By Alexa Russo | Observer Contributor
Photo by Betsabee Torres
David Wyman, English Professor, poet and father, offered advice for students who want to get published and who are looking for an audience.
Wyman said his poetry book, Proletariat Sunrise, was a “discovery” for him. He learned what his writing style was like and he said that he also gained new insights. His book contains things he thinks about, which Wyman says is not the mainstream poetry. Wyman writes political poetry, which is where he said he found his audience.
A discovery for him included a line of poetry from his book which reads, “In a climate where more and more identities are expressed by consumer choices.”
Wyman’s success lies with his daughter, who gave him inspiration on writing many of his poems. Before Wyman’s daughter was born, he began writing poems for her. He said, “I found my voice writing to my daughter.” The book is dedicated to her and she photographed the cover page. Wyman said, “It was a good father-daughter project.”
Advice for wanting to publish a book for students from Wyman is different from many of the mainstream ideas. Wyman said, “Do not write to get published, write for yourself.” Wyman was rejected many times while attempting to get his book published, but he was finally able to find an audience and get published once he started to write for himself.
Wyman’s message to young writers who want to publish a book is to “Keep at it, don’t give up.”
Wyman found his passion for poetry when he became a student at MWCC. Before this, he attended Leominster High School but enjoyed MWCC very much because he said there was an importance for literature and poetry. Wyman became infatuated with a poem he heard in class as a young student named “The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock.” He said, “I didn’t realize poetry could make me feel like that.”
Wyman received an Associate’s degree from MWCC, then went on to Fitchburg State University. After that, he earned his teaching degree and taught courses in high school. He then earned a graduate degree at the University of Southern New Hampshire. Along with being a professor and an author, Wyman enjoys tinkering on his electric guitar, reading, and writing.
In addition to all his achievements, Wyman said he would want people to remember him as a good father and someone who tried to make a difference. He admits “it would be cool” to have made a contribution.
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