Poetical Tv: Hi Lauren. At what age did you realize you were a poet?

Lauren: There was never really an age I "realised" I was a poet, but I guess around 18/19 was when I realised that poetry was something I could do well and enjoyed. I've always wanted to create things, and I've done so in many mediums over the past. It's probably only been in the last few months that I've started calling myself a poet.

Poetical Tv: So what would you say is the biggest thing you love most about poetry?

Lauren: The thing I love most about poetry is hearing it performed, listening to the rhythm of a poem and hearing how the words have been crafted. I also love the way a poem can bring together a seemingly unrelated group of people.

Poetical Tv: And what sort of impact has writing poetry had on your life?

Lauren: Poetry has helped to improve confidence in what I do; getting feedback from an audience member has validated why I do what I love. I've also made some of the most amazing, interesting friends through attending poetry performances.

Poetical Tv: Is there a poet whose poetry that you most enjoy ready? If so, what do you appreciate most about their poems?

Lauren: The poet who has always inspired me from the beginning is Sarah Kay. I'm developing serious fan-girl issues with her work. She plays with words in the most fantastic way, and even though her work is personal I feel I can relate to it.

Poetical Tv: So how much do you like sharing your poetry with others?

Lauren: I love sharing my poetry with others, but like with all creative endeavors sometimes I'm less confident and tend to retreat away from the stage for a while. However, this is always a good time as I can focus on my writing and tend to return back to the stage with a fresh perspective.

Poetical Tv: Do you have a poem or poems that you have written, that you most prefer to share with others and if so why?

Lauren: I currently have a set of poems that are my go to performances ones. They were written for stage (not page) and tend to get the best reactions from an audience. This set nearly always includes "Educate This!", which is the poem I always get the most fantastic feedback about.

Poetical Tv: What would you say has been your most proudest accomplishment as a poet so far?

Lauren: My proudest accomplishments as a poet have been getting my degree, winning first prize in the Bolton University Poetry Competition, being published, and performing on stage with an amazing array of people and talent.

Poetical Tv: Congratulations, and what would you still love to achieve with your poetry?

Lauren: I would love to perform at festivals and literary events, and am currently working towards collating my first collection that I intend to get published. There's something very real about holding your own published work in your hands.

Poetical Tv: If there was anywhere in the world that given the opportunity to, you could perform just one of your poems, where would it be and why?

Lauren: If I could perform anywhere in the world, it would probably have to be the Bowery Poetry Club in New York, because it was where Sarah Kay first performed and has continued to perform. I would love to be able to stand on the same stage as my biggest inspiration.

Poetical Tv: And last question, if people want to find out more about you online, how can they do so?

Lauren: If people want to find more of my work that can visit my website: www.laurencoulson.co.uk or my soundcloud: soundcloud.com/laurencoulson or twitter @laurensayswords

Poetical Tv:Thank you Lauren.