any luck that passion and inspiration will help change the world for the better.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on December 11, 2014:

Bonjour mon ami, Jamie! I am so glad to stop by here in the HubPages "Paris Cafe" and read your interesting interview here. You are one of the "good guys" no doubt about it, as well as an amazing poet. I truly enjoyed learning so much more about the fascinating person of YOU. Wow, what great insight you have shared here about yourself. You have a beautiful dream and you would make one amazing teacher with your great passion for poetry and your knowledge of science ... what a combination there. I just know your dream will come true and many will be blessed.

I have always loved reading your poems about your beautiful family and I am so glad you had that epiphany.

I also love that movie, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" and you and Clooney are a great match.

Fantastic interview. Up ++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing

Blessings to you and your lovely family and for dreams coming true

Smilealot on December 11, 2014:

It's great to hear about the man behind the words. Talking poetry and writing in the cafés of Paris would be like heaven to me too. It's sounds as if you have a very busy life, so to write what you do on hubpages is quite inspiring to me. Thanks for sharing this Jamie:-)

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 11, 2014:

Thank you CrisSp, Homeplace Series, and manatita44 for stopping by I will return with a longer reply to each a little later. Jamie

manatita44 from london on December 11, 2014:

My Dear Brother-Friend,

I found your Self-interview superb! I have also admired your loving care and approach with your children and it's a bit surprising to know that you find time for research. How do you do it?

The choice that you are thinking of pursuing is all yours but I would say that it's inspirational and should be a rewarding one. Appears to suit your nature.

I see a partially veiled and sincere urge in your writing to improve and excel as a poet. I dare say that your style is changing and that you are moving in the right direction. Your poem at the end is sublime. Continue, continue ...

I am a God-lover, and a servant of His to inspire the Light of the Spirit in all sentient beings. Much of my poetry reflects this. I give all credit to my beloved Lord Supreme. A little heavy, I know, but It's my way of telling you that if you have a cause, an ideology which is strong enough, in which you find love and beauty, then your poetry will improve vastly.

You're a good man, Jamie, and I like you. I also like practically all your choice of friends. Your video of Dylan is 'cool' and finally I really appreciate your kind mention of me.

May the compassion and blessings of our Lord, permeate your loving heart.

William Leverne Smith from Hollister, MO on December 11, 2014:

My best wishes to you in aspiring to teach science to youngsters! No better goal! ;-)

CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on December 11, 2014:

Aweome! Thank you for allowing us to have a glimpse of "jhamann" that is both enjoyable and entertaining.

George Clooney? Why not, eh? I'll be right on the cinema door. :)

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 10, 2014:

Thank you Bill. I am glad you enjoyed the interview. Jamie

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 10, 2014:

What a great interview, Jamie. It was really nice to learn more about your background, your hopes, and your dreams. Thank you for the kind mention. Know that I hold you in very high esteem, my friend.

Jamie Lee Hamann (author) from Reno NV on December 10, 2014:

Thank you ann for your continued support. Jamie

Thank you John for stopping by. Jamie

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on December 10, 2014:

Great to know you Jamie. Good interview and insight into your life. George Clooney and you are practice identical

Ann Carr from SW England on December 10, 2014:

Jamie, this is great. What a clever fellow you are with all those qualifications! Teaching? Well, I think you have it in you already, from what you've written here. I especially like your words, 'How exciting, a mixture of science and poetry.' I like the fact that a scientist can allow the arts into the classroom. There's no contest, Jamie, you'd make an excellent teacher!

I also love your poetry and your sense of family comes across every time you write about them.

Well done with this and all your work and good luck with your teaching career. You'll be great because you have the enthusiasm and the soul for it.

Ann