When most of us have gone home and called it a day, Daniel McTaggart, a 1992 WVU graduate in English, is just getting started with his. He works the 10 p.m.-6 a.m. shift in Facilities Management as a custodial campus service worker lead for both the Evansdale library and the advanced engineering research building.
During the day, McTaggart spends his time on what he calls his “passion.” He is quick to say that writing poetry is not a hobby but that it’s something he has a love for and feels driven to do. At the early age of 10, he wrote his first poem entitled “The Forest”. It was a simple poem based on a plane ride looking down at the forest out of the window seat.
Influenced by both of his parents, his mother’s family would gather in the living room for readings of “the Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert W. Service, a couple times a month. Reading and listening to poetry was part of his environment growing up. Other early influencers included poets like Robert Frost and E.E. Cummings.
Over the years while he continued to write, McTaggart discovered he was a big fan of diners. Seen as a place where people gather to share a meal or just to socialize; it can provide an atmosphere for some of his most creative poetry. You can also find him sitting where the aroma of coffee and baked goods linger in the air at your local bookstore listening, reading and writing about his surroundings or interactions of the day.
As the editor of Diner Stories: off the menu, published by Mountain State Press, he has had work published in Kestrel: A Journal of Literature and Art at Fairmont State University, Backbone Mountain Review, Laurels, NACS Magazine, Screaming Zebra and Amomancies. In addition, he has self-published a number of books that can be found on Lulu.com; most notably Midnight Muse in a Convenience Store and Diner Poems.
Recently named WV Beat Poet Laureate by the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Daniel said “it’s nice to have my work recognized and acknowledged by my peers. This honor is particularly special for me since I am the inaugural selection for WV”.
Connecting with other poets help cultivate his drive and passion. He attends conferences and festivals wherever he can and is active with the Morgantown poets group. There will be an opportunity to hear some of McTaggart’s poetry during the upcoming MAC literary night event. He will be the featured reader Nov. 21 in the Tanner Theater at the MAC located on High Street in Morgantown starting at 7 p.m.
To learn more about this art form of poetry writing and want to see some of his published work or upcoming events, he can reached on Facebook and he will eagerly connect with you.