What drew you to submit your work to RED SKIES?
I liked the concept of the anthology. 2020 has affected us all but kept us at a distance; it’s unifying to put our collective creativity together and make a statement about the experience.
What writers or artists inspire your work?
Humm, that’s tricky to answer. Whoever I’m reading seems to inspire me in-the-moment. I have an eclectic taste in fiction -- everything from literary classics to paperback thrillers. When the writing or the story surprises me, then it inspires me too. I find most poetry inspiring. I like to listen to a podcast called Poetry Unbound. It’s a lovely way to experience a poem.
I completed a visual arts program from the Haliburton School of Art and Design a few years ago. I was struck by how much storytelling came out in a canvas. I appreciate most styles of art, especially stuff that conjures something unexpected.
Between creative writing and poetry, do you have a preference? Are there any other genres of writing you would like to explore this year?
I like the process of creative writing, but I love poetry for the way it forces me to distill my thoughts into a few meaningful syllables. Writing poetry isn’t fun for me the way creative writing is -- I find it stressful. But once I hook into a poem, I can’t seem to stop until I’ve got it. I will continue writing both because they each do something different for me.
I’m creating a travel journal logging an eight-day trip to Costa Rica I took before the first COVID-19 lockdown last February. It contains a series of articles and reflections about my eco-adventure-tourism experience in the rainforest. I would like to do more travelling and writing again soon.
As a student of the Professional Writing program, what do you enjoy the most? What is your experience like working within an environment of many writers?
I thrive in creative communities! I felt a shift this year in the amount of support and feedback we gave one another -- it’s been phenomenal! It seems that the lack of face-to-face time sparked a need for strong virtual connections, and we really made the time for each other. I’m lucky to have a solid team of writing peers to bounce ideas around with.
If you had to pick a single book to quarantine with, what would it be?
Sweetland, by Michael Crummey, was the perfect quarantine read! I enjoy books and music that echo my mood. In the spring, I felt isolated and lonely -- Sweetland was a mix of salt in the wound and medicinal company. Crummey is one of my top choices of Canadian authors. So far, Moses Sweetland is my favourite character of his.