Answer your Questions, you Say?
Don’t mind if I do.
This is my kind of interview.
Prepared questions, written out, zero face to face interaction with another human, authentic answers free from quizzical looks (at least ones I will see).
Here goes nothing!
June Interview Questions for The Brain is a Noodle
[1] As a writer, how do you come up with new ideas? How do you capture them so that they are ready when you sit down to write?
In my opinion, the best stuff comes when I manage to catch an idea at the exact moment that I have time to sit down and write. If that’s not the reality, I make a note of it on my phone. A lot of these end up never eventuating to anything though, because I can never muster the same creativity or enthusiasm that I have when the lightbulb initially clicks on. In terms of the ‘how’ I mostly just write about personal experiences or if I come across an interesting writing prompt, I like to challenge myself with those. I don’t have a niche or favourite style. I love experimenting with poetry and short fiction but I also like writing non-fiction articles and listicles. Depends on the day and my mood!
[2] On the spectrum of introvert — ambivert — extrovert, where would you place yourself? What are some reason(s) you think you might place in that position? Does it change depending on context?
Full disclosure, I don’t actually believe ambiverts are a thing. I believe we all have a tendency more toward being introverts or extroverts and this is determined from where we draw our energy. I am an extreme introvert. No blurred lines here. Social interactions zap me of my energy stores and only some solid alone time will allow me to top up the tank. That doesn’t mean I don’t or can’t enjoy socialising, it just means that’s not what energises me. I can be loud, fun and outgoing when I’m with my friends and have a heck of a time, usually with the help of a wine or two, but I like nights that have an endpoint. I’m definitely not the one you’ll find yelling “kick on back at my place!”. I’ll be saying my collective, brief goodbye with one foot out the door, void of hugs and kisses and rushing home to my cosy, quiet bed and a good book.
[3] What is your relationship with sound? Whether you interpret this word to encompass awkward silences in interactions to the connection found through music, take us on a journey on how you relate to the external world through this sense.
I love comfortable silence with others. I also enjoy complete silence on my own. I love music and listening to the sounds produced by nature. It depends on what feeds my mood that day. Sometimes I need music to motivate me or just as some background noise. Other times if I’m feeling socially tapped out, I need to just sit in silence and collect my thoughts. I find in these peaceful moments is when you catch something you might have missed, something nostalgia triggering. Like sitting on the back verandah enjoying the last bit of daylight on a summer afternoon, enjoying the sounds of the breeze skimming the grass and the gentle buzz of the insects, only to be serenaded by a cackling chorus of kookaburras in a distant gumtree. That’s the sound of home.
[4] How has your culture or context shaped your beliefs about relationships and what they “should” look like? How much do you subscribe to those expectations?
Ah! I’m so glad you asked. I wrote an article about this exact thing recently. I used to subscribe to the point where it was damaging. Now, I have a more realistic view.
You can read more in the article below:
[5] What is one food that reminds you of childhood?
My mum used to make this microwave carbonara pasta. It was the 90’s and those recipe books that claimed you could cook anything in the microwave were all the rage. I don’t remember loving it when I was a kid, but for some strange reason it was something that I specifically craved when I was pregnant. Like, it had to be that exact carbonara. I begged her to make it and it tasted exactly the same as when I was a kid. It was totally the hormones, but it was honestly the best thing I’ve ever eaten. It satiated the craving and took me back in time simultaneously. Heaven.
Top fives!
- Who are 5 of your favourite musicians/ bands?
The Gaslight Anthem Brothers Osborne Incubus Metallica Dropkick Murphy’s
- What are your top 5 favourite fruits?
Pears Grapes Blueberries Strawberries Avocado
- What are your top 5 least favourite vegetables?
Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli
- What are 5 times in your life where you wish you took more time to celebrate?
My High School Graduation My 21st My 30th The Birth of my Daughter (Covid Baby) My Promotion
- What are 5 reasons that get you out of bed each morning?
My Toddler My Growling Stomach My Caffeine Addiction My Bladder My Aching Back
LOL…
Articles to share
- A piece that deserves more love
- A creative piece
- A piece shorter than 2 mins
- An article from your favourite publication
- A self-published piece
I had a lot of fun answering these interview questions. I hope you enjoyed reading my responses!
