alter

https://vocal.media/interview/ten-questions-with-rick-henry-christopher-9p2pu05jv

written for the challenge linked above ⬆️

I initially did not want to attempt to answer these awesome, reflective questions. Because here’s the thing. I hate labels. I do not like putting myself into categories or boxes or writer types or stereotypes. I just write. But I read some entries that really got me thinking… and supposed I could start with a disclaimer: subject to change ;) - lots of it.

1. What type of writer do you feel you are?

I feel like am a poet - the dark, confused kind… (so much for avoiding stereotypes;)). Charles Bukowski is my inspiration - the whole troubled/drinker/what is life type thing. I have attempted other forms of writing - mostly in the academic realms and I have learned to appreciate that as well.

2. What type of writer do you not want to be?

I do not want to be the kind of writer that leaves you feeling bored. Art should be evocative. If it doesn’t upset or evoke emotions or provoke somebody, somewhere I don’t want to write it.

3. What do you like about yourself as a writer?

I like my honesty. I like my brutality. I like my brevity.

4. What do you look for in other writers?

I look for genuine work. I look for work that is written from the heart - not to impress or win. I look for pieces by people who truly love what they are doing and that always comes through.

5. Where do you feel your opportunities are as a writer?

I do not write professionally. I literally only write in my little notebooks and on vocal. I don’t care who reads it. I just write ;). All my electives in college are English classes, though - and I’m a science major haha.

6. Which writing genre or category do you feel is your best?

Poetry. Free verse poetry just makes me feel like I can breathe.

7. In which genre or category do you feel the most challenged?

Anything with rules. I hate rules more than I hate anything. Therefore I mostly stick to free verse, non rhyming poetry. However, in academic writing I have learned that rules do come in quite handy. And surprise, I appreciate them - in the right form and context.

8. When did you first start writing?

When I first started breathing. I was born into a world where I was severely misunderstood and the only thing I always had was my words. I have many journals (that I should probably burn) from the time that I was in middle school. My teachers always told me I should write a book but I am too saddened by the current industry to do something with that idea.

9. Why do you write?

The same reason I breathe. To stay alive.

I don’t talk about my emotions easily and writing helps me express what I cannot say out loud.

10. This last question is off-topic. If you could be part of any television sitcom family, which one would it be and why?

I didn’t grow up watching TV (it’s a long story) but I have done some catching up once I transitioned to my present life. I’m not sure this counts as a sitcom but I would love to be part of Nikita. Something about a woman assassin’s power allures me… and the knowledge of her womanhood and the way she uses that to her advantage. I’ve always pondered the delicate relationship between sex and power and I feel like that series explores the dark side of it.