Photo by Sherwin Eng
Age: In 47 days, 70.
“Location: Seattle, Washington
Education: MA in sculpture, Humboldt State University
The Writer
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing seriously since 1985. 33 years.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Several.
Do you see writing as a career?
I consider writing to be an unavoidable flaw in my character.
Do you write full-time?
Not exactly.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a writer?
All of my accomplishments are also, to a degree, failures. I hope my best work is yet to come.
What is your ultimate goal as a writer?
Readers and listeners. Readers and listeners.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Staying awake.
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine
“Texas 1952” is a memoir concerning common methods of discipline for children in Texas, in 1952.
Is there a main theme or message in this piece?
Never strike children, ever.
What inspired “Texas 1952”?
I am estranged from all but one member of my family. Part of the reason is that the stories they told about me were meant to paint me as the main problem our family couldn’t be happy, a heavy burden to put on a kid. I took upon myself the task to speak up for that kid.
How long did it take you to complete this piece?
“Texas 1952,” was originally performed by actors in a series called Taboo, “New Waves Radio Live! The Playwrights’ Radio Project,” Seattle Playwrights Alliance, performed live at On the Boards and Bumbershoot, 2000, and Broadcast on KUOW, Seattle, Washington, 2001. But it was never published. Recently a friend, who wrote exclusively about child abuse, implied that I knew little about the subject. I remembered this piece, found the original version, revised and expanded it, and sent it out.
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
Rookland is a chapbook of my poems published by Finishing Line Press in 2017.
What inspired this “Rookland”?
“Inspired” is a 19th-Century romantic term I rarely use. Rookland is a collection of persona poems about a variety of people and characters, most made up, some real.
Where/When can we find this work?
www.finishinglinepress.com Search for “Minkert” or “Rookland.” Also, Amazon.
The Methods
How often do you write?
As often as I can get away with it.
Where do you write?
I like to get out of the apartment.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?
Self-publishing is what you do when you know you have something, but nobody is paying attention.
How many drafts do you generally go through before you consider a piece to be complete?
I never consider any piece to be complete.
What are your thoughts on writing at a computer vs. writing longhand?
My arthritis makes longhand horribly painful, but I do it anyway.
How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
Your loss, sucker.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
I run to my wife and boast my ass off.
What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer?
“Sanity” is a term whose meaning tends to slip around depending on the person who is talking about it, the social situation, levels of stress, any number of factors. Ultimately, it’s meaningless. A better word is “functional.” Whatever happens in the world, wherever your writing or your life takes you, if you can survive, if you can work, that’s functional, and that will have to be enough.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
Tristram Shandy
Who is your favorite author?
Of all time? Samuel Becket. Contemporary? Jonathan Franzen.
If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
I don’t function well in social situations.
What is the greatest occupational hazard for a writer?
Acceptance.
What is your favorite word?
I’m trying to be polite here.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Avery Brooks.
What makes you laugh?
Political humor about Republicans.
What makes you cry?
Republicans.
How many of your characters have you ended up killing off?
I don’t kill off characters. They have to suffer along with the rest of us.
What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
A calligraphed manuscript with gold leaf letters in Arabic.
Additional Reading on Jesse
Personal website/blog: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/jgminkert
Facebook profile or page: https://www.facebook.com/minkert
Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-minkert-b9632b23/
Love this interview. Thanks, Jesse!
Ah yes, my favorite curmudgeon is still kicking! From one old coot to another. Allen