SHOW / EPISODE

The Idea of Inverted Success: Marie Larson’s "Magpie" Approach to Poetry, Community & Landscape

1h 9m | Nov 5, 2026

Poets can struggle with seeking publication, performance, awards or other forms of external validation while they stay true to their own creative vision. In this episode, we sit down with poet Marie Larson to explore how she works to break free from the constraints of traditional metrics, reclaim creative sovereignty, and find fulfillment in community.

Marie Larson is a writer and alumna of Naropa University whose work has been featured in Diagram, Jacket, and Touch the Donkey. Like many of us, she balances her artistic practice with professional life, personal time, and motherhood. Marie shares her "magpie" methodology, which encourages writers to collect resonant language observations to uncover hidden meanings, helping you turn messy creative seeds into polished work. By prioritizing personal resonance and community engagement over external definitions of "good" writing, you can dismantle imposter syndrome and cultivate a practice that truly feels alive. Watch to discover how reclaiming your creative process can transform your identity as a writer

❓❓❓ What is one "shiny" observation you've collected in your "magpie" nest this week? Share a phrase or image with us on social media. Our handles are at the bottom of these show notes.

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👀 Check out our affiliate links below timestamps & show notes 👇

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction to the Inverses manuscript and structural innovation

00:08 – Landscape as Metaphor: Minnesota and Lake Superior

00:12 – Bridging Digital Code and Biological Rhythms

00:17 – The "Magpie" Writing Process: Collecting Resonant Language

00:23 – The Power of Local Writing Communities

00:33 – Balancing Motherhood, Career, and Artistic Practice

00:59 – Redefining Success and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

🔍 TRANSPARENCY & DISCLOSURE

Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up through these links, our nonprofit may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely value. Your support through these links helps fund our mission and allows us to continue producing this podcast. Thank you!

🔗 LINKS TO BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO

DIAGRAM: https://thediagram.com/7_4/larson.html

Jacket: http://jacketmagazine.com/37/r-zemborain-rb-larson.shtml

Touch the Donkey: https://touchthedonkey.blogspot.com/2019/03/ttd-supplement-130-seven-questions-for.html

Dendroctonus Ponderosae: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6517156-dendroctonus-ponderosae-mountain-pine-beetle

Dromeda: https://goodmorningmenagerie.com/series-2--teare--larson.html

Woodland Pattern Book Center: https://woodlandpattern.org/

Milwaukee Art Museum: https://mam.org/

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design: https://www.miad.edu/

Typewriter Chicago: https://typewriterchicago.com/

• • Subscribe & Submit to our Free Email Mag: https://thepoetrymovement.org/paper-knives

💸 Support / Donate: https://givebutter.com/support-paper-knives-interviews