Four years ago, blogger Michael R. Carter interviewed author L.L. Barkat. The angle was books and background, from the personal to the professional. Today, Barkat is a publisher (T.S. Poetry Press), but most of the thoughts in the interview still stand—and inform not only the nature of T.S.’s editorial approach and acquisitions but also the philosophy behind the Press and how it mentors up-and-coming writers through the Tweetspeak Poetry community. Of course, some of the details of Barkat’s life and goals have changed since 2013. Maybe you can pinpoint a few of the differences. But the spirit, we suggest, remains the same. In the end, her thoughts are for you.
1. What was your favorite subject in high school?
I always loved the things that had nothing to do with who I was going to “be” when I grew up. Not that I knew I’d be a writer, see. But I never liked English class much. And my life has nothing to do with science now, but I always loved the details of biology and, earlier, earth science.
Okay, so maybe this really has to do with who I am now. Because writers need to be interested in details, down to “picky details.” This is what sets one writer apart from the next; what she notices about color, texture, sound and so forth, and which of those details she chooses to highlight to create a sense of place and context.
2. At what point did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Didn’t actually want to be a writer, but others wanted it from me, would ask me to be their voice for celebrations, or in times of mourning. So it was something I grew into, came to understand as the particular gift I needed to share with the world. And that worked out okay, because now I very much want to be a writer. It enchants me with its challenges and possibilities.
3. What/who inspires you?
Tea: black, green, or red, but never with cinnamon. The French language. Piano, though I never had the chance to learn it (am learning it, slowly, now). Poetry, oh that makes me a better writer all around and it teaches me to listen and see. Suspension bridges, fountains, canyons, ledges. I guess it comes down to things with design, texture, mystery, challenge.
4. What/who do you read?
I’m not genre-specific. I’m art specific. In other words, is it good? Is it artful? I’ll read it. Doesn’t matter if it’s about business, science, architecture or auto mechanics. One of my favorite writers is Alain de Botton. He can (and did) make the description of a satellite something to behold. Similarly, Tim O’Brien’s war book The Things They Carried is so graphic in an artful way that I felt like I wanted to take the book into my very soul. Rory Stewart too: his hike across Afghanistan.
It goes back to that thing about details and context-setting. I want to be taken to specific places. Really take me, I’ll go. Even if it’s around a bizarre universe, like in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
5. What is your methodology (journal, handwritten notes vs. “thinking” on a keyboard)?
I do what I want when I want. I have no one way of working. I let a work guide me, and it does. Some things want to be poured out at breakneck speed on a keyboard. Other things want to be held and turned over in doodles and script.
6. What does a typical workday look like?
Chaos? 🙂
I have a lot of disparate responsibilities: manage a household, home educate my teens, work online as a Managing Editor with a staff that lives around the nation and the world. I’ve got different time zones, different emotional zones, different skill zones I’ve always got to be moving between.
So, I’ve learned to think on my feet, be flexible. None of my four books were written in the same way. One had the luxury of dedicated Saturday mornings. Another was born through hit-or-miss evenings. The last, my goodness, I wrote daily for three weeks straight until I was finished, getting up at 4:30 a.m, working until 8 in the morning, and then going back to bed for an hour before I needed to meet my day.
7. What is one of your goals, as a writer?
I heard this recently from an acclaimed film teacher. When she said it, I wrote it down, because it feels like one of my goals:
“create a launching pad for another person to be set free”
Okay, so now I’m Buzz Lightyear or something, which sounds a little silly. But I like the idea of bringing people to the edge of something and helping them jump off (or rise up) into possibility. You know, infinity and beyond and all that.
8. What are your thoughts on e-books (and, do you believe they will replace printed books)?
The numbers speak. Just a few years ago I sold less than a quarter of my books on e-book. Now it hovers between a quarter and a third of all sales. I think there may always be paper-book-lovers like my teenaged daughter. But they will sit elbow to elbow with people who own a hundred books packed into an 8×5 space or smaller. It is a good question as to what will eventually prevail: economics (in terms of money, space and geography) or art. I suppose that the day the two are joined in an e-reader, the question will be answered once and for all.
9. What advice would you give to a high school student who told you, “I want to be a writer”?
It is not about getting a degree in writing or literature, although reading great material should be part of your own self-education, and exploring ways to write can be helpful too; try it all…fiction, poetry, reviews, and so forth, but commit yourself to mastering something, too. Mastering the small stuff first will translate into the ability to master larger works.
Like I said, it is not about getting a degree in writing. Instead, find something (or things) to love. Love attends. It looks beyond “pretty” to “she’s got brown hair that turns amber in the sun.” It doesn’t just say, “Hey, check out this new song.” It says, “The drums, the voice that sounds like it’s trekking across a gold-dying desert, the unexpected chime in the spaces between.”
