Patricia Lockwood Discusses New Poetry Collection 'Agate Head Stone Soup'

Patricia Lockwood has released her new poetry collection, Agate Head Stone Soup, marking her return to poetry after a decade spent primarily writing prose. The collection arrived from the printers the morning of our meeting, and Lockwood expressed delight at holding her first hardcover poetry book. She gained notable attention in 2013 with a viral tweet and won the 2021 Dylan Thomas Prize for her novel No One Is Talking About This, which was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize, a panel she is now judging.

We met at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, where Lockwood, dressed in a way that reflects her playful yet chic demeanor, shared insights about her writing process. Her acclaimed 2017 memoir, Priestdaddy, showcases her unique style, featuring her father's eccentricities against her upbringing in the Midwest. Lockwood’s humor extends to her poetry, evident in titles like Money Toad and her ability to weave together diverse subjects such as Sylvia Plath and pop culture.

Agate Head Stone Soup contains over 60 poems and is divided into two parts: Agate Head and Stone Soup. Lockwood explained that the two halves correspond with recurring themes and images, creating a dialogue between them. The poems are confessional and personal, exploring intimate experiences while incorporating contemporary internet culture.

Lockwood’s day begins with a caffeine boost and an unconventional writing routine. She often writes in a Moleskine notebook, guided by her three cats, turning initial thoughts into structured poetry through what she calls “the file.” Her creative process also draws inspiration from her time in a metalsmithing class, where she began honing her poetic voice.

In our conversation, Lockwood reflected on the importance of misunderstandings and moments of embarrassment in fostering creativity. She emphasized that poetry should feel accessible and that readers can construct meaning without fear of getting it wrong.

As she discussed concepts of inspiration and the nature of creativity, Lockwood shared her thoughts on AI's role in the artistic landscape, advocating for the value of human effort in creative work. Her experience reading for the Booker was intense but rewarding, even leading to playful moments when she gifted stones to fellow nominees as tokens of good luck.

The collection, set to be released on October 8 by Bloomsbury Publishing, encapsulates Lockwood’s keen observations and unique perspective on daily life, inviting readers to engage with poetry in a new way.