In the captivating world of literature, where every word tells a story and every verse carries emotion, we often ponder: What compels a writer to expose their soul on the page? Today’s Write Now interview introduces Anya Gillinson, a remarkable author who takes us through her artistic journey in her memoir Dreaming in Russian. As a lawyer turned poet, Anya doesn’t just weave tales—she revives memories that bridge cultural divides and evoke deep introspection. Diving into the essence of her craft, she reflects on the challenges and triumphs of writing, often grappling with the routines that fuel her creativity. Anya’s insights not only highlight the complexity of the writing process but also invite us to contemplate the personal sacrifices and rewards that come with it. So, what does it really mean to write from the heart? Come join us in exploring Anya’s thoughts and experiences on this beautiful, sometimes chaotic, journey of words!
Today’s Write Now interview features Anya Gillinson, author of DREAMING IN RUSSIAN.
Who are you?
Anya Gillinson, Attorney, Author
What do you write?
Poetry in Russian
Just completed my first non-fiction memoir, Dreaming in Russian (in English).
The obvious answer is yes, otherwise why do it? It carries me into the world I left behind the world I miss, it makes me recall thing I thought I had forgotten; it forces me to think.
There are aspects of it I resent, and that’s discipline. Most writing, especially when it has to do with non-fiction, has little to do with inspiration. It’s just about routine, it’s tedious, slow going. With workouts the most difficult thing is to start, but with writing, very often it is hard all the way through. You must keep your focus. And if you are lucky to feel inspired, you better hope you can cease that inspiration.
Where do you write?
I write at home, my only tool is my laptop. I get distracted very easily, so I do need absolute peace and quiet. I never work of an outline. Once I generally know what I am going to write about, I write. Probably not the best approach, but…