Know that even if you love a song, you will not love it in the same way anyone else loves it. You will go to the drums maybe, and the way they remind you of your brother’s way of dealing with the world. Someone else will go to the voice, and the way it speaks of losing a parent. You know?
Then you write, and you write, and you write. For years you write. Like anything else. Like a swimmer training for Olympic gold, or a guitarist seeking a regular gig. You write for any audience who will listen, and you make your way. And if you become good, someday someone else will make your way. Because they will believe they couldn’t let the world go without your voice, your drums.
Photo by 大雄树忍, Creative Commons, via Flickr. Reprinted from an interview at Michael R. Carter’s.
“One of the most beautiful books on the art and craft of writing that I’ve ever read.”
—Diana Trautwein, Amazon review
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Donna Falcone says
This is a great interview – featured so prominently is a precious and keen self awareness above career goal – which drives career goal and… well… it’s just very inspiring.
I love this part: Didn’t actually want to be a writer, but others wanted it from me,
🙂 Thank you for sharing this!
L.L. Barkat says
A little like an artist I know, who the world has wanted art from 😉
Interesting about the self awareness as above career goal. I think maybe that’s how we can move from one goal to another with less friction. It becomes about the awareness, of self and others, rather than sticking with directions we may have come to the end of (or even if we haven’t come to the absolute end of them… new directions may be a better idea at some point).
Donna Falcone says
It’s an interesting concept and, to some, impossible to embrace. But to those of us who flow naturally this way, it is the only place to find air in my opinion… every heart has its own logic I suppose. I’m so interested in this and in not forcing children/youth to battle for their sense of logical paths.
L.L. Barkat says
Oh, yes. Well, we adults have to master it if we hope to guide our children and students. So the question is… how do we master it? I don’t believe it is *just* a personality thing.
Donna Falcone says
I agree – I don’t think it’s a personality thing. I think it’s either a survival thing or something to do with fear and how we respond to it. It somehow requires a lot of courage. I think kids can relate to courage. Maybe it has to do with how stubborn we are… and I think the world uses the word stubborn like it’s a bad thing, but I think it is one of the most important things.
L.L. Barkat says
Courage. Yes, I am liking that as one aspect.
And I always tell my girls that “stubborn” is a good quality in the mature person. There are ways to be immaturely stubborn, as well, but I want them to consider that “stubborn” can really mean “perseverance” and “self-permission” (both of which are maybe subsets of the courage factor you note!).
So we need to talk about courage. And inspire courage. With kids. With ourselves.
Donna Falcone says
I think so, too. It always amazes me how a person, take me for example, can have such courage for some things yet always feel afraid. And so I only mention it because I keep thinking “how sweet it would be if I had CONFIDENCE in those things I do out of courage….” so as we inspire courage, can we inspire confidence? I mean, I have no idea how other people respond to their own courage. Maybe this is logical – because fear is inherently part of courage. I’m just not sure, at my ever advancing years, if lack of fear and confidence are the same thing when it comes to courage.
Donna Falcone says
I’m not sure that even makes sense. I’m just rambling around inside the ideas. 😉
L.L. Barkat says
Well, if we aren’t afraid, it probably doesn’t count as courage, yes? So, the two go together, I think.
And confidence comes, or it doesn’t come, but that’s also why we need people around us who buoy us and believe in us—true friends, who can support our courage without trying to control things and without letting their own fears get in the way of journeys we need to take. I might call it… love.
Donna Falcone says
Oh…
love.
Yes.
I’m just a puddle these days. xo
Bethany says
I enjoy your perspective, L.L., this piece is brimming with goodies.
“Like I said, it is not about getting a degree in writing. Instead, find something (or things) to love. Love attends.”
Makes me think about the Simple Pleasures I’ve been starting to pursue with my butterfly net.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
L.L. Barkat says
Thanks, Bethany 🙂
Yes, I am looking forward to the simple pleasures you gently capture in that net! 🙂
Bethany says
“Didn’t actually want to be a writer, but others wanted it from me, would ask me to be their voice for celebrations, or in times of mourning. So it was something I grew into…”
I’m delighted you shared this. It holds the door open for those who didn’t neccessarily grow up knowing they wanted to be writers. And your introduction to the interview helps us ease into the idea that we don’t always have to do — or be — the same thing. We can evolve, and “grow into” new phases of our writing life (or non-writing life).
L.L. Barkat says
I think even some adults don’t “want to be writers” and may find it is something they grow into. Also, the reverse. Sometimes adults want to be writers because it seems like a cool thing to be or do; yet the world is actually more interested in something else from them.
Of course, we don’t have to do (or be) what the world wants either. Sometimes the world is “off” regarding who we are. But? It’s something to consider. What does the world want from us? Not in a superficial way. More like… what, when we do that thing, or be that way, makes the world sit up in surprise and delight? If the two match (the world’s delight and ours), we might have a new direction on the horizon.
