QSTNS is a short form Q&A project where people answer questions. It is a document of right now and a glimpse into the person in the photo. Erin Van Der Meer is a writer, thinker & artist. Her debut novel THE SCOOP is out now.
See the full interview with the layout here. Read the full transcript below :)
Transcript :
ERIN VAN DER MEER
Q
Who are you today?
A
David! How could you ask me that at this delicate moment, four months after the publication of my debut novel? I don’t “know” who I “am” anymore! If wisdom says, “let go or be dragged”, well, I am still gripping on tight to an old version of myself with all ten fingers, knees skinned and bloodied, even as a new version begs to be met.
David!!
I’m sorry, I know, it’s a straight-forward question. I’m a writer, an artist, a worker, a reader, a satirist, a thinker, a sober girlie, a burned-out millennial, and, possibly, a psychic (a few days ago I had a premonition in a dream). A lover of all things weird, silly, absurd, and camp. Right now, I’m somewhere in the middle of the nihilist-absurdist spectrum I tend to exist on, full nihilist when I’m at my worst and full absurdist at my best; seeing the funny side of what would otherwise kneecap me, in a spiritual sense. I like being in this place. It’s lighter, less preposterously self-serious.
Q
What Are You Excited About ?
A
my next novel. It’s early days, but I’m relieved to find it seems it’s not as dark as THE SCOOP, which is satirical, but, yes, dark. That’s fine, I wrote the book I wanted to write – the book I had to write – all the time I feel I have less in common with the smiling but privately quite angry young woman I was when I first began writing THE SCOOP, who spent a lot of time alone, walking around New York City listening to my sad girl music and romanticizing my pain (love her forever). I’m leaning more into my comic, playful side for this next book. It’s fun. I’m having fun.
Also, reading the books of all the writers I’ve connected with this year! I’ve had the privilege to meet or hear about so many people doing really interesting work (yourself included!). I’ve never been more daunted by the sheer number of titles on my TBR list, but I’m committed.
Q
What Do You Do for Fun ?
A
Write something other than what I’m supposed to be writing. Read something other than what I’m supposed to be reading. Apparently for me to enjoy anything it has to be forbidden.
Q
Something Underrated ?
A
Embarrassment. The ego defends mightily against it, which means there is rich insight to be found in that awkwardness and discomfort, artistically and otherwise.
Q
Something Overrated ?
A
Hot takes. Give me the take you spent years thinking about, researching, articulating, refining, that made your soul grow. Give me your art, is I guess what I’m saying. (I’m allowed to say pretentious shit like this I’m a writer!)
Q
Unsolicited Advice ?
A
Write what might get you in trouble.
production, creative direction, styling : david goddard
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