No Write Way with V. E. Schwab A radical heart: An interview with Sarah Maria Griffin
Apr 12, 2023
In a captivating conversation, Sarah Maria Griffin, an Irish novelist and poet passionate about speculative fiction, explores her roots in spoken word and zine culture. She shares how reading aloud shapes her writing voice and discusses the joy of zine drops as a democratic outlet. The duo delves into the complexities of creativity, tackling themes of fear, vulnerability, and the power of truth in storytelling. Griffin also reflects on her famous poem 'We Face This Land', highlighting the intersection of art and activism.
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Long Way In Through The Underground
- Sarah Maria Griffin entered publishing through underground scenes like spoken word and zine distros rather than traditional routes.
- She built her career by performing in pubs, making zines, and later doing a master's in creative writing.
Read Work Aloud To Test Voice
- Read your work aloud as a test to see if it 'does the thing' for a room or reader.
- Sarah Maria Griffin says oral recitation reveals cadence and voice better than silent revision.
Zines Democratize Creative Distribution
- Zines are democratizing, low-cost vehicles for personal and political expression.
- They let creators bypass gatekeepers and distribute work affordably and immediately.