Writer’s Corner — Susan Swavely

Where did you grow up, and what was that like?

I grew up in rural southern Appalachia, and I am so thankful for it. I’m from the upstate of South Carolina, even though I was technically born in Charleston, S.C. It’s beautiful there; the mountains, the chirping crickets, the mourning doves, the trees: green and green and green forever. Appalachia is a bittersweet place to me, because, as a queer person, there are a lot of reasons not to go back, of course: the politics, especially. But there is a lot of love there too, when I visit my family and friends and see my mountains and forests. I wouldn’t change being from the sticks, ever.

How long have you been a writer, and how’d you get into it?

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. I know, I know. That’s a horrible answer, but it’s true. I grew up writing stories in my notebooks on long car trips (to see my family in Southern Florida), and then forcing my siblings to listen to them as I read aloud.

Then, when I got to high school, I was able to take my first creative writing course, where I actually wrote an essay that got published in the local paper and won me a first prize, a little cash and some pretty great bragging rights.

I majored in English (and theatre) in college, with a concentration in creative writing, and I really feel like that’s where I found my stride. I write mostly plays and fiction creatively, now, and I freelance and contribute to many magazines, as well as full-time staff write for a media company as well.

What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?

Well, I just finished “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the newest “Hunger Games” book, and I love, love, loved it. I do genuinely believe these books will become part of the canon, one day: perfectly political, human and beautifully written. Next on my list is “Open Throat” by Henry Hoke.

I’m also listening to “Achilles”by Kevin Atwater on repeat these days — and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves sad gay music (so, definitely everyone reading this, lol). It’s a total no-skip album.

As far as TV, I’m rewatching “Sex Education”for the millionth time. I’m terrible at watching TV, and I always end up going back to my old favorites.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m too much of a lover boy for this question. Everything inspires me. I’m so inspired by other art that I consume. I watch a film and I want to write a film. I see a play, guess what I want to do.

I’d say the stories that inspire me the most are the deeply moving, deeply human ones. I love to watch people triumph against the odds. I’m inspired by people who create, especially when they do it all themselves.

Favorite qualities in another person?

My favorite quality in another person has gotta be a good sense of humor. My friends are all compassionate, kind and smart, and they’re all funny as hell. I adore that. I think someone who has a good sense of humor is one of the most important things.

Least favorite?

I don’t like cynics. I don’t mind realism, but when someone is hypercritical of everything? Not a fan.

Where’s your happy place?

I have lots of happy places. I love sitting on my back porch with my dog and my partner, with a fancy mixed drink in my hand. I love my pole dancing studio, my favorite coffee shop, next to my house … the list goes on. Anywhere I’m surrounded by people I love or things I love … or where I get to plug in my laptop and write!

What is your motto?

I always tell people, when they ask about how I don’t burn out from writing all day: for fun, for work, as a side hustle … “The candle can’t burn out when it’s lit from within, even if it’s on fire on both ends.” I mean that. Do something you love, and love it, all of it, until it’s dry. I don’t imagine writing will ever be dry for me.