.WRITERS.ON.WRITING..Writers.on.Writing.
Get to know our authors, the foundation and heart of Yellow Arrow Journal, and what writing means to them through our monthly series.
.W.o.W. #6
Ann Quinn
What is a good writing habit you have picked up?
From Lia Purpura, alternating drafts in handwriting and printing—I see things each time I reproduce the text.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
My inner writing voice is often crying to be heard, stamped down by a chorus of “shoulds.” It is saying, “use me to discover—I can tell you things you didn’t know you knew about yourself and the world.”
If you didn’t write, what would you do?
Just read—probably more novels. I do other stuff, like most writers. One thing I really love that writing has enabled is teaching writing to others.
Ann has been included in Yellow Arrow Journal’s Doubt (Vol. IV, No. 1) and Freedom (Vol. IV, No. 2) issues and is now joining our wonderful group of volunteers as Poetry Editor! We are very happy to welcome her on staff and look forward to future collaborations. For more information about Ann, including any future events she may hold, visit www.annquinn.net.
.Writers.on.Writing.
Get to know our authors, the foundation and heart of Yellow Arrow Journal, and what writing means to them through our monthly series.
.W.o.W. #5
T.J. Butler
What period of your life do you find you write about most often?
I write about my childhood and my 20s most often. Although I write short fiction, my past has provided a wealth of inspiration. I typically write about strong female characters who are disadvantaged by their past, their upbringing, or the choices they've made. Since this describes my childhood and my 20s, I have plenty of life experience to draw from.
Where do you normally find yourself writing?
I live on a sailboat so I do most of my writing while floating on the Chesapeake Bay.
What does your inner writing voice tell you?
I often have anxiety about my writing, and lately, Impostor Syndrome. I can usually talk myself down from the ledge, but it's always hard for me to enjoy my successes without coming up with reasons why I was not really successful or why something was a flop and nobody noticed but me.
T.J. was one of the wonderful authors from Yellow Arrow Journal’s Vol. IV, no. 1 Doubt. You can find more about her at https://tjbutlerauthor.com/ or follow her on Twitter @AGalWithNoName. Look for her book of short stories A Flame on the Ocean in the near future!