You don’t need to answer publicly unless you’d like to, because I ask you this question for your own heart: Where is the match between what the world wants from you, Bethany, and what enlivens you down to your toes? 🙂
Bethany says
Thanks for this thoughtful comment and question. I’m not sure what the world wants from me, and I’m processing what brings me joy and peace. I have some little ideas.
L.L. Barkat says
Sometimes we only know in glimpses. Moments when we suddenly feel joy. Or we see the joy in others’ responses to us. These moments can be fleeting. I like your butterfly imagery. Maybe you follow these little butterfly glimpses, without worrying about big revelations. And then the seasons of life sometimes bring these into larger focus. I look forward to seeing where your little ideas take you. (No idea is ever really little. Sometimes it just isn’t something we follow or open out, because we don’t exactly know how to yet. Sometimes the timing isn’t right. Or more things need to accrue. I do take the “little ideas” of my life and others’ lives very seriously. Even when they are quick jokes and asides. Maybe especially when they are quick jokes and asides. 🙂 )
Bethany says
“Butterfly glimpses,” yes. (I have to say, this conversation may be one of them.)
I’m glad you pointed out the value of those quick jokes and asides. They often come when we relax and reveal more of ourselves. Sometimes to our own surprise.
Sandra Heska King says
“create a launching pad for another person to be set free”
You do this for so many, L.L. I’m seeing this happen right here in these comments. I’m feeling the brush of butterfly wings.
We had a neighbor once who told me I had a terrible job history. I’m a nurse who worked at a bazillion specialities. I’ve always wanted to write. Something. Anything. But I’ve also sold (tried to sell) cosmetics, water filters, and even life insurance. I’ve worked in a dress shop (didn’t apply, was asked because the owner saw a sucker–I always owed her money). I worked as a church secretary and as a medical transcriptionist/editor/educator. I’ve always had a keen interest in and curiosity about so many things. That’s what I love about writing. It’s a way of learning and tying all kinds of things and ideas and words and worlds together. It’s about noticing things.
I don’t know if I’m ever going to grow up…
L.L. Barkat says
That’s a great line, isn’t it? I loved when she said that. And now I am thinking more about it. What makes a launching pad a launching pad? Are there principles?
(And, thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.)
Now, about writing. I hear you saying what you really love is the ability to be curious about so many things, that you love the chance to pull things together from disparate places, that you find pleasure in noticing.
And that is, as you say, perhaps more about being free to be child-like and a life-long learner, than being tied to one identity like “writer” or “nurse” or “insurance saleswoman.” This is why you are free to be the great Dared One. And? Your freedom inspires others to dare.
Sandra Heska says
Not being sweet. Being honest. 😉
And the great Dared One? Ha. I love that. But yes… all those other things you said. It’s good my husband is so patient with me. I do like being a writer–a writer of many things. A word player. That other people might like my words is gravy.
Now about launching pads… let’s see. A launch pad provides support–at least until the supported thing lifts off. It provides structure. It needs to be able to withstand the heat–but not release the supported thing until all systems are go and the rockets fire. Some pads are mobile …
Donna Falcone says
Wow. Sandra, I never thought of that aspect. I even googled some images of launch pads to get a feel for what you were saying: “able to withstand the heat but not release the supported thing until all systems are go and the rockets fire.”
Sandra Heska King says
Thinking again this morning… A launching pad is also a platform. You’re kind of a swiveling platform–a manager, educator, writer, publisher, life coach (with, by the way, the same tag line that I think I’m trying to live.) In thinking of a platform… I’m thinking of our past space shuttles, prepared and sent out on a mission–but then they return to be refitted and refueled and are sent out again.
As far as mobility… a mobile pad can move to where the conditions are best for lift-off at any given time…
L.L. Barkat says
I’m loving all this digging into the metaphor 🙂 And the flexibility with which you are looking at it.
And I’m also thinking that the aim is to “be set free” rather than any particular goal that might be tied more to the intentions of the launch pad people. This suddenly dovetails nicely with something I’ve been musing about this morning: the meaning of “freedom.”
Donna Falcone says
Cool.
Sandra Heska King says
Ahhh… yes. Freedom. But with boundaries. Like a dare. 😉
Some missions might be strictly exploration… or reconnaissance? (I had to look up the difference.)
Donna Falcone says
Me, butting in again. 🙂 I wonder if all missions are reconn to some extent? I think so. 🙂
Sandra Heska King says
As in it’s all dangerous territory? 😉
Sandra Heska King says
Ha! Did you listen to the clip following? Those were the good old days.
Donna Falcone says
Well, I wasn’t think dangerous as much as I was thinking unfamiliar….
preliminary surveying or research.
“conducting client reconnaissance” as per google’s definitions… 🙂
No matter what we are writing, we are surveying, checking, researching formally or informally. 🙂 And, yes, sometimes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWwOJlOI1nU
Sandra Heska King says
Okay, my last comment is above yours. Oops.
Somebody else better weigh in. The baristas out of control…