Interview with Author Krisanne Knudsen
1. How do you overcome fallow spells in creativity (aka writer’s block)?
Anytime I immerse myself in a new environment, I am filled with inspiration. It can be something as simple as taking a walk through a new-to-me neighborhood or as extravagant as moving to South Korea (which I did!). Getting outside and exposing myself to new sights, smells, sounds, and rhythms really helps to get me out of a creative droop. The other thing that helps is putting my phone away. Like everyone, I have a real problem with checking my phone all of the time. When I put it away, I am so much more aware of my environment and can appreciate subtleties like the sound of a walnut shell cracking beneath my feet or a sly expression on my toddler's face.
2. Name a writer that inspires you. How?
I am completely inspired by Toni Morrison. I find it magical the way that she can transform deeply painful topics into art that is so achingly beautiful. Her writing is lithe and poetic while her content is really hefty, tackling behemoth topics like slavery, abuse, cultural ideals of beauty, loss, etc. I so admire how she is able to create this wonderful tension between the elegance of her phrases and the mammoth nature of her topics.
3. If you could meet one character from literature, who would it be and why?
I know she's not a fictional character, but I would love to take a walk with Annie Dillard in A Pilgram at Tinker Creek and philosophize with her about nature and the nature of God. I think that would be my perfect afternoon.
Anytime I immerse myself in a new environment, I am filled with inspiration. It can be something as simple as taking a walk through a new-to-me neighborhood or as extravagant as moving to South Korea (which I did!). Getting outside and exposing myself to new sights, smells, sounds, and rhythms really helps to get me out of a creative droop. The other thing that helps is putting my phone away. Like everyone, I have a real problem with checking my phone all of the time. When I put it away, I am so much more aware of my environment and can appreciate subtleties like the sound of a walnut shell cracking beneath my feet or a sly expression on my toddler's face.
2. Name a writer that inspires you. How?
I am completely inspired by Toni Morrison. I find it magical the way that she can transform deeply painful topics into art that is so achingly beautiful. Her writing is lithe and poetic while her content is really hefty, tackling behemoth topics like slavery, abuse, cultural ideals of beauty, loss, etc. I so admire how she is able to create this wonderful tension between the elegance of her phrases and the mammoth nature of her topics.
3. If you could meet one character from literature, who would it be and why?
I know she's not a fictional character, but I would love to take a walk with Annie Dillard in A Pilgram at Tinker Creek and philosophize with her about nature and the nature of God. I think that would be my perfect afternoon.