Much continues to change in our world, even if the pandemic’s stronghold seems ever present. But despite what has or hasn’t changed, today I'm excited to chat with T.C. Anderson about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
In Houston, cases are generally going down, but there are still plenty of restrictions and places unable to open.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Lauren Poole's The Language of Ghosts and Amy Bonnaffons' The Regrets.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves (my second reading in many, many years).
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
The video game “Control,” reality show “Holey Moley” (it's such a laugh!), and TV show “Lucifer.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's allowed me the time to evolve my writing in a style and language that better reflects who I am.
Are there any projects you are excited to keep working on?If so, can you give us any details (no spoilers please!) about your project?
My first poetry collection, The Forest, is being released through Riza Press in November! I also have a much bigger cross-media project I'm working on that's in the very early stages of birth and formation.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Keep a look out for and appreciate the windows of opportunity life throws your way. They appear more often than you think.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Icess Fernandez (amazing writer, professor, and mentor); the awesome Instagram community of poets and writers I've built over these several months; my goofy, supportive husband, Jared.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Christmas break!
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
So many people in this world are going to tell you to live your life a certain way, your dreams are impossible to achieve, and you must settle for something less than what you want. You're living in a time when the internet, technology, and countless other outlets prove this simply isn't true. Just because those people felt too afraid to go for their dreams doesn't mean you can't achieve yours – you just might have to think outside the box and take a scenic route to getting there. Don't be afraid to hit the gas pedal and enjoy the ride!
ABOUT t.c. anderson
T.C. Anderson (she/her) is a writer and artist, with work published in literary journals Capsule Stories, Infinity's Kitchen, The Born at Sea Collective, Zimbell House Publishing short story anthology The Dead Game, and numerous essays for Emotional Alchemy magazine. Her forthcoming poetry collection, The Forest, will be published with Riza Press in November 2020 and will serve as the basis of an art installation being developed with Houston artist Mari Omori.
When not writing, Anderson is an award-winning graphic designer in Houston, Texas, currently studying for her BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. You can find more of her poetry work on Instagram.
To learn more, follow T.C. and her writing journey on her website.
Thanks for chatting, T.C.!
