Helen Sinoradzki
60-something
Portland, Oregon
PhD in English Literature
The Writer
Do you see writing as a career?
When I worked as a technical writer, yes. Now it’s something I am compelled to do to be happy.
Do you write full-time?
Part-time. My day job is selling books.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a writer?
Completing a memoir, “Thursday’s Child.”
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
To get the thoughts, feelings, and images in my head on the page
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
“Risk” is a short story about two marriages.
Is there a main theme or message in ‘Risk?’
Marriage is a risk; when one falls apart, there are ripple effects.
What inspired this work?
The disintegration of the marriage of friends
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
A longish short story set in 1927 and 1962 Blair, Nebraska.
What inspired this work?
My father emigrated to the U.S in his twenties and ended up near Omaha. He died when I was 13. I know almost nothing about his early life in this country and wanted to imagine why he left Nebraska for Ohio.
The Methods
Where do you write?
Zell’s Cafe in Southeast Portland and the coffee shop in Powell’s Books in downtown Portland. I write better when there are people around and ambient noise.
What time of day or night makes you most productive as a writer?
I write best in the mornings, but I can revise anytime.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?
Self-publishing is another way to get your voice heard, but I don’t have the time, energy or all the talents for the process or the money to pay a designer, publicist, etc.
How many drafts do you generally go through before you consider a piece to be complete?
Too many to count! I admit to enjoying revising more than writing first draft.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
I dance around the room, then email my husband, kids, fellow writers, and anyone else who cares about me.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
Tie between Henderson the “Rain King” by Saul Bellow and “Revolutionary Road” by Richard Yates.
Who is your favorite author?
Alice Munro
What is the greatest occupational hazard for a writer?
Not understanding that the words on the page will never be perfect
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Jodie Foster
What makes you laugh?
My one-year old grandson
Beach or Mountains?
Oregon Coast
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Beer or Wine?
Pinot grigio
Additional Reading about Helen…
Linkedin
Good interview, I’ll read “Risk” again. Also, if you like Richard Yates, take a look at anything by Edward Lewis Wallant.
Thanks for the insight into your life and writing in Portland!
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are
not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart.