Spotlight On Writers
Celia In Underland
- Where do you originate from?
Well, I’m originally born in Newport, South Wales. I’m a high school English teacher by day, so I’ve been lucky to have been able to work in a few places. So far, I’ve lived in England, South Korea, Japan, and Slovakia, and we’re in the process of hot-footing it to Thailand. I love learning about other societies, but really, the more I learn, the more I believe that we are all just people trying to find a place in the world. Comfort, love, contentment are universal goals no matter the culture. However, the expression of it might look.
- What do you cherish most about the place you call home?
As mentioned, I’ve moved around a lot, so home isn’t really a place as much as it’s a feeling. I recently got married (in December), so nowadays, I guess it’s wherever my wife is. Wherever our cats are snuggling. Our life is simple, quiet, and filled with love. I think wherever we are in the world, home is always there as long as I have the loves of my life alongside me.
- What ignites your creativity?
Silence. Deadlines, fury, and a long shower. The occasional glass of Merlot. Unfortunately, a well-timed cigarette. Silence mostly though. The world is so busy, and life just keeps on lifing, so the quiet just offers up a new space to think.
- Do you have a favorite word and could you incorporate it into a poetic phrase?
Erase
I don’t know why, really. I like the way the vowels slip off the tongue like morning dew or something, but the consonants hold the storm. The rage. You know? Like it’s small but mighty in its shape,
“But she knew it to be a different kind of violation. The power to erase.”
- What is your pet peeve?
Oooo… impoliteness, of any kind. Loud people who think everyone needs to hear their conversation (especially on airplanes)… The photos people post of that one time they brought a homeless guy a… [insert token item here]. Kindness, like integrity, should just be — even when nobody’s watching. Grammar purists who feel the need to nitpick make me itch. And (this might get me in trouble), British phrases that mean absolutely nothing… like, “I’m sorry to interrupt.” But you’re not though, are you? Because if you were, you wouldn’t. Or my personal favourite: “You should come over for dinner sometime.” AKA never.
- How would you describe the essence of Celia In Underland?
Hmmm, probably just an odd-bod who got lost in a metaphor and accidentally stayed around. Sucker for the underdog. Apparently, a bit queer (Who knew?). Bit neuro-confused. Bit on the dark side with a slice of lemon. Part Victorian widow, part French mime and part tumbling Alice. Mostly falling and failing and trying to write my way through the heap without cleaning it up too much. Hate ironing. Not a fan of the hoover.
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