An Interview with Johanna DeBiase
How did you start writing?
When I was thirteen, I said to my mother, “I want to be a writer,” and she responded, “Then, write.” I have no idea why I made this choice so affirmatively at such a young age, but I stuck with it.
What is your writing process and what inspires you?
I am inspired by my life experiences. Even in my most surrealist work, there are elements of my personal life. Often it is a vague remnant of something I’ve experienced but on occasion it might be a near replica. I prefer fiction because it allows me to step away from my own reality and to mold circumstances to make for a better story. The story is always more important to me than the truth although sometimes the truth makes a better story.
My creative process entails a lot or percolating. When I have an idea for a project, I spend a lot of time not thinking about it. In this state of thoughtlessness, I wait for ideas to come to me. When they do, I let them go until they come back stronger. One day, they’ll be brewed enough to write down and then I write non-stop until I need more ideas and start percolating again.
How have you seen your writing change or evolve?
The biggest change for me has been about gaining confidence and trusting my process. I hope this is reflected in the quality of my work.
What advice do you have for new writers?
The only reason to write is for the love of writing. Keep sending your work out there again and again with no regard for rejection. Grow a thick skin and don’t take it too seriously.
Who do you like to read? What books/authors/artists influence your work?
Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Alissa Nutting, Aimee Bender, Cesar Aira, Anne Carson, Toni Morrison, Kate Bernheimer…
I love surrealism because it taps into the deep subconscious— the images of dreams, primeval archetypes and psychosis. This is where all the answers await us.
What do you find to be the most difficult or challenging part of writing?
I think the most difficult part of being a writer is the business aspect of it because it takes time away from the act of writing, it’s difficult to break into the publishing industry and, even if you do get published, it doesn’t mean you’ll get paid.
What is the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect of writing for me is to be able to do something that I love, something I’m passionate about. Not everyone gets to follow their passion or even knows what their passion is, so I feel fortunate to have figured that out at a young age. I also love it because it is a creative outlet for all of my ideas and emotions; it keeps me sane. The ultimate reward is when someone loves my work because it speaks to their own quirks and emotions and in some small way I can help them stay sane too.
Where might we read/see more of your work?
My website www.JohannaDeBiase.com is the go-to place for linking to my work online at places like Monkeybicycle and theNewerYork. My forthcoming debut book Mama & the Hungry Hole is #4 in the Wordcraft Fabulist Novella Series and will be out in May. I hope to go on a DIY book tour across the West this summer in our ’66 Cardinal camper. Let me know if you’re interested in me visiting your town. I’d be happy to meet up for coffee.
When I was thirteen, I said to my mother, “I want to be a writer,” and she responded, “Then, write.” I have no idea why I made this choice so affirmatively at such a young age, but I stuck with it.
What is your writing process and what inspires you?
I am inspired by my life experiences. Even in my most surrealist work, there are elements of my personal life. Often it is a vague remnant of something I’ve experienced but on occasion it might be a near replica. I prefer fiction because it allows me to step away from my own reality and to mold circumstances to make for a better story. The story is always more important to me than the truth although sometimes the truth makes a better story.
My creative process entails a lot or percolating. When I have an idea for a project, I spend a lot of time not thinking about it. In this state of thoughtlessness, I wait for ideas to come to me. When they do, I let them go until they come back stronger. One day, they’ll be brewed enough to write down and then I write non-stop until I need more ideas and start percolating again.
How have you seen your writing change or evolve?
The biggest change for me has been about gaining confidence and trusting my process. I hope this is reflected in the quality of my work.
What advice do you have for new writers?
The only reason to write is for the love of writing. Keep sending your work out there again and again with no regard for rejection. Grow a thick skin and don’t take it too seriously.
Who do you like to read? What books/authors/artists influence your work?
Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Alissa Nutting, Aimee Bender, Cesar Aira, Anne Carson, Toni Morrison, Kate Bernheimer…
I love surrealism because it taps into the deep subconscious— the images of dreams, primeval archetypes and psychosis. This is where all the answers await us.
What do you find to be the most difficult or challenging part of writing?
I think the most difficult part of being a writer is the business aspect of it because it takes time away from the act of writing, it’s difficult to break into the publishing industry and, even if you do get published, it doesn’t mean you’ll get paid.
What is the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect of writing for me is to be able to do something that I love, something I’m passionate about. Not everyone gets to follow their passion or even knows what their passion is, so I feel fortunate to have figured that out at a young age. I also love it because it is a creative outlet for all of my ideas and emotions; it keeps me sane. The ultimate reward is when someone loves my work because it speaks to their own quirks and emotions and in some small way I can help them stay sane too.
Where might we read/see more of your work?
My website www.JohannaDeBiase.com is the go-to place for linking to my work online at places like Monkeybicycle and theNewerYork. My forthcoming debut book Mama & the Hungry Hole is #4 in the Wordcraft Fabulist Novella Series and will be out in May. I hope to go on a DIY book tour across the West this summer in our ’66 Cardinal camper. Let me know if you’re interested in me visiting your town. I’d be happy to meet up for coffee.
Read "Anniversary Gift" by Johanna DeBiase here.
