HUMOR, HOPEFULLY
More Blood From A Turnip
#June2021TBINInterview
*All answers are ad hoc and could be sus.
June Interview Questions
[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?
Ideas come from everywhere. But that’s not much help to readers, is it.
In many of my pieces on Medium, the ideas came from my own photographs or from reading the work of fellow writers. Or a prompt — Thanks Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她).
Often ideas come when out and about in life — a clever play of words overheard in a supermarket, a ludicrous sign, or any number of other random moments. I have my phone with me so I’ll take a photo or make notes for later.
Where does the creative muse find me most? When I sit down to write. Simple as that. So simple it took me decades to learn. Still, I somehow forgot and had to relearn this complex technique. But it is when I sit down and write that the ideas start to flow and become something. Then I can work on the clarity.
My Scrivener™ files are flooded with half-baked ideas while the other half are scribbled on scraps of paper here on my desk.
[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?
I’ll put this on the ‘0 to 10’ scale because it’s easier. But that in no way implies that introverts are zeros. ‘Introvert’ always has a rather negative connotation so I’ll flip this dip stick around — ‘0’ being Extrovert, ‘5’ being Ambivert, and ‘10’ being Introvert.
Now, back to the question: I’m an ‘8’.
Two 3’s, in the ‘beast with two backs’ kind of way. That last remark might be clearer if you read this
Why an ‘8’? Painfully shy as a kid, but also the fact that being an introvert simply runs in my blood just as does my sense of humility, compassion and wanderlust. Those who meet me would probably think I’m a ‘6’ish (we’re still talking the Introvert / Extrovert scale here). Age, experience and practice has gotten me within reach of that ‘Ambivert’ tag.
Contextual change? Sure, large groups more inward, small groups more outward — and it depends on the group. Or if I’ve been drinking.
[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 sound and I’ll go all in on a good concert any night of the week. I’m a city boy so I also love the movement and noise of the city — it invigorates me. But I also love and embrace the sweet, sweet sounds of silence.
Awkward silences? I could sit toe-to-toe with a blind, deaf, mute pumpkin and win that “No Talking” battle. Hands down, no questions asked.
Word has it that my pediatrician said I had the eardrums of an 80-year-old man. I was 2. His words are starting to catch up with me and hearing loss is a real thing. People think you’re stupid and yell a lot when you say “huh?”.
But that answer doesn’t really take anyone on a journey does it? Try this.
[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?
I was born into a bible belt American family living on the West Coast. Read into that what you will. Went to school five times a week and to church three. In many ways, it boxed me in. It also gave me a strong grounding and I’m a better, more decent human being because of it, I believe.
But… Much of it, just like that tired old line of school days — “It’ll go on your permanent record, young man.” — doesn’t hold any water for me now.
Marriage is not a piece of paper. The worth of a person is in their heart and treatment of others. We don’t necessarily need to understand or agree with each other to respect and be decent to each other.
[5] What is one food that reminds you of childhood?
One, huh? Damn… Okay… Cardamom Rolls (Buns)
Top fives!
- Who are 5 of your favourite musicians/ bands?
In no particular order: Pink Floyd, Oingo Boingo (stop trying to make it Boingo Boingo auto correct!), Dire Straits, K.D. Lang, and Neil Young
- What are your top 5 favourite fruits?
These fruit and veggie questions should be flipped around. Just saying. 😎 Bananas, lemons, strawberries, raspberries and coconuts.
- What are your top 5 least favourite vegetables?
Beetroot, parsnip, and the ever boring celery. Otherwise, I’m a veggie junkie.
- What are 5 times in your life where you wish you took more time to celebrate?
It’s all the little things I wish I’d celebrated more. Time with family. Thanksgivings. Moments out with friends.
- What are 5 reasons that get you out of bed each morning?
Coffee, sore back, tired of sleeping, hunger, and a nice, warm shower.
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:
If I hadn’t given a nod to my own, I would have included something from TBIN as ‘my favourite publication’ because I’ve enjoyed every moment and every story I’ve read on TBIN. Thank you, Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她)
