Asked & Answered: Charlie Cole
Featured Writer at Flint & Steel
How did you discover Medium and how long have you been writing here?
The origins of my time on Medium are a foggy memory of mine. Okay, now that we have the enticing opening out of the way, I’ll just say I don’t truly recall. I think I just stumbled upon it one day when searching for ways to get my writing out there more.
I’ve been on Medium for just under a year. I joined at the end of July but didn’t really begin dedicating myself to it till the end of September (maybe the 21st, do you remember?).
What are you reading, listening to and/or watching these days?
So, I’m a bit of a pop culture fiend, which means I’m listening to and watching all the things! I’m excited about the start of the new season of What We Do in the Shadows, have been digging into some classics I’ve been meaning to check out, and have been going through the two monster albums Jack White has been releasing. There is so much more where this came from, but I’ll spare you.
My reading, ironically, has gone by the wayside somewhat recently. I’m in a bit of a rut I must confess and really need to hop back onto that literary horse! When you read on the internet all day long it takes a toll.
What is around you while you write?
I long and dream of my very own, special writing corner. I’d love to have that one day, but right now I’m sort of all over the place. A well-worn couch, comfy slippers, and a portable desk are usually constants, other than that it’s me scrambling to figure out what place and position feel best.
I love to be by a window so I can watch the rain fall or feel the warmth of the sun come streaming in. Sometimes the distraction of Mother Nature is better than turning on the tv.
What is your guilty pleasure(s)?
I try not to feel too guilty over the things I enjoy or that help me these days, but I do have a massive sweet tooth. So, not only do I consume an ungodly amount of chocolate, but I’m also learning how to become a better baker so I can rely on myself to satiate that.
If you make it yourself you get access to all the bowl-licking one could want!
What must be in your fridge (and/or cupboards) at all times?
I am one of those dreaded vegetarians so beans and peppers are a huge part of my diet. So, those are a must. Again, something sweet because I believe it’s nice to treat yourself to a little sumtin sumtin every day if you wish. Tea, I also must always have tea available.
If you could travel anywhere right now where would you go? (in the perfect bubble where money, covid, and the world is not an issue)
Does this have to be like on earth? Alright, I’ll keep it terrestrial. My dream trip is to go to Kakslauttanen which is a Finnish hotel where you can rent out a glass igloo to gaze up at the Northern lights.
I’m a cold weather-lover so anywhere in Scandinavia would about do it, but that specifically is a big bucket lister. Give me all the cocoa, snow, and pretty skies and I’ll be a contented gal.
Tell us about one of your Medium articles that you loved writing, that you are the most proud about?
Only one? How cruel! Hmm…I will go with The Generational Weight We Carry. It was my first big essay on Medium and exorcised a lot out of me that I had been grappling with for a while. I realized with this piece what I’m capable of writing and rediscovered the catharsis that could come with it. If someone else was able to feel heard or seen through it as well, what a bonus!
Tell us about your favorite Medium writers, ones you read on a regular basis.
I enjoy and have learned a lot from this fantastic group of writers: Ravyne Hawke Pierce McIntyre Hayden Moore Scot Butwell Lindsay Soberano-Wilson Kern Carter Suma Narayan Rose Malana Cendrine Marrouat Sujona Chatterjee Winston David Perlmutter
And your favorite Medium publications to write for and why?
Oh, I don’t like playing favorites, but the ones I seem to go back to the most are Plethora of Pop, Put It To Rest, and CRY Magazine.
I also would love to give a shout-out to Promptly Written, which sadly just had to shutter its doors, but it’s a publication that has very much helped and supported me through my time on Medium. I valued being a part of that editorial team very much, and it was a great place to contribute.
Where else can we find you outside of Medium?
Stalker much! Just kidding you can find me on…
- Twitter: @CharlieTheCole
- Instagram: @cup_of_cee