Radicle: The Roots of Writers
An author interview series that digs into writers’ breakthrough moments, unearthing crucial collaborations, creative risks, and career decisions that spurred their growth.
Image by Nastasic
An Interview with Ewa Chrusciel
Discover the breakthrough moments of poet and translator Ewa Chrusciel, author of Yours, Purple Gallinule, published by Omnidawn. With interviewer Shanta Lee, Chrusciel discusses her poetry, translation, opening up language, and how linguistics influences her work.
Following the interview, read previously published poetry from Ewa Chrusciel at Big Other.
An Interview with Jennifer Lang
Discover the breakthrough moments of writer Jennifer Lang, author of PLACES WE LEFT BEHIND: A MEMOIR IN MINIATURE, published by Vine Leaves Press. With interviewer Megan Vered, Lang discusses her writing, marriage, faith, editing processes, and connecting across cultures.
An Interview with Dur e Aziz Amna
Discover the breakthrough moments of writer Dur e Aziz Amna, author of AMERICAN FEVER, published by Arcade. With interviewer Basmah Sakrani, Amna discusses her history, traversing cultures, and bilingualism in writing.
Following the interview, read Dur e Aziz Amna’s essay, “Your Tongue is Still Yours,” winner of the 2019 Bodley Head/FT Essay Prize.
An Interview with Gretchen Legler
Discover the breakthrough moments of writer Gretchen Legler, author of WOODSQUEER: CRAFTING A SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIFE, published by Trinity University Press on February 15, 2022. With interviewer Megan Vered, Legler discusses her writing, drawing, and editing processes and what it means to live a sustainable life.
An Interview with Morgan Talty
Discover the breakthrough moments of writer Morgan Talty, author of NIGHT OF THE LIVING REZ, forthcoming from Tin House July 5, 2022. With interviewer Basmah Sakrani, Talty discusses the root of his writing life, the inspiration for his book, and learning patience and persistence.
Following the interview, read Morgan Talty’s short story “In a Jar,” published at Narrative.
An Interview with Fred D’Aguiar
Discover the breakthrough moments of award-winning writer Fred D’Aguiar, author of YEAR OF PLAGUES: A MEMOIR OF 2020, published by HarperCollins in 2021. With Interviewer Shanta Lee Gander, D’Aguiar discusses reckoning with history as a prerequisite for embracing future optimism.
Following the interview, read new work from D’Aguiar: a poem dedicated to his late friend and fellow poet, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze.
An Interview with Kerri Arsenault
Discover the breakthrough moments of award-winning writer Kerri Arsenault, author of MILL TOWN: RECKONING WITH WHAT REMAINS, released September 2020. With Editor Rosanna Gargiulo, Arsenault discusses the ten-year writing project that became her first book, and the love and hate that spurred her on.
Following the interview, read Arsenault’s first published essay, which evolved into a chapter in her book.
An Interview with Hala Alyan
Discover the breakthrough moments of award-winning poet and writer Hala Alyan, author of SALT HOUSES and THE ARSONISTS’ CITY, released March 2021. With interviewer Basmah Sakrani, Alyan discusses the inspiration for her recent work and shares her first publication experience.
Following the interview, read “gemini,” originally published in The Dirty Napkin, and learn how that experience spurred Alyan’s growth as a writer.
