Winsome ‘Lyrical Healer’ Duncan is a performance poet, writer, vocalist and facilitator of workshops dedicated to self-motivation, drama and, of course, poetry. Her book The Food Spiral focuses on the surprisingly taboo subject of food addiction. Marsha Blake met up with her.

November/December 2007

Winsome ‘Lyrical Healer’ Duncan

How did you become involved in the poetry ‘circuit’?

I’d always written and framed poetry for friends and family. When I was at college, every year they’d put on a showcase for African Caribbean students. I won the first prize, £50 which was big money to me back then! That was my first real taste of performing my work in the public arena and I felt a sense of accomplishment. After winning two consecutive years in a row, I was asked to come back as a host. After that I felt encouraged to continue writing. I went to a poetry course and heard about Urban Grill [a poetry night]. I went along to perform a poem I’d spent ages working on. I went over my three minute slot and I think the audience got a bit bored! So my performance didn’t go very well. I realised I had to work on my technique. After performing at Urban Grill I heard about other gigs and that’s how it all got started.

What made you decide to write about food addiction?

At first, I didn’t really understand that compulsive overeating was an actual eating disorder. I knew I couldn’t put down food when I wanted to. I suffered with a lot of depression at the time, so I decided to join a group which supported overeaters. I started to understand why people turn to food for comfort. I realised I needed to express this. I began to gather my thoughts on the subject, not just focusing on the binging, but also on how one would recover [from addiction] and empower themselves and their state of mind. It’s about retraining your mind to not be controlled by trigger foods.

Did you have any reservations about exposing your own personal feelings and experiences regarding food addiction?

I did. It was – and still is – a vulnerable subject, especially if I’m having a day where I don’t feel particularly attractive. It’s very challenging as I’m still in recovery. I’m happy for people to ask questions. I’m happy to talk about it. My weight has been a protection for me for a long time, a protection from life and from men. When I was younger, I was sexually assaulted and from then the weight piled on. I turned to food. Certain things in life happen that can trigger certain reactions, which is why I want to get a dialogue going on what obesity means to other people. I find a lot of the time, especially when I do my open mic night on a Thursday [at Inspire] the audience goes quiet when I raise the subject on stage. It’s really interesting. You don’t know what you’re mirroring out there to someone else.

So what has the response been to the book?

I think it’s steadily generating publicity through interviews on radio and television. However I do feel you have to build a network of local support through the community, libraries, and create that buzz around it. Within the last month it’s become available on Amazon.co.uk, so that was a big step! I think I need more feedback [on the book] from people I don’t know, as I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from friends and family. I’m not afraid of constructive criticism.

What is your opinion on the messages the media send out on obesity?

I saw a report recently which claimed half of all Britons will be clinically obese by 2050. Yes, it is scary, but what’s even scarier is that this increase was attributed to lifestyle and environment. No one’s interested in the mind, body and spirit element of it. Someone may eat because they’re upset. You do have to have an acceptance of yourself, but remember with obesity comes the risk of high blood pressure, type two diabetes, stroke, all kinds of complications.

How has food addiction affected your life?

It’s affected my self image in terms of not liking or loving myself very much. At times I’ve allowed food to dominate, control and console me. However, I believe I’ve had to go through this experience to express what I have in The Food Spiral, to keep achieving, to be the best me that I can be.

What challenges did you face as a self-publishing artist?

Unless you’re selling a certain number of units they [the media] don’t really want to know. The way I see The Food Spiral is it’s simmering on a volcano, getting ready to blow. On the underground level, people are supporting and taking an interest, so that encourages me to continue knocking on doors, or kick them down if I have to.

The finding of one’s own identity and self love is a predominant theme throughout your work. Where does your own strong sense of self come from?

Sometimes when I’m writing I feel like I’m channelling energy from the ancestors. When I put pen to paper it’s like a release, like it’s not supposed to be any other way. I just feel it’s my job to empower and speak the truth to people. My strength comes from that.

What advice would you offer those who are unsure of their passions and what they want to do with their lives?

I’d recommend a book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. That is a book that helps people to find what they’re into. It’s also good to take classes in something you haven’t done before and to volunteer. The aim is to find out what you would do for free.

What do you have planned for 2008?

Taking my company [The Healing Factory] to the next level internationally, running drama workshops for children in the States and promoting my book [in the US and UK]. I’m looking forward to an abundance of happiness and more blessings.

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