Ask the Author: Brooke Criswell
Answered Questions (7)
Brooke Criswell
Precepts and maxims to guide or inspire my identity... wonderful question. I think if I took time to reflect on my life choices and the process I follow when making decisions, as well as ponder aspirations of identity versus reality of day to day life, I would develop a more acutely accurate response. I may begin just such a navel gazing journey.
My initial response, with calm consideration as I listen to the cicadas in the oak tree, look at the glare of sun off the white tipped clouds, and feel the breeze pass me after rustling the leaves of a nearby bush, is one of the moment.
I believe in honesty - and abhor hypocrisy, which I feel are various facets of the same guiding value. I don't have it honed to a maxim, but honesty as a guiding force is surely central to me identity and action.
"Be true to self" - that includes honesty, and expands beyond it somehow.
"Connect with nature" - essential to my well-being, and personal actions. Not only do I connect with nature in trips to natural areas, but in my small daily action - notice the birds and insects, water my houseplants, look at the sky, observe the moon phases... be a part of the wonderous entire.
Which leads to a central tenet of my life: "Think globally, act locally, be personally."
Most of my decisions can be made through this lens - simple (clothes, food) to grand (schooling, jobs).
Thanks for asking!
My initial response, with calm consideration as I listen to the cicadas in the oak tree, look at the glare of sun off the white tipped clouds, and feel the breeze pass me after rustling the leaves of a nearby bush, is one of the moment.
I believe in honesty - and abhor hypocrisy, which I feel are various facets of the same guiding value. I don't have it honed to a maxim, but honesty as a guiding force is surely central to me identity and action.
"Be true to self" - that includes honesty, and expands beyond it somehow.
"Connect with nature" - essential to my well-being, and personal actions. Not only do I connect with nature in trips to natural areas, but in my small daily action - notice the birds and insects, water my houseplants, look at the sky, observe the moon phases... be a part of the wonderous entire.
Which leads to a central tenet of my life: "Think globally, act locally, be personally."
Most of my decisions can be made through this lens - simple (clothes, food) to grand (schooling, jobs).
Thanks for asking!
Brooke Criswell
I am a fan of mysteries that deal with the everyday, like Alexander McCall Smith Sunday Philosophy Club series, where the mystery is part of an exploration into the thinking of the main character, and the ramifications of interpersonal relationships.
I think a children's book mystery from the perspective of an endearing housecat might be fun. The house cat hears sounds, and a mystery evolves trying to discover the source of the sound. I imagine a cat's eye view exploration of life at home. Whimsical, simple, and fun.
I think a children's book mystery from the perspective of an endearing housecat might be fun. The house cat hears sounds, and a mystery evolves trying to discover the source of the sound. I imagine a cat's eye view exploration of life at home. Whimsical, simple, and fun.
Brooke Criswell
Hmm, favorite fictional couple... I am fond of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth of Austen's Persuasion. I am drawn by the longevity of their mutual affection, the disappointment of lost love due to listening to the advice of respected elders, and the rekindling of love upon seeing each other again. I also appreciate experiencing Anne's unsurity of his affection, self-doubt juxtaposed against a strong sense of self.
Brooke Criswell
I enjoy many aspects of 'being a writer'. I revel in the joy of following an idea on an unknown journey, allowing whimsy to lead a fanciful dance, or reverie to inspire a reflective essay, or memory to catalyze description.
Additionally, I love word play - bringing together words to create an image and the elusive search for the 'right' word. I also enjoy the process (write, read, revise, read, correct, revise, read... ad infinitum).
I will not deny that I love having an audience - readers who are carried along the journey crafted of my words; to share is a pleasure.
Additionally, I love word play - bringing together words to create an image and the elusive search for the 'right' word. I also enjoy the process (write, read, revise, read, correct, revise, read... ad infinitum).
I will not deny that I love having an audience - readers who are carried along the journey crafted of my words; to share is a pleasure.
Brooke Criswell
Since I was a young girl, I have been inspired to write. At age 8 I wrote an autobiography of my family and I, though I never let anyone read it. I love words; meanings, sounds, combinations, nuances.... In elementary school and junior high I spent hours reading the dictionary and encyclopedias, you know, before the internet. So when you ask 'how did I get inspired to write?" I don't know what to answer. I love words, and words combine to form writing.
What inspired the writing of Wren & Ignacio is twofold; 1. I was living a love story and 2. my dad became terminally ill and I wanted to write a book for him to read. I am thrilled to say I achieved that goal, I wrote the book, and my dad read it (and liked it, though he felt some parts were too sad (probably the parts where I spoke about his illness's effect on my life)).
I continue to be inspired to write everyday - life is full of interesting, frustrating, poignant, and perplexing bits that present points of departure. So I write.
What inspired the writing of Wren & Ignacio is twofold; 1. I was living a love story and 2. my dad became terminally ill and I wanted to write a book for him to read. I am thrilled to say I achieved that goal, I wrote the book, and my dad read it (and liked it, though he felt some parts were too sad (probably the parts where I spoke about his illness's effect on my life)).
I continue to be inspired to write everyday - life is full of interesting, frustrating, poignant, and perplexing bits that present points of departure. So I write.
Brooke Criswell
I am working on various projects, including a retelling of the Medusa tale situating Medusa as protagonist. I explore themes of gender norms, identity, beauty and power dynamics within the story. I am thrilled by the process and the product.
Brooke Criswell
Wren an Ignacio began as a play. Aspects of my relationship with 'Ignacio' struck me as conducive to writing. I am a narrative writer, so recreating the moments in play scenes proved challenging; whereas, crafting them in prose was smooth and forthcoming.
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