This week was difficult. I won't pretend it was difficult for me as I've never had to worry about being in a car and being pulled over because I'm white. I've never feared that a traffic cop might kneel on my neck or, felt that I might find hatred just by leaving my house. I can only acknowledge that others feel that every day.
I'm 100% privileged.
My friends in Baltimore, and around the country are battling, and I am privileged.
I am lucky. I have an interview sent out in the world by the Writers and Words series in Baltimore (Maria Goodson)---where I read a few years ago. It really doesn't seem to matter much about what I am doing for myself these days, compared to what is going on, but I'm going to post----(Maria and Writers and Words are wonderful) and give all I can to be kind and treat others kindly.
Here's the link to find all the interviews---titled Five Burning Questions for Timothy Gager---turns out that they, in the scheme of things, aren't all that burning.
and I'll post it here
5 Burning Questions with Timothy Gager
As well as feature our future readers, we also wanted to check in with folks who have read for us over the last 5 years. Timothy Gager read for us in 2017 – read what he has been up to below!
What have you been up to since reading with us at Writers & Words? How has the writing been going?
I retired my Dire Literary Series, but I found it is again needed during the pandemic, so it is back. People need literary outlets, and entertainment. I’d love it if some Writers & Words folks would pop in and say, “hi.”
I’ve had two books published since I read in Baltimore in 2017, one an anthology of Flash Fiction, Every Day There is Something About Elephants, and the other a book of poetry. I’ve also finished a novel called, Joe the Salamander and am seeking representation for it. I thought I’d be visiting and reading in Baltimore when my daughter announced she’d be attending college there, but that didn’t pan out, but my father has moved to Owings Mills, since my mom passed, so Baltimore is in the cards. It is a very welcoming city, and I always feel at home there. My mother’s illness, and period of hospice placed me with her and my father for about six months. It is time I treasure, and can never be replaced.
What are you working on right now (writing or otherwise (nothing is a valid answer as well))?
I’m picking at the novel, writing poems, and some flash fiction. I’ve also started a non-fiction memoir-esque manuscript which I need to be fully retired to write. I’m thinking that it, when finished, might be my last book.
What has been your favorite Quarantine Read thus far?
I’ve read the James Brown trilogy which started with a book The Los Angeles Diaries, published in 2003, and the last, one put out in the past year, titled, Apology to the Young Addict.
How would you describe the writing community where you live in just a few words?
Busy, vibrant, selfless, sexy, boundless
What would be a few words of advice you would give someone wanting to get into any writing community?
Whatever you give back to the community, you get back tenfold. Be available, be generous—it’s not a version of social influencing.
Bonus question: what level of quarantine are you at? 1) relaxing with a book, 2) the dog clears her throat too loudly, 3) hot dog fries, 4) THE PRINTER IS BROKEN I DON’T NEED A PRINTER, 5) I am one with the Force and the Force is with me.
I’m at the better safe than sorry level, and checking to see if the home depot has a decontamination shower I can install directly outside my front door. Also all-in on the full body latex intimacy gear.
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Timothy Gager is the author of fifteen books of fiction and poetry. His latest, Spreading Like Wild Flowers, is his eighth of poetry. He has had over 600 works of fiction and poetry published, of which sixteen have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. His work has been read on National Public Radio, has also been nominated for a Massachusetts Book Award, The Best of the Web, and The Best Small Fictions Anthology.
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