My Interview with Oneg In The Arctic

Oneg In The Arctic is an excellent storyteller and poet on Vocal and Medium. Oneg K. specialist in telling stories on good food, identity, mental health and so much more.

Here are a few words from Oneg In The Arctic to her fellow writers, “I want folks to know that being a writer is a gift. And writing is like a good friend. It’s always there for you, in good times and in bad. Writing never leaves you. So treasure your gift. You don’t have to force it, it’ll come naturally, and enjoy it.”

Mariann(New York): How do you want me to address you in this Interview?

Oneg K. : (Ulukhaktok, Canada):You can address me as Oneg K, and I use they/them pronouns. I don’t identify as a woman.

Fan Fact: Oneg is a Hebrew word, meaning pleasure.

Mariann: Where are you from?

Oneg K. : I am from the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, but currently live in the arctic in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories.

Fun Fact: The village is northerly golf course in the world. It’s population is less than 400. The language they speak are English and Inuvialuktun( a Kangiryuanrmiutun dialect). Temperature are between -19 Fahrenheit to 55 degrees.

Mariann:When did you realize you wanted to write?

Oneg k. : I started writing as early as six or seven years old when my mom wanted me to write a diary in Hebrew. Though, it wasn’t the most thrilling thing to do. It led to me being more comfortable writing at an early age. I remember my first real poem was written in Grade 8, part of a poetry assignment in school. From then, I began to write poems almost daily. Throughout high school I probably wrote over a few hundred poems. It was my outlet. I also began to write short stories during that time, though poetry was my mine medium.

Mariann: What did you first write about?

Oneg K.: My first poem was about how alone I felt in a world full of change. It probably was a sort of hyperbole poem. I was having a lot of struggles in school at the time. I wrote about how it felt to be surrounded by people who don’t care and how small I felt. Grade 8 wasn’t so fun haha.

Mariann: How long does it take you to write a story on Vocal?

Oneg K. : I binge write. So writing a piece for Vocal can range anywhere from 15-45 minutes to be honest. I don’t usually plan what I will write. I just sort of let inspiration whack me in the head and then I just translate it to paper (or online).

Mariann: What do you like most about writing?

Oneg K. : I love writing poetry, as well as micro fiction. Through flash fiction competitions I found that I actually enjoy writing short horror. It seems that I always kill someone off in a story! I’d say the topics I like to write about vary depending on where I am in my life. Sometimes my writing is darker, sometimes my writing focuses more on social justice. It depends.

Mariann: What is your favorite topic to write about and why?

Oneg K: It’s kind of hard to pick a favorite topic as I mentioned, my writing depends on my mood. I don’t usually stick to one topic or issue. I like to try and write a wide variety of poetry and prose.

Fan Fact: The Modern Inuk is the first Top Story of Oneg in The Arctic. She got parental permission. It feature her first students.

Mariann:How many Top stories on Vocal ,you have written and what stories of yours that won the Challenges?

Oneg k. : I have, I think 7 top stories throughout my 4 years on vocal. Honestly most of my top stories I got in the last few months. I think the algorithm changed. I remember my first top story though, back when Vocal would make a little clip out of your article to promote on Instagram. I have yet to win any challenges, but that’s alright. I don’t always enter challenges to be honest, I only do when I feel inspired.

Fun Fact photo of the school where Oneg K., Teaches

Mariann: What does your writing space look like?

Oneg K. : I don’t really use a writing space, though in my new place we actually got a cheap desk so I could write there. I write anywhere, on my bed, on the toilet and on the go.When inspiration hits me like lightening, It happens on the spot- wherever I may be standing.

Mariann: If you can interview a vocal creator who would vocal creator be and why?

Oneg K. : I would want to interview Alex Mell-Taylor, a writer I follow both on Vocal and on Medium. They write a lot about pop culture, race, sexuality, and I love the way they share their critical thinking and opinions. I really enjoy learning from them.

Mariann: What other hobbies and interest you have?

Oneg K: I am an avid reader. I also love cooking and playing Stardew Valley. I’m also a middle school teacher in a tiny Inuit community in the arctic. I also love learning about different events in global history!

There you have it, a lovely interview with Oneg in The Arctic. It was definitely a pleasure to interview them . 🥰

Here are some of stories, created by Oneg K.