Pittsburgh Poet Leslie Anne McIlroy: Patch Spotlight

Leslie Anne Mcilroy is a prize-winning Pittsburgh poet, copywriter and author. Her accolades include the 1997 Slipstream Poetry Chapbook Prize for "Gravel," the 2001 Word Press Poetry Prize for her full-length collection "Rare Space" and the 1997 Chicago Literary Awards. Her third book "Slag" by Main Street Rag Publishing Company was runner-up to their 2014 Poetry Book Prize. She won the 2018 Gemini Flash Fiction contest for her piece, “The Old Point.” She also is the co-author (along with Jan Cavrak) of "The Red Door," a historical memoir of Pittsburgh's legendary Squirrel Hill Cafe. All well and good, but what about the woman behind the iambic pentameter? Patch decided to find out.

When did you begin to write poetry and what attracted you to do it?

I started writing poetry at a very young age knowing nothing about it. Wasn’t until I went to CMU that I realized poetry was a craft that I could hone and get published. Jim Daniels to thank for that.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

So many: Sekou Sunidata, Jan Beatty, Terrance Hayes, Tim Seibles, Naomi Shiab-Nye, Andrea Gibson, Sharon Olds and my son, Silas.

Favorite thing in Pittsburgh that no longer exists?

Mostly music venues: Graffiti, the Decade, Syria Mosque, Rosebud. Most of these were very intimate places to see bands, loved them. And maybe the O (The Original Hot Dog Shop).

Most recent book read?

"Trees" by Percival Everett. Excellent and compelling.

Movie you could watch any time?

So many. "Wild at Heart," "Once," "Welcome Back Roxy Carmichael," "The Hunger" with David Bowie.

Favorite pizza topping?

Pesto.

Early bird or late-nighter?

I am neither. Used to be an early bird, but now I sleep in. Late nights (unless I am out) don’t happen — 2 a.m. at best.

Favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?

This is hard. All of my favorites are gone. Best Mediterranean? Kassabs on the South Side. Dig D's in Regent Square for their salads and fries. Love Casbah, but pricey.

Favorite adult beverage?

Negronis. They will be the death of me.

Favorite Pittsburgh national celebrity, living or dead?

Terrance Hayes, who may not be a celebrity, but still informs my work, invites me to try harder and is a great friend.

Favorite local sports mascot: Steely McBeam, Pirate Parrot or Iceburgh?

Yea. I got none on that. I am the only person in Pittsburgh who doesn't attend sports events. Gimme Kenny Blake or Byron Nash anytime!

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I can't type. I am a writer who still uses two fingers. Sucks, but true. I also hate ketchup.